Viva Is Safe!
Viva
The shelters are sadly full, so when Manny from a local shelter reached out to us to let us know about a six-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer going unclaimed and no one was interested in adopting her, California GSP Rescue went into action.
On an unusually gloomy day in June, when early morning raindrops tapped rhythmically on windshields, fate took an extraordinary turn for a certain German Shorthaired Pointer. A six-year-old GSP sitting in a kennel in an overcrowded shelter faced a disheartening reality: her owner had not claimed her, and there seemed to be no one willing to offer her the love and warmth she deserved. A heartbreaking reminder of the plight of countless shelter dogs, she was just one dog in a system overwhelmed by unclaimed canines at a time when designer puppies were the buzz on the internet. But amidst this bleak picture, a ray of hope emerged when California GSP Rescue stepped forward, ready to free her from the kennel where other dogs' cries filled the halls and transform her life forever. Little did they know that destiny had more in store, a serendipitous encounter that would also change the course of a magnificent Great Dane's journey.
The shelter was closed on the earliest day California GSP Rescue could pick up the GSP. With no space for dogs that would inevitably come in, Manny, the care attendant, made himself available to ensure the release of this forgotten German Shorthaired Pointer. Manny met the volunteer in a parking lot where the sun began to shine through the clouds; it appeared he had been waiting for the arrival of the sun and someone that would assist in making space, albeit just one kennel, for a little brighter day. Once inside the animal shelter, they ventured through the filled kennels that reverberated with the collective cries of abandoned souls. The volunteer's heart swelled with a mix of joy and melancholy, keenly aware that not all voices would find solace. It was deafening knowing some would never be claimed or adopted. Yet, driven by purpose and a mission, they pressed forward, knowing that on this day, at least one dog would find redemption.
The German Shorthaired Pointer radiated an infectious joy and excitement as the unexpected visitors approached her kennel. Despite her small build and a few extra pounds, she eagerly awaited the freedom that lay just beyond the welded gate. With boundless energy, she bounced around, her tail furiously wagging and pulling toward the exit as if anticipating this long-awaited moment. Amidst the remarkable joyful scene, an extraordinary twist of fate was about to occur, interweaving the destinies of two dogs. Moved by compassion and knowing the drive ahead, Manny offered to give this exuberant girl a little romp in the play yard before her transformative journey. Little did they know that their route would spark a chain of events, leading the volunteer to inquire about another forlorn soul - Major, a magnificent Great Dane, out with one of the shelter's volunteers in one of the play yards. That pivotal moment would prompt an inquiry and later a call to Ericka at a Great Dane rescue.
Major's tale mirrored that of countless rescued German Shorthaired Pointers, a narrative of despair and abandonment. Despite being microchipped, his journey led him to a makeshift kennel at the animal shelter. When animal control officers diligently reached out to his registered owner, they were met with disinterest, an unsettling declaration that Major had been cast aside, given away to someone that hadn't bothered updating the microchip. Major's hopes of a reunion dwindled in his previous owner's absence. The disheartening truth became evident – like the GSP, that was making her last run in the play field, and so many of the other dogs at the shelter, no one had shown interest in adopting him and offering him a forever home.
Amidst the paperwork that awaited completion, the tireless efforts of Manny and the shelter staff minimized the wait. Even amid their demanding schedules, a compassionate staff member willingly cut her lunch break short, recognizing the profound impact that the rescue of a second dog would have on creating much-needed space within the shelter. Meanwhile, as staff printed records, receipts, and contracts, the exuberant GSP reveled in the freedom of the parking lot on a long line. Amidst the bittersweet farewell to a shelter volunteer, a tender revelation emerged – the GSP had a taste for cooked chicken, a detail shared as a heartfelt token of connection and care.
If you have journeyed this far, it is evident that you share our compassion for the rescued GSP, affectionately named Viva, and the resilient Great Dane known as Major. They are now safe and one step closer to finding their forever homes. Yet, we implore you to recognize that our mission extends beyond the rescue and placement of German Shorthaired Pointers. There exists a pressing and escalating issue—the proliferation of unwanted pets. While our focus remains steadfast on GSP’s and similar breeds, we cannot turn a blind eye to the growing number of discarded and, eventually, euthanized animals. Complacency has no place in our hearts. It is in action that brings change. As we continue freeing up shelter kennels, one by one, we humbly ask you to join our cause in raising awareness about the plight of shelter animals. Please share this post, and others like it on social media, for spreading knowledge is a potent stimulus for bringing change. If you desire to contribute further, consider becoming a Rescue Hero. Your support will empower more GSP’s to find loving homes, freeing up the precious kennel space that so many deserving souls desperately need. Let us be the beacon of hope for the forgotten souls.
