With the help of many, in almost as many ways, 27 dogs made their freedom ride from the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota to Chicago, IL suburbs. Leaving behind a hard life outdoors on the Native American Pine Ridge Reservation, these dogs now have a bright future ahead of them, one filled with love, safety, and security. Almost Home Foundation’s rescue of these homeless dogs was a success.
Almost Home Foundation ready to welcome Pine Ridge Dogs.
We first wrote about the Pine Ridge Reservation dogs when the rescue organization was seeking additional fosters. You can find the story, and links to some fascinating coverage of the residents’ plight, here: A Chance to Make an Incredible Difference.
What did it take to reach their current destination?
To begin with, dedicated advocates worked tirelessly reaching out to those who might be able to help before the onset of Winter. They asked Almost Home Foundation (AHF) to help in taking some dogs, and the rescue organization said yes.
Then volunteers with hearts of gold arranged the transports. The folks in South Dakota bundled up their precious cargo and drove to a midway-point between the two locations. The Almost Home Foundation transport volunteers met them in Minnesota, bringing the 23 dogs back with them (four had already arrived). A generous friend of AHF loaned the use of the special vehicle needed for the rescue.
It was a 17-hour trip in total for the dogs, but their accommodations were considerate. Individual cages large enough for them to stand in, meal and potty breaks along the way, and specially equipped vans that provided a smooth, quiet ride all made for an uneventful, yet exciting, ride to their new home.
Transporters have hearts of gold
The Dogs
All the dogs have sweet temperaments and tremendous personalities. Along with their adorable faces, you just couldn’t ask for more. They have settled into their new homes well, from all reports, and their foster families are pampering them when they’re not guiding them on the ways of life indoors.
There is one dog who is a fearful girl, though – and justifiably so. Back on the reservation there were some children who used to terrorize her. They kicked her, threw things at her, just downright abused the poor dear. The good news is that she has some very gentle, loving humans working to show her the good in humans and help her overcome her fears. Already she has made tremendous progress, gaining confidence daily. She will be just fine.
Just imagine the difference foster homes will make!
While still on the reservation, the dogs struggled to survive against some pretty mighty odds. Competing with thousands of others for the meager scraps to eat and safe places to sleep, many of the puppies in particular would never have made it through the unforgiving winter on the reservation.
But now…now they’re each warm and dry, eating tons of healthy food and sleeping in comfy beds, under a roof and with a human family. All that remains is to find that special Forever Home, the family who will love and care for them always.
Somehow, I don’t think that will take very long. Look at these faces!
Kudos to all who stepped up when they heard the call for foster homes – we think you are all amazing!
Welcome Home, Pine Ridge Babies!
To volunteer, adopt, or donate – visit Almost Home Foundation
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