Today, a handsome German shepherd named "Harvey," was rescued.
Harvey left an over-crowded Washington animal control facility and made his trek north to meet up with a woman who would ensure that he would find a good, responsible and loving home.
What costs are involved with saving a dog like Harvey?
Some potential adopters argue that the cost of adoption is too high - after all, these are "free," unwanted dogs, correct?
Sure enough, animal control turned over Harvey (to me ironically) at no charge.
He was then transported 35 miles north to his next transport, a woman who just had neck and back surgery, but who made the trek to save Harvey's life, none-the-less.
Harvey's skin is in poor shape, likely from a substandard diet and living life outdoors. Thanks to his prior diet and life as an outdoor dog, Harvey smells - bad.
First stop for Harvey is a trip to the groomer to make him presentable.
Also in his immediate future, a trek to the veterinarian for all of his shots, neutering surgery, microchip and worming medication.
Also, since Harvey's arrival was not expected (few are), he has to go into boarding until a foster home opens up. Boarding costs money...
Harvey will need a high quality food to help his skin and coat recuperate. At the veterinarian, they may find an ear infection or other problems that were not immediately noticeable.
Harvey is a dog who has no obvious health issues, yet he will be costing his rescue organization hundreds of dollars.
Hundreds which may or may not (likely not) be made up in his adoption fee.
Hundreds...on a "free" dog.
But Harvey is worth it.
That is why his transport driver took the morning off from her job to make a 70 mile round trip trek (yep, that is me again), and why the rescue organization's founder made her own long trek, against doctor's orders (still recovering from aforementioned surgery), to pick up a dog who needed out TODAY.
Please support your local rescue organizations. Saving lives takes commitment, dedication and sadly, money.
Interested in Harvey? Visit his rescue organization, The Northwest German Shepherd Rescue, at this link.
Follow the rescue here on Facebook.
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I am human, if you see a typo, please let me know. Questions, comments or story ideas can be emailed to Eims1@live.com.
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