#330 LAKOTA (Alaskan Malamute) Phoenix, AZ-Linwood, MI
LAKOTA #330 a Grey and White Alaskan Malamute, male, about 53# originated in the Lancaster, CA, area shelter. He was transferred to the LA County Animal Control for neutering and placement. He was then transferred to Diane with TARescue, Phoenix, AZ, for transporting to his new adoptive home in Linwood, MI, with Heather S and Linda A.
Driver Merlin M picked Lakota up in Phoenix and soon knew he was in over his head in dealing with Lakota's needs. Lakota was extremely skittish, fearful, and unable to control his body functions while in the truck. Unable to deal with Lakota, he made it to El Paso, TX, where he went to the Animal Rescue League of El Paso. Unable to take Lakota in, the director, Loretta H, referred Merlin to another rescue/shelter. Team Leader Nancy R, was contacted and went into action to resolve the situation. The driver back tracked his route in an attempt to reach the new location but was stopped by a 26' length restriction sign. He was over 70'. With that facility closing at about the time he arrived, Merlin returned to the original location and arrived there about 15 minutes before it also closed. By this time nearly 4 hours had elapsed. Nancy arranged for Loretta to stay with Lakota until someone from the other facility could arrive. Merlin had to leave to make his next delivery.
Lakota spent two nights at that facility until Driver Dale D and his co-driver could arrive about 5:30 a.m. to pick him up. Dale was able to confirm everything Merlin had said about Lakota. Dale met LOH Sue W and her granddaughters, Ashleigh and Maya, at a truck stop in Weatherford, TX.
Scared of all noises, especially big trucks, Lakota dove into Sue's pickup front floor board and wouldn't be budged. At home she put him in the 10x10 pen formerly occupied by two other dogs, a large pup, Buddy, and a Doxi, Huck. Lakota quickly found the dog house and made himself at home for the next two weeks. At about 15 years, he is so comfortable in a doghouse or other small areas, he must have been a puppy mill dog turned loose to die on his own in the desert of California. (Sue's opinion.)
On 1/31/09 Sue drove Lakota to Gainesville, TX, to meet the first of many 4-wheel drivers arranged by Team Leader Krystal M in cooperation with Transport Coordinator Tanya K whose team then transported him on to Michigan to his new fur-ever home. Lakota is docile and compliant once in hand. Getting a hand on him once he is loose is another story.
Two emergency meetings of the BOD and all the parties involved has resulted in continuing efforts to resolve the matter. While this transport started out badly, the resulting pulling together of all of the people below should show the true hearts of the rescue/transport community. It is not about people. It is about God's 4-legged critters.
Operation Roger Drivers Merlin M pu 1/15/09; BOD Dale D pu 1/17/09; LOH Sue W pu 1/17/09; Team Leaders Nancy R and Krystal M; Independent Transport Coordinator Tanya K along with 4-wheel drivers Sharla B, Dee R, Tanya K, Susi Y, Dorrie H, Jan M, Jonni T, Gina W, Revajane L, Shawna Z, Donna K, Lesley R, Heather S, and Keith S. Del 2/1/09
*************************************************************
We received this Email from Heather S 2/2/09:
I would like to thank each and every one of you that assisted in lakota's transport. Without all of you, he would not be here ready to start a new life. When I picked him up yesterday, I just kept staring at him, because I was still in shock that he was actually here. We have a lot of rehabilitation to do with him, and I am taking it very slowly with him. I have just been sitting in the room with him quietly, allowing him to get used to my presence. When he is ready he will come up to me. Lakota is eating very well, and was quite hungry when he finally got home. My spare bedroom/computer room is set up for him, and he is right next to my bedroom so I could hear him if he started to have any problems. he only has had one mess in the house so far, I am sure there will be many more, but it all takes time and a lot of patience. he allowed me to massage his front paw last night. I just sat with my eyes closed, and rubbed his foot gently for about a half hour. He was so relaxed he leaned back against my book shelf, so he could still watch me if needed. He is everything I had hoped for, and I am so happy to be able to finally be able to give this guy a chance at happiness. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and Lakota's. I will have pictures posted on our web site soon of this darling boy. Please visit it reguarly to see more updates!
www.fewstepsfromhome.homestead.com
Heather Smith - President
Few Steps From Home Animal Rescue
*************************************************************
We received this Email 2/3/09:
Monday, February 2, 2009 10:11 PM
From: "Krystal McClain" I know that many have already expressed their appreciation, but i wanted everyone to know that you truly are marvelous.

When Tanya added 1 more and then 2 more dogs to Luke's transport you could have easily rejected the idea of taking on that many passengers. many people wouldnt offer that much of themselves, but all of you drivers did.

You did what was impossible for any one of us to do on our own and made it possible. I think that this shows us with each and every successful transport just how much people can come together to make this world a good one to live in. You are taking the most "unimportant" members of society and giving them importance. It truly is the noble work that we all should strive to do more of.

Thank you, for opening your planes, cars, and homes to 4 souls that were once thrown away. and thank you even more for doing it so joyously. It truly warms the heart to see so many people not only willing to give, but wanting to.
Krystal McClain
Operation Roger Team Leader (Krystals4Wheelers)
*************************************************************

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats