Chica gets a second chance

When my cell phone rang that Sunday in the middle of my yard work, I left the lawn mower in the yard. It was the same call I often get -- the call I usually dread. This time it was about "Chica," and her time had run out. "The shelter only has so much space," they said. "If you cannot come we will have to euthanize her later this evening." I had to drop everything and run. Within minutes I was at the gate of the animal shelter waiting for my new foster. I knew she was a Chihuahua, but knew nothing else about her. A staff member soon came out with a little barking bundle. That must be her I thought, great, another barker, just what I needed. She had a tremendous odor coming from her rotting teeth. No wonder she ran out of time, I thought, Who would adopt this? I could barely stand the ride home; the smell was overwhelming. I knew I did the right thing when as I looked over at my passenger seat and saw her standing up at the window she was looking at the shelter fading in the distance as if to say, "I'm out of here." Unfortunately, they are not all as lucky as Chica or Pumpkin as she is now known. Not everyone gets a ride to a new home. Sadly many are euthanized when their time runs out. You have a chance to help though, a chance to save some of them. Please donate to the Tree of Hope Fundraiser. Pumpkin has found a new home -- we have been very happy together for over a year now. All of her teeth have been removed, but that has not slowed her down. She loves to stare at me and I often wonder why, but I bet she knows what may have come of her and I bet she's thankful. Thank you for making a difference. You can donate in stores or on PETCO.com. Susan Rosenberg National Adoptions Coordinator