If you haven’t noticed already, I am quite fond of dogs (hence the name of the blog). I think the relationship between human and dog is one of the most interesting and special things that has emerged from our short existence on this planet. Domestication and breeding has led to the creation of so many new types of the specie, each with their own special set of characteristics that were specifically chosen by breeders. They are really one of the most amazing types of animals because of the hand we’ve had in their development and evolution.
So… When I had the chance to tag along with Michael Schachtman of the New Orleans Bull Dog Rescue on a special day of rescue and errands, I was really excited. Chance had it that a few special errands and appointments had fallen on this one day, so Michael wanted to have a photographer around to show benefactors what kinds of services their donations pay for.
Our first stop was on the West Bank. We were going to rescue a Bull Dog that had been forced to live by itself on a dilapidated boat with no A/C. During the New Orleans Summer, these conditions are incredibly dangerous for a Bulldog. A man had been periodically checking in on it and feeding it, and wanted to make sure it was going to a good family. Althea was such a pleasure to meet. She has such a friendly and curious disposition and was so happy to leave that boat and head into the air conditioned car!
After leaving the boat, we were on our way to see the incredible folks at Ark Animal Hospital in Jefferson, LA. Althea needed a checkup, and Michael wanted to introduce me to a couple of other dogs that Ark was holding for them named Ingrid and Irma. These were two fantastic dogs as well… It’s really hard not to love that English Bulldog face. Ingrid was a lively little one, so curious and trying to play with every animal and human in sight!
After this stop, we were on our way to meet Brewski who was being held at Canine Connection in New Orleans. He was scheduled to be adopted that day by a man on the North Shore! What an energetic dude! He would have 15 minute bursts of excitement and then calm down again, but was always very friendly.
We shuttled him back to Ark where his new owner was waiting to pick him up. What an awesome experience it was to see this dog off into a new, loving home. I could tell his new owner was a great match for him. He knew how to deal with the energetic pup and had clearly had experience raising young Bulldogs.
We also had the opportunity to go check in on one of the dogs that had recently been rescued and was now living successfully with its new family. The dog’s name is escaping me, but it was great to see him doing so well in a loving environment. It was clear that the owners were just as happy to have the dog as he was to be there. He was an awesome mix… stout and solid like a bulldog but he had a face that denoted “pitbull” ancestry. It’s just so funny to see so much fear in the public when it comes to dogs that look like this. He was such a sweet and curious dog, ready to greet a new friend any day, any time.
I want to thank Michael and the New Orleans Bulldog Rescue for bringing me in on such a cool experience. Also, the people at Ark Animal Hospital are incredible, and help the organization care for newly rescued dogs and get them all healthy and ready for their new homes. For more info on these dogs and their availability for adoption, check out the Rescue’s Facebook page. Enjoy the gallery of the whole day below!
Wonderful story on such a great rescue!