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Woman’s Rescue of Pit Bull Scheduled To Live Last Moments Is a Race Against TIme
Lorna Paxton Ladd
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What really sticks with you when you’re in animal rescue are the moments that test your resolve and the victories that feel like they’re won by inches. This particular story begins with Gia, a young pocket pittie/American Staffordshire Terrier mix, who was found in a dire situation at a high-kill shelter. Her future seemed all but decided until a moment of compassion turned the tide.
My name is Kelly Hammons, and as part of Lovebugs Rescue, I got to play a role in Gia’s incredible journey from the shadows of despair to a new chapter filled with hope and love. It’s these stories that remind us of the impact we can make, one life at a time.
The Day That Changed Everything
The morning I learned about Gia was like any other, until I came across a plea for help that shook me to my core. Gia was in a high-kill shelter, her time rapidly running out. The details were grim: She was significantly underweight at just 40 pounds, her ribs painfully visible beneath her sparse, flaky skin. It was clear she had recently been through the ordeal of having a litter, evidenced by her enlarged mammary glands.
The neglect she had endured was written all over her body, from the patches of missing fur on her back to the defeated look in her eyes. Despite the shelter’s efforts to provide care during her month-long stay, the toll of her previous life was starkly evident. Witnessing her condition firsthand was a sobering reminder of the neglect and cruelty some animals face. It strengthened my resolve to not only save Gia but to advocate for the countless others like her in need of rescue and rehabilitation.
A Race Against Time
Understanding the urgency of Gia’s situation, I knew I had to act fast. The shelter, notorious for its high euthanasia rates, had scheduled her for euthanasia that very day. I was horrified to learn I had less than two hours to intervene. Every minute was critical. I immediately sent out emails pleading for a stay of execution, marking them with urgent flags in hopes they’d catch someone’s eye in time.
The drive to the shelter was agonizing. Traffic was against me, moving at a snail’s pace, while my mind raced with worry. The thought of arriving even a minute too late was unbearable. During that drive, I felt every possible emotion – fear, hope, desperation. When the call finally came through from an animal control officer, confirming they’d hold off on euthanizing Gia until I arrived, relief washed over me. But it was tempered by the knowledge that I was still racing against the clock.
The Moment of Rescue
Arriving at the shelter, the tension was palpable. I was the last one there to rescue a dog that day, and the wait for the paperwork to be processed felt like an eternity. Moving to the back of the shelter to await Gia’s release, my heart was in my throat. When I finally saw her being led out by the shelter staff, the emotional release was overwhelming. The staff, aware of Gia’s imminent fate, shared in the collective relief and joy at her rescue. It was a powerful moment, one that underscored the importance of our mission.
Gia’s Transformation
Since that day, Gia’s recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. With proper care, her physical ailments have healed, and her true spirit has emerged. No longer the scared, defeated dog I met at the shelter, Gia has blossomed into a confident, joyful companion.
Gia Is Ready for A Forever Family
As Gia continues to thrive in her foster home, her need for a forever family remains. If Gia’s story moves you, I encourage you to consider opening your home to a rescue animal. Whether it’s through adoption, fostering, or even volunteering, there are many ways to make a difference.
Reflections
Looking back on that day, the emotions still feel fresh. The fear of not making it in time, the relief of Gia’s rescue, and the joy of her transformation are experiences that will stay with me forever. They reinforce the importance of our work at Lovebugs Rescue and the impact we can have on the lives of animals in need. Gia’s story, from the brink of death to a life filled with hope, underscores the power of compassion and the difference we can make, one animal at a time.
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