A Big Heart and a Loving Home
Imagine what life has been like for a three-year-old terrier who has enough heart to sit at the side of a dog mate who was hit and killed by a car, but runs scared from human contact and everyday household sounds.
Hay Bale, a blue-eyed terrier mix belonged to a pack of stray dogs living on the side of a road in Alabama – until animal control officers caught them last November. Jess Redin and her fellow veterinarian students had been quietly feeding the dogs for years, and when Jess learned of the animals’ fate, she begged them for Hay Bale. After paying a $25 fee, Jess took her to the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine. Hay Bale, it turned out, was about to become a mother.
Jess knew she could not keep Hay Bale – or her seven puppies – and turned to rescue organizations for help find loving homes. Sue Ellen Brown from Macon County, Alabama, reached out to Friends of Wayne Animals volunteer Shirley Pallito to see if FOWA could help. Of course, the answer was “yes.” Sadly, three of Hale Bale’s puppies did not survive, but happily, two were adopted in Alabama. Hay Bale and her two remaining pups, Trouble and Rascal, traveled to Wayne, and life immediately got better. Nicole DeLuccia from Wayne adopted Rascal in December, and Barbara Lemley from Little Falls started the new year by adopting Trouble. Now it was time to find Hay Bale her forever home.
Shirley fostered Hay Bale and soon learned that she was scared of everything. Household items like the dishwasher, vacuum and blow dryer were all new to her and very frightening. Yet, Hay Bale was such a good girl. She loved to play in the yard with Shirley’s other dogs and never wanted her foster mom to be far from sight. Shirley, naturally, obliged and even spent several nights sleeping on a couch so Hay Bale would not be left alone. FOWA volunteers knew that Hay Bale would make a wonderful addition to a special family, but, unfortunately, adoption days did not bring out her best. Her loving nature was overshadowed by her painful shyness.
Hay Bale was featured on FOWA’s website and in local papers, and several people responded, but when Shirley read an application from the Alden family, she knew that Hay Bale had found her home. The entire family came to meet her and for the first time, Hay Bale did not shy away. She was cautious and kept Shirley in eyesight but enjoyed treats and petting from her potential new dad. That afternoon’s home visit clinched the deal. Hay Bale came into a warm, calm, loving environment – just what she needed. The Aldens, along with their pup Sammy, all fell in love with Hay Bale. After a little coaxing from Sammy, both took off and never looked back. With Hay Bale running and wagging her tail, Shirley knew Hay Bale was finally at home.
For additional information, or to become a volunteer or foster parent e-mail FOWA at fowarescue@yahoo.com or call FOWA at 973-902-7515 or log onto www.fowa.petfinder.com. FOWA is an all-volunteer, non-profit rescue organization who is committed to saving lives of homeless animals.