The Commerce Humane Association took in three emaciated dogs that had to be rehabilitated about six months ago.  One of these dogs was a deaf Australian Shepherd named Piper. 

We requested that another rescue that handles deaf dogs take this dog once she was stable.  Deaf dogs need special handling and a shelter setting is very confusing for a dog that can’t hear.  The local groups tried to find a foster home, but none where available.  Finally, White Angels Hope Rescue NYC contacted us to see about transferring Piper to their rescue. 

Piper was heartworm positive, so we had to have her treated for heartworms, which Dr. Patricia Rife at Animal Medical Center did at a reduced fee.  Michelle Youtz, at Cause for Paws, donated the drugs required for the treatment.  Dr. Jeri Stewart, a veterinarian that works at Cause for Paws, spayed Piper and vaccinated her.  Our Texas girl was ready for a new life.  After near death from starvation this precious baby has gotten a chance at a new life. 

On Saturday, October 24 Piper started her journey to New York.  She left here and was taken via volunteers all the way from Wolfe City to New York.  I received an email from her new foster mom saying she arrived well and in good spirits.  That she has walked the whole place and is settled in as if she belongs there.  Thanks to everyone that played a part in getting Piper from death's door to a hope for a wonderful new life. 

Piper is just one dog; we have many many in the shelter with similar stories.  The dogs we pull come from families that have lost their jobs, homes, or died.  Many we loved pets that due to no fault of their own have ended up in a local municipal shelter.  We pull from the euthanasia line, so the dogs in our shelter would be dead today if we hadn’t stepped up to give them a chance. 

Please, if you are looking for a new friend, go to the shelters and adopt.  There are many wonderful pets waiting for a forever home.  Consider giving a senior a place in your home.  They just want to live out their lives with a little love, a warm bed, and a meal every day.  The return is uncountable.   

You can see many of our adoptable animals at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX519.html.  To set an appointment to meet one of our pets call 903/496-2412 or email commercepets@yahoo.com.  We will be at PetSense in Greenville on Saturday, October 31st from 11-5.  That evening we will be Trick-or-Treating for change in Greenville and Commerce, so watch for our dogs. 

Remember to spay or neuter your pet to reduce the number of unwanted pets in our local shelters.