It is a sad reality that every day, there are new stories about dogs needing help and animal shelters in desperate need of funding. Today, Companion Animal Network (CAN) in Carrollton, Texas, faces an urgent need to find permanent homes for six wonderful dogs in their care.

Gail Whelan has been the driving force behind CAN for 25 years, committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many stray, abandoned, or surrendered dogs as she can. Because CAN does not have shelter facilities, all the dogs in their network are in temporary foster homes. In some ways, this is preferable to being kept in a shelter environment, as these dogs receive personal attention, enrichment, and socialization, but it does mean that spaces are limited.

CAN’s Story

Like many dog rescue organizations, CAN started with one person, one stray, and one dream to help as many dogs as they could. It was the late 1990s, and Gail was on her way to visit her mother when she spotted the tragic figure of a dog, huddled under some bushes.

“I was able to coax him into my car and then took him to my mother’s house,” says Gail. “She was not thrilled, but said he could stay until I found a place for him. This was the beginning of my journey into rescue.”

Despite posting flyers, contacting vet clinics and rescue organizations, no owner for the lovely American Eskimo dog came forward, and Gail quickly learned how challenging it was to find “a place” for a stray dog when there are so many in need.

“Luckily, after a couple of weeks, my mother fell in love with him and he had a great life.”

Gail also learned that once people begin to associate your name with strays, you will get calls to rescue, shelter, or find homes for more and more dogs. In 2002, she had fully accepted this role, officially forming a non-profit in Texas, then a federally recognized 501(c) organization.

In keeping with the idea that “it takes a village”, Gail and CAN have worked with people in hospice to find homes for beloved pets before their owners passed away, rescuing dogs from dangerous situations alongside police and fire departments, as well as numerous other community-based projects.

Despite a vocation fraught with ups and downs, including challenging situations like entering abandoned homes to retrieve a protective nursing Pit Bull and her litter of pups, the joy of finding the perfect home for a deserving dog has kept Gail going all these years.

Tragic Circumstances

In late 2024, Gail suffered a devastating setback, finding herself in and out of ERs and hospitals with pain and illness. In March 2025, she underwent emergency surgery that saved her life but has rendered her physically unable to carry on with the work to which she has dedicated her life. But she still has a mission to complete. There are six dogs still within the CAN system that urgently need to find homes.

“They should have the joy of watching football with dad on the sofa or taking walks in a park, or cuddling up with the children, or just hanging out with mom while she prepares dinner.”

Ideally, these beautiful souls are looking for their forever home, but failing that, Gail is looking for a good rescue organization or foster carers to take up her mantle.

Meet the Dogs

All animals in the CAN program receive necessary vaccinations, tests, treatments, or surgeries, and are spayed or neutered and microchipped before being adopted.

Tillie – Cattle Dog mix

Tillie was only 7 months old and on her last day at the shelter when she was given another chance by CAN.  She is the quintessential cattle dog, bursting with intelligence, energy and a healthy dose of self confidence.

She is looking for an energetic owner with lots of space and activities to keep her body fit and mind active.

Poppy & Daisy – Black Mouth Cur mix

Poppy and her sister Daisy were rescued from the Lake Towakani area. While the sisters can be adopted into the same home, THE SISTERS DO NOT HAVE TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER.

Poppy is a total lump of love. All she wants is to be petted and adored. She is VERY low-key and laid-back.

Daisy is the more adventurous one and will “watch” a situation before jumping in.

Both girls could use some social networking and would be a GREAT best friend to someone wanting a loyal and loving companion. Both girls will also benefit from regular walks and adventures.

Finn – Border Collie/Terrier mix

This sweet boy was found wandering in the countryside, having been dumped by his owners. Finn gives pure ‘buddy vibes’ and is happy to just hang out. He does get the occasional zoomies, but is not typically a hyperactive boy.

Finn LOVES people!  He kissed the vet, the tech, and everyone in the waiting room at the vet clinic. He is very smart and catches on quickly to what you are teaching him, and will make a fabulous addition to the right family.

Chester – Great Pyrenees/Bloodhound/other

The gorgeous Chester was horribly thrown from the back of a truck, but despite this, he is one of the calmest, most laid-back, and loving boys we know.

We don’t think he’s spent a lot of time with other dogs, as he tends to be a little wary in their company, but he has become more confident during his time with us and is always respectful and calm. Mostly, he is just happy to lie down and chill out!

Aiden – Hound mix

This irresistible boy spent the first two years of his life chained up and is so grateful for the freedom to run and enjoy life with his foster family.

When we first collected him, he dove into the car before we could even open the door properly! Aiden’s DNA results are Plott Hound, Treeing Walking, Redbone Coonhound, American Foxhound – all the hounds!  The only surprise is that he is quite a petite little lad, likely a result of poor nutrition when he was growing up.

A typical hound, Aiden loves to chase squirrels, birds, etc., and will entertain you with his dulcet, baying voice. This adorable canine needs a family who will cherish him and provide him with all the love and experiences he missed out on when he was young. In return, he will reward you with loyalty and affection.

Can You Help?

If you think you could give a home to one of these deserving dogs, or know someone who might be able to help, please contact Gail at the Canine Animal Network by phone at (903)-967-3226 or send an email to can.adoptions@yahoo.com. Transport can likely be arranged for anyone living farther away.

Did You Know?