Many of our intakes come from Oklahoma. Almost Home Foster & Rescue has a phenomenal Foster Momma – Felicia Stilley – and an incredible group of individuals that network their lost, abandoned, abused, neglected, sometimes discarded in trash bins, animals. Felicia makes the rounds at the nearby shelters and pounds, pulling large and small dogs. There is not a discriminatory bone in that woman’s body. The “littles” are held for AHFK, the large dogs are networked and adopted out.
The shelters and pounds in the Wewoka area have a 3-day hold on their animals. Sick or healthy – no difference. The rotating door at these facilities never stops spinning – in through the front door, alive, some barely, but alive, and out the back in a body bag. Felicia has made it her mission to visit several times a week, discovering who is in need and who needs out – immediately. Area volunteers and staff members also have Felicia on speed dial. “Hey, we have another little, can you pick up?” And although the word itself is one of the English language’s shortest words, Felicia cannot bring herself to say it, “No.” And because her inability to speak this word, many are saved and given a second chance at the lifestyle, a home, a family, and the opportunity to receive all the love and care that they so richly deserve.
Scruffy was one of the fortunate ones. Felicia received a call from the local shelter. A small wire-haired Terrier mix was on the euthanasia list. He had been tagged by a rescue, however, they never followed through and Scruffy was to be put down immediately – he had already overstayed his limit. Felicia pulled the little guy. Although Scruffy was dumped by his previous owner, he sat in Felicia’s driveway, waiting for his owner and howling. An incredibly heart-wrenching scene.
Scruffy made his way to Minnesota and he was a transporter’s favorite. He soaked up all the love and snuggles he could get. Once in Minnesota, we finalized his vetting and he was ready for his new home and family. Scruffy was with us for less than a month when the most incredible application was submitted on his behalf. Paws and fingers crossed, we harnessed him up, and once again, entered into “Packer Country,” giving up our MN Viking Colors, if only for a day.
Ken and Cindy, or Harper as she prefers, spent a lot of time with Scruffy, each individually and then, together, making sure that he felt comfortable and “at home” with both. By the time I left, Scruffy was seated between them watching Nascar…maybe we didn’t need to give up the Purple and Gold.
Ken and Harper, thank you for giving this little guy a chance at a home and family, one that he so richly needed and deserved. We are furever grateful.