This is the power of networking. We had a Pointer mix in our rescue that we were placing and then a purebred Pointer became available at the shelter. The foster mom who had the Pointer mix, began contacting folks who had submitted applications for her Pointer mix telling them about this Pointer at the Baldwin Park Shelter. After 2 failed attempts at bailing him, we were given a last minute's notice that he was available and going to be euthanized.

It took almost a miracle to get this guy out of the shelter alive and then off to a home that we didn't even know if it would work. Low and behold with a little bit of faith, it did work. Thanks to the work of our networking friend, Jennifer, an awesome foster mom Sage with a heart and a zeal to make things happen and finally the wonderful man who adopted him, Tony, Cool Hand Luke now has a forever home and didn't end up the fate of so many others. Thank you all for being a part of this miracle for Luke and ultimately Tony as well. We believe often we are the ones doing the "saving" when in reality it's the dogs who save us. Every story like this reminds me why we do rescue.

Tera,
Do you remember (3 years ago!) who it was that forwarded the urgent message about rescuing Cool Hand Luke, the full bred Pointer out of a shelter in East LA, Baldwin Park? (Aptly named, because when we tried to break him out of “prison,” the shelter discovered he had an out-of-state microchip and by law, had to keep him for the longest 30 days ever.) Please forward this sweet note to her, and anyone else who wants to feel a very warm fuzzy. It’s a note from Tony Landis, who is the big manly Angel who agreed to adopt Luke on faith, sight unseen, to save him from an untimely death. There was no time to arrange for the usual meeting and introductions because he was to be killed that same day. *The Renee he refers to in his note was the (human) love of his life.

Tony and his other dog Sammy, waited it out. When I finally went to deliver Luke to his new home, Sammy wanted a piece of him. I mean, I was ready to turn around and go home. But Tony didn’t let it shake him. Luke was his, and Sammy would adjust. I so remember thinking this guy was nuts. Sammy is well over 100 lbs, and with teeth bared and not very happy about this strange dog, I questioned my sanity about leaving the dog there!

Lucky for everyone, this story has a happy ending and valuable lesson. Dogs may not warm up to each other right away, but if the owners just give it some time, they adjust.

Thanks for doing what you do. It’s people like Tony that make us realize there is hope for humanity, after all!

Xoxoxox
Sage


28 May 2007

Sage,
Here's our gorgeous friend (photo attached.) He likes to meet me there after I walk in the front door, sooooooooooo cute, when I get up to him ( he anticipates a treat of course) he loves to turn his head like a horse and nuzzle me, Sage I don't think you could love another living being anymore than I love Mr. Luke, he is so much fun. He may be a little mad at me because he seemed to have pulled a muscle Friday afternoon, probably rassling with Sammy. Limped pretty bad Friday night, and by Sunday evening much better and today back to normal but I thought I'd hold him out an extra day to be safe. Sammy's been real good about not pushing too crazy hard for a game, I just tell him his brother needs another day to rest up. This probably sounds nuts but Sage I swear when I talk to them like that they understand!

I kid you not, when I say that he has kept me alive more than once since *Renee's death. I think if I was gone Sammy would have a chance to adopt out but our guy is so, so very close to me it's scary. It's cute because during the business day he is either under my desk or so close he can touch me in some way, loves to lay with his nose just brushing up against my foot and he's the same way at night, My god Sage I'm gonna have to get you a shot of his big grin he gets usually after they have their ball game and have rested awhile, gives new meaning to a "shit eating grin". He does that and the nuzzle I mentioned and he pretty much just owns me.

I thank you again for saving this "INCREDIBLE" dog who is a treasure beyond $$$$. I have teared up more than once when telling friends and family that he had 1 hour to live if I hadn't agreed to take him and you and your group of wonderful, loving, god-like group of people had not made it possible, as wonderful as this ending has been , how many "LUKES" die because they don't get help in time.

I'm a big tough guy and it makes me cry to think about it. I look at Luke who has now been with me for 3 years, 3 years of faithful friendship, companionship and in some cases a reason to get out of bed and fight another day. The thought that he would have just been put down is way beyond sad, and I again may sound like I've been hit in the head one time too many but I swear part of the bond between him and me is that he somehow senses my place in his life (and yours of course) he is a special boy and all 6’3” 235lbs of macho race car drivin U.S. male dotes on him like one of those wonderful older ladies that have 12 cats who all eat steak every day. I love them so.
(Sammy and Luke)

Sage, most importantly our baby is great, do you have time in the near future to come up for a BBQ and visit. I would love to see you and Luke has been asking about you LOL. He is that smart you know!!!!