Overwhelmed by Love: Rescuing Zeus
The first message we received about Zeus was from Volunteer Lisa. The message included a link to a Facebook post with some information from the shelter. The most striking attention getter was that he had only two days left before the shelter was going to euthanize him.
A short time later, a few more emails, texts, and messages arrived pleading to help Zeus. By this time, Volunteer Greg had emailed the shelter rescue liaison asking for more information and letting them know California GSP Rescue was available to help. Unfortunately, the shelter was closed on Mondays, making it difficult to confirm any of the information listed in the Facebook post.
California GSP Rescue was concerned that Zeus only had a few days left, so the volunteers planned a tentative transport. While more notifications arrived, Volunteer Greg messaged volunteers to see who could assist. Normally, Greg would communicate with the shelter and volunteers with several days to spare, but with Zeus having less than 48 hours, time was of the essence. Even though there was no way to confirm he was still at the shelter, there wouldn't be time to confirm the volunteer's schedules when the shelter opened.
Driven by the possibility of Zeus being euthanized, the rescue team pressed forward with their plan. While more concerned individuals continued to message the Rescue about Zeus, volunteers available the next day replied to messages, rallying together and coordinating transportation to save Zeus. With the clock ticking, every moment felt crucial.
With a mix of hope and trepidation, fueled by the overwhelming number of concerned individuals asking to save Zeus, they awaited news from the shelter, hoping that Zeus was still safe and waiting for his chance at a new life. The concern and commitment were inspiring to all.
Once volunteers Lisa and Peggy had replied to the messages and the tentative transport was confirmed, Volunteer Greg sent an email letting the shelter liaison know Volunteer Lisa would be there the following day to save Zeus.
Volunteer Lisa clocked out from work early the next morning and headed for the shelter. On her way, the email from the shelter's rescue liaison arrived stating, yes, Zeus was still there. Lisa came and checked in at the front desk and proceeded to wait while the shelter staff completed the paperwork. Concerned individuals were still messaging the Rescue, imploring the Rescue to help Zeus.
Zeus was safe, thanks to all the concerned individuals posting his story and messaging the Rescue and the volunteers who cleared their schedules that day to save a GSP. There would be smiles, pets, and tears as Zeus left the shelter and was transported closer to his forever home.
California GSP Rescue would like to thank all of the concerned individuals who messaged us about Zeus. We are always grateful for those messages because, like with Zeus, that is how we sometimes learn of GSP’s in shelters.
If you are interested in adopting, please submit an adoption application. If you are interested in helping support the efforts of an all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving GSP’s like Zeus, please consider becoming a Rescue Hero. Lastly, if you hear of a GSP in need, please message us and let us know the location/shelter, ID#, and contact number so we can continue rescuing German Shorthaired Pointers.
