A PICTURE POSTED ON FACEBOOK
HELPS SAVE A MAMA DOG AND HER 2 PUPS!

The American Dog Reports
Photos by Oscar Rabeiro

This story is living proof that everyday people and actions can change the world. One act of kindness— as simple as a phone call, an email, a Tweet, or a Facebook message—can save a life and, in this case, saved three!

On June 25th, 2011, at eight o’clock at night, Bernie Berlin, Owner of A Place to Bark Animal Rescue, received an urgent email from Jamie Downey, Publisher of The American Dog Magazine. Jamie had seen a posting on Facebook that had really disturbed her. A mother dog and her two puppies were being dumped at West Palm Beach Animal Control. The mama dog was crying, shaking, and being dragged to the counter. An unknown person had videotaped it and posted the picture of the mama dog grabbing the owner and holding on—begging him to keep her—on Facebook, hoping someone could save these dogs. Jamie sent the urgent email to Bernie, knowing she had a working relationship with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, and told Bernie that The American Dog Magazine would donate $200 if all three dogs could be rescued out of the shelter. Even though it was late, Bernie immediately contacted Niki Gottesman, who is the intake director at Peggy Adams Rescue. Luckily, Niki said they would make room to take all three of the dogs in.

Seems like a simple save, right? Well, sometimes there are more to things than meet the eye. On the day the dogs were picked up, Bernie received a call informing her that the two puppies had umbilical hernias the size of grapefruits. This kind of hernia is life-threatening and requires specialized surgery. After consulting with the on-staff veterinarians, they agreed they could do the puppies’ surgeries. Straight away, Bernie was on a flight to Florida to check on the pups and coordinate any other details needed to help further them along in the adoption process. Upon her arrival, the puppies seemed happy and were being readied for surgery. During the short time in which this article was being written, the pups have had their surgeries and have become ready for adoption. The mama dog is still extremely shy and may have to go to A Place to Bark for further socialization. But, Bernie is happy to say, “All three dogs are saved and will go on to find their forever homes. It just takes time, some teamwork, and most of all the finances. The bottom line is LIFE! Life should not be disposable.”

“One simple act, everyday, can make a no-kill nation a reality, to make every story a happily ever after!”
~ Bernie Berlin

For more information or to make a donation:
A Place to Bark Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 649
Portland, TN 37148
www.aplacetobark.com

You can also visit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League at: www.hspb.org