Tuesday's Tails: Freckles and her Pups!

If you're involved in animal rescue, you know how important transports can be in saving the life of an animal.  There are many different transporting organizations around the country, each one like a "freedom train" of sorts for animals in need.  Dogs and cats are whisked out of high-kill shelters and passed - from vehicle to vehicle, person to person - across the state or the country to safe rescues and forever homes.

Since I am currently unable to foster, I think that volunteering with transports is the next best thing.  When we have the time and funds, my husband and I love to help bring homeless dogs to their eventual forever homes - it is extremely rewarding, and it's surprising how close you can get to the dog in such a short time (check out another of our transporting experiences here).

Freckles and her two female puppies were our latest passengers, and all three of them were absolute angels during the ride!  They were eventually brought to Ruff Life Rescue in Wisconsin, where they are now up for adoption.

Her name is Freckles for a reason! :) (Photo courtesy of another Paws on Wheels transport volunteer)

These dogs are a mishmash of breeds (most likely Shepherd/Border Collie/Lab); Mama Freckles is 1.5 years old, and her two little girls are about 10 weeks.  Before we set off on the road, we were warned that Freckles seemed very timid and scared - and sure enough, while she accepted scratches behind the ears, she was pretty fearful...she even wedged herself in behind the passenger seat and refused to sit beside us!  

Camera-shy and in such an awkward position!  However, she was fast asleep like this!

Toward the end of the trip, however, Freckles had warmed up and was giving a few shy kisses.  She seemed like such a sweet girl with a loving, mellow personality.  There is no doubt she is going to make someone a great pet!  The puppies, in contrast to their mama, were noisy and playful - as most puppies are, of course!  

This gal was the more outgoing and rambunctious of the two puppies...

While her pink-collared sister was sweet but subdued.  The girls were playful at first...

But they snuggled up together for a nap once we hit the road!

While waiting for the next volunteer so we could make the "hand-off", Jared and I got in some quality cuddle time with the puppies - can never get enough of those big bellies and puppy breath!  When I brought Freckles outside to jump into the next vehicle, she turned into a different dog:  She sprawled herself across my lap, nearly knocking me over, and proceeded to smother my face in kisses!  It was SUCH a sweet moment...kind of like she was thanking me for the ride and saying her goodbyes. :)  I was, quite honestly, sad to see her go, though of course hopeful for her bright future!

If you'd like to give Freckles or one of her puppies a forever home, please contact the Ruff Life Rescue to fill out an application.  Also, if you're interested in volunteering for transports, check out the Paws on Wheels transport organization.  Though there are many different organizations out there, Paws on Wheels is one of the most efficient and reliable!

If you're involved in animal rescue, have you ever participated in a transport?  How did it go?  Please let me know in the comments, and, as always, thanks for reading! :)