Puppy Carried To Her Death In A Wheelbarrow Gets Saved At The Last Minute
When shelters run out of space, they have to take the harsh decision to euthanize some of the animal residents.
As more animals entered shelters and fewer found homes, overcrowding forced shelters to make heartbreaking decisions.
Often, it’s the sick and less adoptable dogs that face the unthinkable.
Intense Paralyzing Fear
Among those facing this grim fate was Darla, a gentle Golden Retriever at Laredo Animal Care Services in Texas.
Described by staff as a very shy and reserved pup, Darla struggled to adjust to shelter life.
With limited space, the shelter made the tough call to euthanize certain animals, and Darla was sadly on that list.
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
In July 2023, Darla’s day came.
Overcome with fear and unable to walk, the shelter staff had to carry her in a wheelbarrow to the euthanasia room.
A Miraculous Rescue
But fate had other plans.
On that very day, volunteers from Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing animals from euthanasia, were visiting the shelter.
Clare Callison, APA!’s director of national operations, was there and noticed the frightened Golden Retriever in the blue wheelbarrow.
“I knew it was around the time of day when the shelter does routine euthanasia for opening up kennel space” Clare said.
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
Seeing Darla’s terrified eyes, the team knew they had to act.
“We had to pull her, we had to save her,” Jordana Moerbe, APA!’s national shelter support director, said in a press release. “We hope that she’s able to come out of her shell and be the happy puppy she deserves to be. It’s what every one of the pets in the shelter deserves, and that’s what we’re working so hard for.”
A New Beginning for Darla
After speaking with the shelter staff, Clare learned that Darla’s shyness was the only reason she was marked for euthanasia.
Stroking Darla’s head, Clare realized that despite her timid nature, Darla was craving affection.
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
The team from APA! immediately took her for a medical checkup and discovered she was an eight-month-old puppy, with a full life ahead of her.
Working with their partners at Mile High Lab Mission in Denver, Colorado, APA! found a foster family eager to welcome Darla into their home.
It didn’t take long before she was on her way to a new life.
A Transformation Full of Love
Meeting her foster family was a turning point for Darla.
For the first time, she wagged her tail – a simple yet impactful gesture she had never shown at the shelter.
“She’s a completely different dog now” Clare noted with joy.
On August 9, 2023, Mile High Lab Mission shared the wonderful news that Darla had been adopted.
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
Now, she’s thriving with a loving family who cherishes her, the way every pet should be loved.
From a wheelbarrow to a warm home, Darla’s journey is a prime example of the impact of compassion and the tireless efforts of animal rescue organizations.
We wish Darla a life filled with the love and happiness she deserves.
