Not just any angels, those at Angel’s Gate. A dozen Chihuahuas with various disabilities and ailments are on the way to their loving animal hospice.
The Chihuahuas were among 47 dogs taken Dec. 31 from the home of a Florence, AL woman who had become too sick to care for them. They were sent to the Colbert County shelter. As soon as word got out, residents poured into the shelter, eager to adopt the dogs.
A story aired on a local network and when the shelter reopened on January 2, 2009 there was a line of 20 people waiting to adopt the dogs. All the dogs that were in adoptable condition had new homes by the end of the day. But, there were still 15 dogs that had disabilities and serious medical needs left at the shelter.
Barnes, a local veterinary technician, took things into his own hands. He put the 15 dogs left at the shelter in his care and contacted the local Pets Are Worth Saving chapter.
The organization contacted a New York rescue group called Angel’s Gate. “They live out their life there and get all the medical help they need,” Barnes said. “A lot of the animals there have medical needs. It’s a great organization.”
Three of the 15 dogs were able to be nursed back to health and on Saturday the remaining 12 were on their way to Angel’s Gate in New York, to live out the remainder of their lives.
The original owner was an older woman who grew to sick to care for the dogs. She will not face charges as there was no intent to mistreat the dogs, it was the family who originally called the shelter for help.
