Iris and Tears ~ RIP
Last December, I was working on pulling a few BCs from Tears in Alabama. New Year’s Eve we got the news that all of the animals had been seized. The ones that I was going to rescue all ended up in great foster homes, and were adopted. But I’ll never forget the emails that were flying back and forth by frantic volunteers to get more dogs out to prevent them from being transferred to kill shelters.
Iris was one of the lucky ones that found safety. Much to my surprise, months later, I get an email from one of those volunteers, Holly Lamb.
Hi Gisele,
I am forwarding you the pics of Iris. She is a border collie mix that we received when TEARS was closed by HSUS in January in Birmingham, AL. She is finishing up HW treatment and we are looking for a good rescue for her. We would hate to see her end up in another shelter. My friend, Evelyn, is fostering Iris right now and sent these pics and info to pass around. I knew you liked border collies, so I thought I would pass this along to you. Please let me know what you think. We will be happy to arrange transport if necessary. (I am copying Evelyn on this email.)
Sincerely,
HOLLY LAMB
While we receive much praise for the dogs that we’ve rescued, let’s be honest, they have, for the most part, been gorgeous young and healthy dogs – many purebreds. The fluffy golden pups, gorgeous Tim Tebow, Trixie Belle, Shannon, and Lady Di are not really a true representative of rescue. Iris is. She is currently in poor condition, and her age might prevent her from finding a forever home quickly. Well, that didn’t stop Jaffe, who is also 10 years old and was adopted immediately. It’s the dream dogs that help pay for the rehabilitation of the difficult cases like Iris, Jackson Browne, Stella, Maureen’s Hope, and many others. Sometimes we’ve gotta take our lumps, step up to the plate, roll up our sleeves, and have confidence that we can do this. We can do this!
Iris is estimated at being 10 years old, she has been vetted, and treated for Heartworm. She is not yet spayed, and depending on her medical condition and her age, our vet my opt NOT to spay her. She has a wonderful disposition, but to be honest, her last few years have not been good ones. It appears at first glance that she has never received good care. Her teeth have been worn down, and she’s in need of “the works” with regard to grooming.
Right now, I think it’s best that I find her a quality foster that can really make her comfortable and give her a good taste of family life, something I don’t think she’s ever had. I remember my Lady Reckless at the age 10. I kept thinking to myself how perfect she was, and she just kept getting even more perfect with age! She was my heart dog for 14 1/2 years, and Lochie, Gary Henderson’s Border Collie who lived to be 16 1/2. Amazing dogs that live long lives. More Updates soon!
Update: Gregg is fostering Iris. So far, she has started to play ball, play in the pool, and adores Gregg’s young daughter. He’s really enjoying work with her, and helping her self-esteem. Gregg originally adopted Spock (Bailey) who was a very fearful dog. With patience and love, Bailey adjusted VERY well.
If you are interested in meeting Iris, please read our adoption process.
September 22 Update:
Iris’foster dad spent several weeks over the summer in the hospital. He is finally home and doing well. We’re so glad, and so is Iris. Gisele sent him a note:
“Hey, Gregg, can we go ahead and take Iris off as available? You are keeping her right?”
Answer: ” well i think she likes it here so sure we will keep her she is doing good she actully is sleeping on the couch right now plus i think dannielle would kill me if she left”
We don’t want Dannielle to kill Gregg, so consider Iris adopted! Yay!!!