K9 – “K”ruisers Present - “Presents” Come in Many Forms

The Spirit of the Holiday Season came to rescue volunteers across the southeast in the form a small female dog named “Hunter”.

For Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary the “Journey” started with a phone call from Traci Parris, who rescues animals across Western Tennessee. Traci and friend / co-rescuer Alison are passionate animal lovers who help by educating people and placing canines in loving homes.

Hunter is an older “lab mix lady” with one leg / stub that has not functioned since her birth. Hunter was raised happily in one home, but suddenly her “persons” decided she was “too old” and “too much trouble” to take care of. Upon hearing Hunter’s story, Florence (who already has a VERY full household) agreed to welcome Hunter to Journey’s End.

That is only the beginning of the “Hunter Christmas Story.”

Travel arrangements from Memphis to Glenwood, Florida materialized over email (many many MANY emails) starting with Traci and Alison in TN and Juli from Journey’s End. Trying to coordinate busy schedules right before the holiday season was a challenge, but when you have 7 committed women – almost anything is possible.

The plan was set – Ironically each leg of the transport was going to be handled by a “K” Name – Katherine and Kathy were to pick up Hunter and transport her to Birmingham. From there Kathleen would take Hunter from Birmingham to Valdosta, where Karen would meet Hunter and do the final leg.

Unfortunately, just as the details were locked in...we learned an important and undeniable fact about Hunter – She “Hates” Cats!!!

At Journey’s End, cats have equal (in their minds more) power than the dogs. Therefore Hunter would not be in the best place for her, nor would the resident cats be safe with a less than cat-friendly dog lurking about.

It was extremely disheartening when all of the plans came to a screeching HALT.

Well – Not exactly – Katherine (who lives in Memphis and does Labrador Retriever rescue) stepped up to the challenge and contacted the local newspaper editor, who ran Hunter’s story. This extra initiative landed Hunter in a home where she could be the single focus of love and attention. On December 23, Hunter became the best Christmas present possible for Katie (ironically another “K”) and her 9 year old son, Aaron.

We at Journey’s End want to thank all of the rescue committed individuals who contributed to finding a “Forever Home” for Hunter. We also want to wish Katie, Aaron and Hunter many happy years together as a family.