I DID it!!!!

I feel like I just won a race today! After spending the entire morning with other volunteers and trying to coordinate efforts to rescue "Alton," I was abandoned by myself with plans that fell through to get a trap set for him...and no dog. 

I was left with a feeling that I have had many times before:  rescuer stress.  It is hard to help animals in need.  How are we going to catch them if they are fearful?  Where will they go for a home?  Who will pay?  Where did everyone go?

Just as I was driving home, it was just MEANT TO BE that I rescue Alton.  He was crossing a major street to the Kentucky Fried Chicken.  I pulled into the parking lot and saw him eating out of the trash.  Although the sweet baby had run from every rescuer this morning, he came to me gently for food.  Maybe he remembered that I was pretty kind yesterday...

Getting him to the car was interesting.  I had several people stop to talk to me as I was WAY out of place in the hood.  One guy asked for my phone number.  I responded that he "was crazy," but in a nice way that said "no chance in hell, but you are funny."  Another asked if he could buy the dog a chicken dinner!  ;)  Don't tell Dave these stories.  I was not supposed to be there by myself.  But remember, everyone bailed on me, so it wasn't my fault!

I was able to get my leash on him, and after using the good old Hansel and Gretel trick, I lured Alton to my car with a trail of food.  I was so pumped!  VICTORY!!!

We arrived at the vet's office, and of course he has major wounds and sores.  He is skin and bones with no hair.  His eyes are full of yellow puss, and who knows what is going on with his ears. 

But, the little guy is safe now!

And, while he is scared and might not look so handsome now, there is a great dog under there just needing some love and care.  By the end of the day, he was eating out of my hand. 

Thank you for all of the prayers and well wishes.  Alton is safe at Northgate Animal Hospital and will be a part of Dogs2ndChance rescue group.  Alton will be in their good care, and I told him I will come and visit him while he is at the vet.  He could always use a little help with his healthcare, so if you want to pay for his shots or some other need he has, feel free to call Northgate at (901)358-9111 and just donate in Alton's name.  Or, you could donate straight to Dogs2ndChance.  

Or, better yet, follow his story and maybe you want to adopt him from Dogs2ndChance down the road?  

Ah, but anyways.  I am so glad I could help.  It feels so good when something like this is successful...the best feeling in the world to help.  And, Baby Roberts just had his/her first rescue experience!