Halfway through the long drive from California to Austin, Texas, we made the decision to hold off just a little longer before finally stopping for gas in what felt like the middle of nowhere. As we pulled up to park, we noticed a black lab walking from one human to another, then we looked at each other, instantly deciding that if he needed help we'd provide it.
The cashier inside said she believed he had been dumped at the site. He had been lingering by the store for days, walking up to new visitors as they exited their cars. Some people bought food for him, but he seemed mostly interested in greeting each new person stepping through. I noticed his face had a cute little droop to it and he had a collection of ticks on his body. With the Texas heat blazing, we could tell he was happy to be resting in cooler temperatures as he almost instantly made himself comfortable on the cool floor of our bus after we gently corralled him inside. He slept comfortably all the way back to Austin. With no chip or owner to be found, Dante officially became part of our pack.
We are so thankful for those of you who help network our rescues, because it is through this kind of information sharing that rescue dog's, like Dante, are able find their best friend and forever home.
From Dante's new mom:
"It goes without saying that 2020 was a tough year for everyone. After being displaced due to the pandemic, moving back to my hometown, and settling into the new work from home "normal", I found myself desperately longing for a furry companion. A friend led me to Rescue Pac and ultimately a black lab mix named Dante. I brought Dante home in October under the pretense that I'd foster him until we found him a home because like many others, I wasn't sure where I would be the following year. 4 weeks into being his momma, I stopped going out of my way, telling people he was up for adoption. This silly, derpy, loving, incredibly cuddly, and playful dog had captured my heart and I couldn't imagine life without him. He reminded me what unconditional love can do for one's outlook on life - so, I adopted him. We are two peas in a pod, a match made in heaven and at times I can't believe how lucky I am. Dante brings meaningful purpose to my life while also giving me perspective on what really matters. It doesn't matter where my next job takes me, we will take on that city together. Thank you Rescue PAC for rescuing this boy from El Paso! You've made us both incredibly happy."