WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

Hi, I visited Ali & Stella earlier this month in Colorado. Stella loves there. This is Ali & Stella at Kite Lake, Alma, CO. I tell everyone I can what a great organization you are! Good luck! RobinWoodaman

 ***************************************************************************************************

  #562 KILLER/MAVERICK (Pit X) Lavonia, GA - Antlers, OK 

 KILLER/MAVERICK, a 110# male 2 y/o started his new life in a kill shelter in GA when he was spotted on line by Marie M in OK. Marie worked to get him to a foster in the Chattanooga, TN, area. Driver's Martie & Tracie R arranged to pick him up in Chattanooga and discovered a very weak and starving animal. Filled with compassion they took him immediately to a vet and began the long road to recovery by the young Pit. Even though he showed signs of neglect and worse, the driver's found him warm and loving. Marie, in Ardmore, OK.

 Drivers Martie & Tracie Rhamy pu 4-20-11 del 4-20-11  

 ****************************************************************************************************

 #550-#561 ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, TEN, ELEVEN, TWELVE (Domestic Hooded Rats) San Jose, CA - Gaithersburg, MD

 HOODED RATS, all female about 1# each, One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, & Twelve, were only 12 of some 1,700 of these domesticated pet rats rescued from a hoarder in San Jose. Most of these rats were said to be running free in the home. These twelve were rescued and destined for the WDC area by Sara V of the Humane Society of the United States who made arrangements for them to be met in Fairmont, WV. It took awhile to find the right drivers to make the transport. Their story is below:  

 Drivers Martie & Tracie Rhamy pu 4-8-11 del 4-11-11  

 **************************************************************************************************  

 WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:  

 Well, I can proudly say that we now hold the record for the most pets transported at once for Operation Roger. 12 hooded ratties, yes I said rats. These guys were only 12 of 1,700 that were seized and rescued from a hoarder in California. We had gotten a load out to San Jose, CA, delivering on the 8th of April 2011. Knowing the rats were close by, and rats are pets too, we decided to take the oppourtunity to transport something a little out of the norm.  

 I must admit that all though my motives and heart were in the right place, my brain just couldn't wrap itself around the idea. Who transports RATS? They came four to a crate and three large crates were loaded into what I call my home for a very interesting trip. No names to remember except one. Daliah, was unique and found instant friendship from Martie. She has one black eye and one red eye and so he only referred to her as red eye.

 They all knew when he was back in the bunk. They'd come out of hiding and sit straight up, staring as if 12 little Oliver Twists were saying, "might we have sum mo please." I would go back to the bunk and the same thing would happen. Except this time maybe it would be one or two, see it was not the raisin guy and quickly retreat. Funny really, but for me it was a fine trade.

 We did have the occasional escape artist which would send me into hystaria and up on the seat I'd go until certain she was found and securly back in her crate. I was told by other OR drivers who had transported rats in the past that at first they had nothing to do with them but by the end of the trip they would hold them and play with them. Well I guess I'm just not that gutsy. No way, not day one and not on the last day either. I could barely look at them, let alone hold one. It must be a tail thing. I just can't wrap my head around that long, skinny, naked.... Blahhhh. It sends chills just remembering.

 Never any disrespect to our rattie community, because of you these very smart little creatures are appreciated and loved. I wish no harm to any animal, and the best that life has to offer. I on the other hand will continue to be blessed with the furry, slobbering, hugging, fetching, woof- woof kind of love. Hey to each his own, it's what keeps us wanting more. ~ Tracie Rhamy In loving memory of Mollie Dawn

 ****************************************************************************************************  

#549 THOMAS (DLH/Tabby) Milledgeville, GA - Salt Lake City, UT

THOMAS, a 14# 2-3 y/o male who was rescued by Caron P from a high kill shelter. Picked up in Macon by Driver Ed A, Thomas went to a Layover Home with Tammy M near Kansas City, MO, to await another driver able to complete the trip. Drivers Gill & Darla F were able to do just that and delivered him to his new Mom, Caroline M in Salt Lake City, UT.

Driver Ed A & Gill&Darla Fallon pu 3/15/11 del 4/1/11

*************************************************************************************************

CAROLINE COMMENTED:

He was rescued in Georgia, and I found him online and fell in love with his adorable face. I saw him online, and could not forget about him, so I decided to contact someone to make arrangements to get Thomas out of a high-kill shelter.

*************************************************************************************************** 

 #548 BELLA (Pit) San Diego, CA - Baltimore, MD

BELLA, a 100# 1 y/o female was the pet of a Marine, Travis B, who was moving into base barracks and couldn't take her with him. She needed to go to his wife who was moving to Baltimore. As Travis did not have a vehicle, our Layover Home with Jo Ann K near Ontario drove 280 miles to the Marine Corps Base and went the extra mile to help Bella. Bella was her houseguest until she drove her to Barstow to meet Drivers Kris & Brandy P arrived in Barstow to pick her up and delivered her to Baltimore. The driver's story follows:  

 Drivers Kris & Brandy P pu 3-15-11 del 3-28-11

**************************************************************************************************  

 WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

This is bella's story. 3/24 Barstow , CA, to Essex, CA - We picked up Bella from Jo Ann at the TA Truck Stop in Barstow. Jo Ann had tears in her eyes because she had gotten totally attached to Bella in the short 2 weeks she had her. Bella is a military transport where her daddy is serving our country proudly in the Marines. He is stationed at Camp Pendleton and due to family issues needs to stay in the barracks there and can't have bella there. His sister has agreed to take Bella until he gets out in 2 months and can rejoin her in MD. Bella is a great big cuddler and loves attention and wants to play all the time. She slept in the jump seat all night long without any problems.  

 3/25 Essex, CA, to Clines Corner, NM - Today was the first full day of Bella's trip and it went good. She has attached her self to me and wants to be right next to me. It has become a problem with the bed. Brandy is pretty firm about her being the only female allowed to sleep with me and Bella is ready to fight for me..ahh it is a great feeling being fought over by 2 women even if one of them is a dog.

3/26 Clines Corner, NM, to Checotah, OK - Bella is starting to get restless and maybe a little home sick. She spent most of the day on the bed just looking like she wasn't having any fun. Last night we had increased trouble keeping her off the bed so I bought another leash and she, of course, ate that one too. She also didn't like her doggy bed that was sent with her because she chewed that up too.  

 3/27 Checotah, OK to Cookeville, TN - Bella is still being Bella. Today she did fine during the day sleeping on the bed but at night her misbehaving starts. She chewed up Brandy's leather sleeve to her jacket and at bedtime ate another leash although this one was metal. I think her teeth are saw blades. The bedtime routine has gotten better last night due to rolled up newspaper and me taping her nose everytime she tries to get on the bed. It only took twice last night for her to get the point.

 3/28 Cookeville, TN, to Jessup, MD - Bella was pretty good today. She rode good and did alot of sleeping. We delivered her tonight to her mom and aunt. Bella started barking and lunging towards her mom. I had to hold her back but after a little bit she just growled at her. I don't think Bella was glad to see her. This was the woman that left her husband and moved back to Maryland. I don't understand why she would of considered putting Bella in a pound in Oceanside if she wanted her. - Kris and Brandy Peters

 ***************************************************************************************************

 WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE LOH:

 Bella has arrived at her destination. However, I am confused! During this endeavor I never heard one word from the sister in-law. So does this mean Travis has relinquishes Bella to his soon to be ex? Nevertheless, I guess none of this matters. My issue is with Bella & if she is happy & well taken care of. Bella in her 1 year received very little training and exposure to life in general from the sister-in-law (this is the person who had her prior). So many people where involved & worked hard in this effort & care of sweet Bella after being left with Travis. Travis, Yourself, Operation Roger, myself, Kris, Brandy, Samantha but not 1 finger lifted by the sister-in-law. Would she have let poor Bella end up at the shelter in Oceanside? I did not realize Bella was going back to the person that left her in the first place. Sorry Sue just my thoughts & it threw me back for a second. Lets say I was surprised.  

 **************************************************************************************************

 #547 GABBY (Chocolate Lab) Edgewood, NM - Annapolis, MO

GABBY, a 90# 9 y/o female, has been reunited with her family who had ha to move to MO without her. Drivers Gill & Darla F picked her up in Moriarity. Jennifer W, said they had had to move 1 year ago because of her husband's job. They could not fit Gabby into their car and had not found a good way to get her back home with them. She has seizures sometimes, so Jennifer was nervous about having her fly. Her parents, Carla B, had been taking care of her, but her father just had open heart surgery and it was getting to be a bit much for them.  

 Drivers Gill & Darla F pu 3-26-11 del 3-29-11

***************************************************************************************************

 WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM THE DRIVERS:  

 What can we say about Gabby...she was a little skittish and apprehensive at first...but by the second day she was a true truck dog...she loved going for walks at the truck stops...everything was new...she was an absolute sweetheart...she liked to stand on the drivers seat and wipe her wet nose across the windows...We got an update on Gabby from her family and she is doing awesome and loving her long walks in Maryland.

***************************************************************************************************

#546 CHRISTAL (Catahoula Leopard) Martin, TN - Baton Rouge, LA

CHRISTAL, a 30# 4 m/o female was deaf from birth. A concerted effort was made to find just the right home for her and it was believed the Louisiana State School for the Deaf was ideal. Driver Mike W pick up Christal in Jackson, TN, from Deb K, and brought her down to LOH Sue W in Joshua, TX, where she stayed and played with Sue's two rescues, Huck, a Doxi, and Buddy, an American Bull Dog. Sue delivered Christal to Dr. Monita H in Shreveport, LA.

All seemed well until Deb received a call from a lady in Baton Rouge who had almost hit a stray on a very busy street. Upon taking the dog to the vet, it was found to be Christal. Apparently she had gotten out of the yard when a worker came in and didn't shut the gate. This is where it was discovered Christal didn't have the best of care and the supposed excitement of the students to her arrival was non-existent. She was later transported back to Susan, the original owner, and would be kept on the farm and trained by Deb herself.

Drivers Mike W and Sue Wiese pu 3-21-11 del 3-26-11

***************************************************************************************************

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM DEB K.

My name is Deb K, and I am a farmer in Martin, TN. Our farm manager, Susan P, has a Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog that is a rare American breed, which is the state dog of Louisiana. This little girl, Christal, is an adorable puppy and the journey began to find the appropriate home to donate this very special puppy to. One that would continue her work with hand signals, etc. and understand her special needs.

It was not an easy quest. However, we have found the most appropriate home! The Louisiana School for the Deaf located in Baton Rouge, LA. This school has a residential program and serves deaf children (involving 500 families) from ages 3-21. The Director, Dr. Monita H, was thrilled with our offer to donate Christal to school and the puppy will reside with her as she would live on the grounds, visit the dorms daily, and get a new name through a contest held by the students to represent their school – rather as a mascot. What a win-win situation for all involved!

The only issue was how to get the puppy to the school. With 70+ animals on my farm, I cannot take the time to transport. Susan also has a field full of equines and goats to care for and cannot afford to be away from her farm. And, Dr. H cannot leave the school for an extended time. Which is why I am writing you (Operation Roger) for your opinion. I know that y’all do not transport for “breeders”, but would you consider assisting us with the transport of this puppy from Martin or Dresden, TN (HWY 22) or Jackson, TN, (HWY 45 and I-40) to Baton Rouge, LA, as this is a special situation?

It would take a little time for planning as I would like to get the Jackson, TN, TV stations and newspapers there for coverage and possibly the Baton Rouge press as well........as I believe this is a very heartwarming story...if I get the national outlets involved, it may get national coverage which will be a very good thing for Operation Roger and spreading the word about puppies with special needs and bring attention to the school as well. This is why I think that the Jackson, TN location would be a great place for the pick-up, if you agree to helping us, as the press would not have to travel 45 minutes north to Dresden or Martin (not that they are lazy, I just believe that we should give them ease of access to the story).

I guess that this is where I should tell you that I am a retired police officer from Miami and was a foster home for FL Dachshund Rescue as well as a volunteer with the Broward County Humane Society’s education program and I am tenacious when it comes to getting help and attention to the plight of rescued animals.

Then this situation arose with the adoption of Susan's deaf puppy "Christal" and her being adopted by her new "Forever Home" with the Director of the Louisiana School for the Deaf! How is that for prayers for a deaf Catahoula puppy being answered? Christal will be 4 months old next week, is a complete hambone and lovebug and I do believe that this will be a match made in Heaven.....she is already on her way to Baton Rouge, LA via a wonderful group of volunteer long distance truck drivers called "Operation Roger".

Her first truck driver met us as I-40 and HWY 22 this morning along with his cat and his DEAF dog Dillon! And, all of this was accomplished in less that one week! However, there was a fly in the ointment, in the guise of one George Strain, PhD at LSU (whose campus adjoins the school for the deaf). Dr. Strain is a v-e-r-y interesting man and I was connected with him in error when I called the LSU Vet School, but then again, God works in mysterious ways.....I never would have heard about this guy if I had not talked with him and heard his disturbing opinions about deaf dogs...oh, and humans too!

***************************************************************************************************

#545 RUSTY (Chi/Min Pin) Wills Point, TX - Parlin, NJ

RUSTY, a 6.6# 2 y/o male  began his travels with a lady in Lewisville, TX. The receiver Debra F was frantic to get this pup into a safer location, she called us. Jeanette, one of our Layover Homes, drove over 60 miles to get this dog.

 Driver Mike W called to check in and quickly agreed to pick up Rusty in Sulpher Springs while on his way to the North East. His own dog, Dillon, a Blue Healer, just as quickly took Rusty into his charge and was not at all happy when Rusty arrived at his new home. However, Whitty, Mike's traveling companion cat, was quite happy about it.

 Driver Mike W pu 3/16/11 del 3/19/11  

 ****************************************************************************************************

WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

 Just wanted to say thanks! You r great we adopted rusty the min pin from TX about a month ago!!! Tiny lil red min pin! We tried and tried to get him up to nj for around 3 weeks and as soon as u heard from us u said yes!!! God bless u all! And if there is any way to find out who had him I would love to contact them cause we really really appreciate what he/she did my kids drew pic and wrote a letter to the person! Pleas don't ignore this email I know ur all so busy but we really would like to talk to or email that person! Thank u all good bless  

 **************************************************************************************************

#542 GRACIE (Mini Doxi), #543 CHARLIE (Yorki) # #544 POSSUM (DSH Tabby) Hesperia, CA - Harrison, AR

GRACIE, a 12# 6 y/o femal Mini Doxi, CHARLIE, a 4# 6.6 y/o male Yorki, and POSSUM, a 9# 8 y/o female DSH Tabby, were the family pets of Michael & Monica S. When Monica joined her husband on the road, these little guys needed a ride to her family.

Picked up in Barstow by Mike & Kim S, they were met in Little Rock, AR, by Bob & Mary H. Monica's story is below:

Drivers Mike & Kim S pu 3/13/11 del 3/15/11

***************************************************************************************************

MONICA'S STORY:

I recently obtained my CDL and will be teaming over the road with my husband. My pets will be living with my parents and daughter while we are over the road. As a previous Veterinary Technician for the animal shelters I did not want to fly them because they would have had to ride in the cargo department and that to me is not safe. I have rescued and saved all the animals I have and have had them for 6 to 8 years. I am grateful for your organization and will be donating, advertising, and hopefully soon participating in this organization.

*************************************************************************************************** 

BUSTER #541 (Boxer/Lab) Clarksville, TN - Sparks, NV

BUSTER, a 22# 6 m/o male traveled with his foster mom, Sue D, to meet Driver Dave B in Franklin, TN. Dave said Buster, while shy at first, traveled well with little trouble except maybe for chewing up his computer cable!! Dave said Buster was more like 35# by the time he was picked up.

Buster was dumped at Sue's home and while her daughter and grandson were visiting, the boy fell in love with him. Buster met his new playmate and his Mom, Pamela J, at one of the truck stops in Sparks.

Driver Dave B pu 3-4-11 del 3-8-11

****************************************************************************************************

 #539 HENRY/MAX & #540 CHEYENNE/RUBY (Chihuahua X) Forrest City, AR - Alexandria, PA

HENRY/MAX, a 4# 9 week male, and CHEYENNE/RUBY, a 4# 9 week female came into the Forrest City Animal Rescue, were adopted by Robert H & Amy H. Picked up by Drivers Martie & Tracie R in West Memphis, AR, and delivered to their new family in Romulus, MI, their story is told by RUBY & MAX themselves below:  

 Drivers Martie & Tracie Rhamy pu 2-26-11 del 3-6-11

*************************************************************************************************** 

 WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

My name is RUBY (was Cheyenne) and he is MAX (use to be Henry). He's my brother and a bit shy so I always speak for both of us. I can't remember too much about where we came from, but for as far back as I can go, we've been here at the shelter. Nice people fed us and kept us healthy. The day I remember best is the day we were told we were going HOME. Wow, a real family just for us!  

 We are still babies and can't wait to grow up together with our new family. We got baths and new collars, and some more icky medicine. Henry smells funny for a boy and I won't let him forget it either. We were scooped up and placed into a crate that was put into the backseat of a car. We were a little scared, but I always take care of my brother and if I'm ok then he doesn't shake as so much.

The trip was short and when the door opened we were put into the arms of a very soft and squishy lady. She was soft spoken and friendly but I just wasn't sure what to think. I could see a very large car behind her that looked like it would swallow us up. They said it was their home on wheels and we were welcome to stay with them.

 Is this our new family? Were we going to live in the giant car? Our crate was loaded and put in the back behind a curtain that the man had left open. We were placed inside together and immediately curled into each other. Henry, oops Max - we were renamed, closed his eyes right away and went to sleep. Not me, I left one eye open just in case. It was bumpy and loud for awhile but mister and the lady looked backed all the time to tell us everything was ok and our family was so excited and couldn't wait to get us.

 I didn't understand but I didn't think I should be afraid anymore either. We stopped and our crate door swung open wide. Mister jumped out and called for us. We didn't know why but slowly we both went. I was in his arms and gently placed on the ground. I had to go soooo bad what was taking Max so long? Here he comes, our leashes got caught up in each others as we raced to the grass. I won, but then I'm faster.

 Lady came out and she took me while mister had Max. I didn't like that one bit! I had to be close to him or he'd get scared. I pulled and I tugged towards where he was and I heard her say to mister "I don't think she likes being away from his side at all." You got that right tootz! If I felt like going over there and he didn't want to, well I'd just grab that leash of his and drag him. If he had to poop and I wanted to play, well ... I'd run up on him and knock him over. Hahaha I love being in charge.

 The days went by and it seemed like forever. I could hear them say from time to time where we were and where we were going. From West Memphis, Arkansas, to Miami, Florida, from there to somewhere in Kentucky, and from there to Arizona. Finally I heard lady say we are on our way to Michigan and from there you will be home. I didn't know what Michigan was but I knew I was excited.

 We where now being called Ruby and Max. I liked our new names very much and my brother didn't care what you called him as long as you called him. Our journey was long but mister would always take lots of time to run with us and play and lady would hold us close and sing us to sleep. I liked them and felt safe. Something changed in Max while we were making our way home. Can you believe he had the nerve to push me down in the dirt and bite my butt!! Totally uncalled for. I think my brother doesn't need me protecting him anymore, although no matter what we need each other. I just won't admit that to him.

I don't know why, but during the last bumpy part of our trip, lady put us in a bucket of water for a bath on the floor. I think she got more wet then we did and that was funny. We had soapy suds everywhere. Cozy in a big towel we dried and each of us got a new bandana so we could get our pictures taken. Max smelt funny again for a boy but I felt pretty. We walked outside and played for a long time and then were held for along time afterwards.

I could tell lady was getting sad and I didn't know why. Max and I just sat in their laps as long as we could. We went back outside again and a man came in a smaller car. He knelt down and we could see he was calling for us. We ran so hard Max toppled over and we met his open arms. He was our new Daddy? Oh I'm so excited! We loaded up in his car and he drove us home to Pennsylvania where our new Mommie was so happy to see us. We don't remember much of how we got here now, but my best memory is EVERYDAY! We love our family and they love us. It's nice to finally say we are HOME.

 As told by Miss Ruby ~ Tracie In loving memory of Mollie Dawn  

 ****************************************************************************************************

  #538 MANFRED (GSD) Kingsport, TN - Baltimore, MD

MANFRED, a 9-10 m/o 60# male was rescued from a kill shelter by Debbie L. She says he was not claimed nor adopted at the Washington County animal shelte. Their policy is to kill if they don't get adopted within a 'reasonable amount of time.' He was brought in as a stray by a family who let him stay with for a few days, got along well with their brood of kids/dogs/cats. He rode extremely well in the backseat of my truck today when I brought him home, a well behaved young pup. He will sit when you tell him to. He is very sweet.  

Picked up by Driver Bob F in Baileyton, TN, who say Manfred loved to ride shotgun in the passenger seat and has huge ears. Little Joe, Bob's traveling companion, enjoyed having a friend to play with.

Driver Bob F pu 2-28-11 del 2-28-11  

***************************************************************************************************

WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM DEBBIE:  

 #515-#520 SNICKERS, SWEET PEA, CRACKERS, BISCUIT, MR. PEANUT, GARIBALDI (6 CHINCHILLAS) Louisville, KY - San Antonio, TX

SNICKERS (pix), SWEET PEA, CRACKERS, & BISCUIT, MR. PEANUT & GARIBALDI Ages from 1 to 6 years were picked up in Louisville by Driver Candi C. Two days later Driver Glenn W repowered them in Caddo Mills, TX, from Candi and transported them on down to their new rescue with Marne H. Apparently there turned out to be four females & two males. They were renamed: Snickers aka Talia; Sweet Pea aka Rafaels (Rafi); Crackers, a female, & Garibaldi, not a male but a female, were renamed Joony and Laney or vice versa; the males Mr. Peanut aka Steven and Biscuit aka Jeffrey. Marne's story is below.

Drivers Candi C & Glenn W pu 1-6-11 del 1-8-11

**************************************************************************************************

WE RECEIVED THIS EMAIL:

Snickers (now Talia) and Mr. Peanut (now Steven) were rescued 2 years ago by a man who saw they were living in a dog purse carrier (not sure what they're called). Chinchillas need to live in cages for their own safety because they chew everything, especially wires, and they can fit into anything their heads can fit into. They're small despite their fluffy appearance. The man who saw them realized it was a bad life for them, so he took them home. He was told that related chinchillas don't breed, and was surprised to come home to kits (babies) not long after. He was not experienced at sexing the chins, and was told that parents don't breed with babies, which resulted in more kits. One of the kits, Sweet Pea (now Rafaela, aka Rafi) developed a dental condition called malocclusion. It is very costly to treat and requires extensive and lifelong medical intervention. Due to Rafi's young age, and the interbreeding of the chinchillas, it is very likely that the other offspring will also develop malocclusion. Shortly after this discovery, the man lost his job due to the economy. He did his best for as long as he could, but knew that he wouldn't be able to for much longer. He found our site online, and contacted us to ask for help.

After talking with him and not being able to find any open rescues in his area, we agreed to take them in. Our rescue has a sanctuary wing, which allows us to take in chinchillas with medical issues and provide them life-long care. The only problem was that we had just moved to Texas, and we had no way to go all the way up to Louisville from here (because we can't leave the chinchillas here unattended for as long as it would have taken for us to go up to Louisville and back). We tried to arrange transport to no avail, and I desperately did a search for pet transportation, which is when your site came up.

The chinchillas arrived January 8. They were scared and a little greasy, but otherwise fine. The truck drivers did an excellent job transporting them, and we're very grateful to them. Candi even arranged for them to be driven down to San Antonio so that we didn't have to drive up to Dallas to get them! We went through and determined everyone's gender, gave everyone dust baths (they bathe in dust) and hay and pellets. The boys (Steven and Jeffrey--used to be Biscuit) are in one cage in our living room, where they can watch tv and be a part of our daily activities, and the girls are in another cage in our bedroom, where they can enjoy the more quiet atmosphere. Rafi has a vet appointment scheduled for when it's a bit warmer out, where she will have x rays of her teeth taken, blood work done to make sure her other organs are healthy, and she will probably get a pain medicine and antibiotics. She is very underweight. The chins got here just in time.

We renamed the chins for a couple reasons. First, they didn't respond when we said their names, and second, we didn't know who was who, aside from two or three of the chins. I've attached pictures of Jeffrey (we're not sure what his name was), Steven (formerly Mr. Peanut), Laney (not sure what her name was), Rafi (on the box, formerly Sweet Pea), Joony (poking her nose up from behind the box, not sure what her name was), and Talia (formerly Snickers). These were taken just after they arrived. In two weeks we will take update pictures and send them to you. We have to let them settle in for a little bit before we do that, though, because chinchillas are susceptible to health conditions that are related to stress. Steven and Jeffrey came in an all-metal cage and the girls came in a dog carrier.

Thanks again, we appreciate it so very much. I have told other rescues of your program, particularly ones in the south, where it is harder for us to arrange transportation of chinchillas and rabbits.

OTHER COMMENTS FROM MARNE:

Chins live for 20 or more years if they get good medical care and good daily care. Snickers and Mr. Peanut are both 6, the others are all 1 and 2.

I just wanted to say, Sweet Pea is the sickest, and so we are taking her in to the vet first thing tomorrow. You can tell by her hunched back, she is very underweight and her eye is kind of icky. We will be able to let everyone else settle before we take them in, they will just need courses of medicine (which we have on hand for situations like this) and a lot of good food and hay to eat. Thank you so much, I shudder to think what could have happened to them. We couldn't have gotten anything arranged any sooner than the middle to end of January, and by then it would have been too late. They are going to probably live out their lives in our sanctuary, since at least one of them has dental issues. They'll have excellent lives here in the sanctuary with everything they need. :)

We got them set up with hay, and gave them all dust baths (they can't get their fur wet). They're settling in very well now. In a couple weeks I can send you more pictures, if you'd like, we just usually take pictures the first day and then give them time to settle in before we take more.
**************************************************************************************************** 

#514 LITTLE JAY (Chihuahua) Coconut Creek, FL - Highlands, TX

LITTLE JAY, a 6# male 1 y/o was brought to Driver Michael W in Ft. Meyers by Linn & Scott. He got the little guy across to Katy where they were met by Little Jay's new mom, SuLain B. Michael said the only problem he had was Little Jay would get into his garbage. Below is a story from SuLain.

Driver Michael W pu 1-2-11 del 1-4-11

****************************************************************************************************

Little Jay was picked up as a stray and was in the Miami Dade Animal Shelter in Miami, Fl. He was in the "C" Ward with is used to house unadoptable animals that can only be rescued. Little Jay had a skin condition and was not allowed to be viewed by the public. Nancy Rescue went in and rescued him from being Put to sleep because of his skin conditin. I asked Nancy if I could adopt him after his skin problem cleared up and she contacted me and I am so excited about getting him. SuLain
***************************************************************************************************