A shelter dog, who saved a fellow canine’s life, almost got euthanized after getting no adoption inquiries at the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 2022.
After an outpour of calls, emails, and messages, the dog has been rescued and is now safe at a nonprofit animal rescue at Northeast Texas called Let Love Live.
The rescue, which has a “no kill” goal, lets dogs, along with other animals, stay as long as they need until they find a forever home.
Evan Panhasi, vice president of Let Love Live, tells WFAA, “We were looking at three other dogs because we had to space for four. Stanford was one of the ones who was most urgent and so we decided to take him.”
The dog, a friendly two-and-a-half-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Stanford, has been at the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 15.
He is referred to a ‘hero’ dog for his life-saving blood donation. Smith County Animal Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene shares with WFAA, “He has donated blood to the animal emergency clinic to save another life of a dog.”
And in exchange of his heroic act, Stanford was neutered and fully vaccinated. He will also get free vaccinations every year until he turns 8 years old.
However, according to a Facebook post by Nicholas Pet Haven, the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter was “being backed into a corner” and that Stanford is first in line to be put down.
Thankfully, Let Love Live had some open kennels from their previous transport during the weekend. And they were able to take Stanford along with 3 other dogs from the same shelter named Nellie, Wallen and Jasmine.
The rescue shared, in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, that Stanford is having a great time with his new playmates.
Let Love Live also shared in the statement that Stanford has received a dozen of inquires and seven adoption applications. But the rescue also used this opportunity as a reminder, “all the wonderful people interested in him please adopt his friends as well.”
