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Homeless Dogo Argentino Travels 3,000 Miles Through Blizzards & Deserts for His Final Chance at Adoption
Lorna Paxton Ladd
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Angus, a three year old Dogo Argentino has spent nearly his entire life as a shelter resident. Despite being a rare breed with a playful personality, the lovable dog kept getting passed over for adoption at his California animal shelter. But the staff simply refused to give up on finding Angus his perfect forever home – even if it meant a cross-country road trip odyssey. Mark, a volunteer at Animal Friends of the Valleys, describes Angus as a sweet, rambunctious, overgrown puppy loved by all the staff and volunteers.(Watch Full Video Above)
“He’s the longest resident at the shelter, and we’re trying to change that,” said Rocky Kanaka a pet rescue advocate. The solution: transport Angus over 3,000 miles to a specialty breed rescue in New Hampshire willing to take him.
A 3000 Mile Odyssey
A crowdfunding push raised the needed travel funds, and soon Angus and volunteer shelter worker Mark were off on an epic road trip adventure that would take them from Southern California to New Hampshire. Leaving Animal Friends of the Valleys in Mark’s truck, the duo headed east on an initially smooth journey.
Along the way, Angus displayed a ear of jumping in and out of the car and steps, but he gradually overcame these fears, except for the car jumps, which Mark had to assist with. Despite these quirks, Angus was described by Mark as a calm and perfect traveling companion who loved to snuggle and sleep during the journey.”
The Grueling Southwest & Rockies
But crossing the southwest desert proved grueling, with searing temperatures and the truck’s air conditioning constantly struggling to keep them comfortable. Angus seemed to take it all in stride however, happy to just be out on an adventure with his new best pal.
Once they hit the Rocky Mountains, the challenges became more environmental. They got caught in a freak late spring blizzard while crossing Colorado, forcing them to hole up in a roadside motel. Mark had to tether Angus’ leash to the bathroom pipe just so the rambunctious pup could burn off some energy running circles in the tight confines.
The midwestern plains passed relatively uneventfully, if not for a detour to replace a blown tire and Angus’s constant residential “greetings” to every farm dog they passed. But finally they crossed into the east coast states, the long road trip’s finishing stretch in sight.
Perseverance in the Face of Nature’s Surprises
Despite a torrential downpour and an ice storm that coated the trees and made roads impassable on the last day of their journey, Angus and Mark kept moving, managing to reach their destination with determination.
Finally, after nearly 3,000 miles, their monumental journey was put to one final, dramatic test. “On the last day, we drove over to the rescue area in a large wooded area,” Mark recounts. “The rain had stopped, and the sun was shining, making the fresh snow look pretty. But due to the earlier ice storm, trees all around had been coated in thick ice and lots of them had fallen over, blocking the roads.”
Incredibly, the last two miles stood between Angus and his new shelter home were impassable by vehicle due to the treacherous ice and fallen timber. But Mark and his canine road warrior pushed on, undeterred.
“The last two miles have been blocked by fallen trees. I’m sorry, but we’re almost there,” Mark told Angust, insisting they forge ahead by foot to reach their hard-won destination.
New Leash on Life
Upon arriving at Second Chance Ranch Rescue in New Hampshire amid picturesque snowy woods, Angus received a warm welcome from founder Kristin. “He’s a dream dog for us,” she says of the sought-after breed. “We specialize in big, misunderstood breeds.”
While relieved to see Angus taken in by the breed-savvy rescue, Handing Angus over was emotional for Mark, who felt a strong bond with Angus after their shared experiences. Mark jokes: “If he languishes there for a few months, I’m going back to get hime.”
It Takes A Village
“What really puts a smile on my face is how passionate the team at Animal Friends of the Valley’s is,” said Rocky Kanaka. “From Phil who pointed Angus out to me and put this entire plan together to Chief Mo who was so proud of how her team came together to problem solve for Angus.”
Mo Middleton, Chief of Animal Control & Executive Director of Animal Friends of the Valleys said “We are so lucky to have a team that really put their hearts on the line every single day to give the animals the best possible outcome.”
I fell in love with Angus because he’s a big goofball lap dog. He looked so sad as people passed him up. I wanted to go the extra mile for him. It seemed just the right thing to do for a dog that has so much love to give.
Phil Stapleton Facility Manager at Animal Friends of the Valleys
Now it’s up to the public to help ensure this incredible dog’s happily-ever-after. By spreading the word about this one-of-a-kind pup, Angus’s improbable journey may finally end with the loving forever home he supremely deserves.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from California
- Starting Point: Animal Friends of the Valleys, Southern California.
- Activities: Initial departure in Mark’s truck; smooth travel for the most part.
- Accommodations: First night spent in a hotel along the route.
Day 2: Crossing the Desert
- Region: Southwestern United States (Desert area).
- Challenges: High temperatures, air conditioning in the truck struggles to keep the environment comfortable.
- Activities: Continued driving with periodic stops for rest and hydration.
- Accommodations: Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 3: The Rocky Mountains and Plains
- Region: Rocky Mountains and the Midwestern Plains.
- Challenges: Encountered a late spring blizzard in Colorado, resulting in a stay at a roadside motel.
- Activities: Angus burns off energy in the motel; minor detour due to a blown tire.
- Accommodations: Another overnight stay in the Midwest, based on their progress.
Day 4: East Coast Approach and Challenges
- Region: Northeastern United States.
- Challenges: Torrential downpour and ice storm, which created hazardous driving conditions and blocked roads with fallen trees and ice.
- Activities: Managed to keep moving despite severe weather. Described as getting a “helping hand from God” due to their ability to continue moving despite obstacles.
- Accommodations: Overnight stay in Northeast Ohio.
Day 5: Final Leg to New Hampshire
- Destination: Second Chance Ranch Rescue, New Hampshire.
- Challenges: Final approach marked by significant logistical hurdles due to ice and fallen trees, making the last two miles impassable by vehicle.
- Activities: Last stretch completed on foot due to blocked roads.
- Final Event: Emotional handover of Angus to the rescue facility, where Mark felt both sad and hopeful about Angus’s future.
