The story starts in December 2005…
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Spirit and Noelle… who are they? Are they more victims of Hurricane Katrina? We know very little about them; what we have been able to piece together is they have probably been together all their lives, they are seniors and they are very sweet. They were brought in together to a shelter in New Orleans; they each had on a harness. No-one wanted them; no group would take them – they were old. Heartland was contacted about them the day before they were due to be PTS. Arrangements were made to get them to Birmingham AL to a rescue friendly clinic. Unfortunately the transport did not materialize; time was running out, but they managed to hop a ride to safety on a transport heading to Gulfport. From there Golden lovers took over and drove them to Birmingham. We did have a foster parent for them until it was discovered that they both had conjunctivitis and so they will spend Christmas at the clinic but at least they are safe. Noelle it is believed was bitten by a snake on her foot. We hope to get them up to Tennessee sometime next week when we will be able to evaluate them more fully.
Sadly Noelle passed away on Friday, December 23rd. She knew love and care for such a short time.
Thursday, December 29th, Spirit made it up to TN with the help of volunteers from AL and TN. They were shocked at the condition she was in but everyone was in agreement she is a lover, very very sweet with a true Golden temperament.
Friday 30th, these photos were taken after being evaluated by our vet. One thing is for sure she is not a senior in fact a young girl whose hard life has made her age quickly; we believe her to be younger than 4 years old. She is in terrible shape as can be seen by these photos. We are having blood tests run and have her on a very special diet in the hopes that we can clear up her skin condition and improve the quality of her coat. Whether she will regain a full coat remains to be seen. The skin on her rear, tail and nose is like that of an elephant. She loves to be with people and craves attention.Thursday, April 6th, These photos taken after being in foster care for 3 months with lots of TLC, a special diet, medication and a wonderful foster carer willing to go above and beyond. She now looks, acts and plays like the young dog she is – probably around 3-4yo. Below, Spirit proudly showing off hair on her tummy.
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Thursday, April 6th, These photos taken after being in foster care for 3 months with lots of TLC, a special diet, medication and a wonderful foster carer willing to go above and beyond. She now looks, acts and plays like the young dog she is – probably around 3-4yo. Below, Spirit proudly showing off hair on her tummy.
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Spirit’s foster mother had hoped to adopt her but due to family commitments calling for her to have to do a lot of traveling has put a halt to that plan. Spirit does suffer from some separation anxiety.
A New Home
Meet Kalista (aka Spirit) with Tyler and Lavell
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From Marty: She arrived about noon today and we were promptly off to a birthday party/hayride….we took her along and she was a wonderful ambassador for rescue,,, she used her good manners and was PERFECT!!!! So many people there and all who commented on how calm, well behaved and beautiful she was… They were all impressed with her… Pauline, Heartland and her wonderful foster mom Marlene did a fantastic job…. Unbelievable that anyone would think she was un adoptable…..
KALISTA…….Greek for Most Beautiful One – everyone today thought she was beautiful, hence her new name
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Kalista will be Lavell’s new room mate… they have a lot in common… abandonment issues and both have come very far in their recovery.
October 9th, 2006, We switched Lavell’s crib for his toddler bed today,, he was a little leery of it until his new bunk mate got on board…. I think this is a love match.
Kalista has a new baby to care for Christmas 2006.