On October 31, I was notified through the Animal Advocates website that there were two springers in Whitehorse YU who needed a new home or they would be euthanized on November 7th. We were told that the owner was moving and didn't want to take her dogs.

There was a contact email for Lorie, a northern rescuer and she played the "Go-between" as emails came in with offers to take the dogs.

English Springer Rescue Association of Canada offered our help immediately. I received an email from one of our approved adoption applicants who was very excited that she had been accepted by the owner to take the dogs and that the owner would pay to fly them south. Then all communication stopped. November 7th came and went and we couldn't get answers on their status.

Lorie, the "Go-between" had heard a rumor that the dogs were now with the son but couldn't confirm it since she had no way to contact him. We thought that they were safe and our help wasn't needed.

On November 29, I was sent an email with the contents of a newspaper ad advertising the two dogs. I left messages at the phone numbers and a day later got a call from the son. Yes!! he wanted our help for the dogs.

Then started the search to find transport for the dogs and I hit a few brick walls getting information. I emailed one airline and got no reply. I was given the name of the President of another airline and called him on his private line. [big grin] He wouldn't offer help but I kept pushing until he told me to contact marketing. Days of negotiation and supplying letters and information that ESRAC is TRULY a rescue, they generously offered to fly the dogs at a difficult time of the year.

(Support and remember AirNorth!! for their kindness... tell everyone that they are GREAT people with big hearts.)

It took time and great efforts of the available ESRAC volunteers in Alberta. Ron and Kathleen Vidal offered to foster. Whew!! We knew that they had a firm holiday booked but we had NO idea that Alberta kennels are booked solid in early fall. (We are still looking!!) Ron has spent hours on the phone with everyone he can think of... I'm searching for connections to pull heartstrings. It's just a week! (Anyone have connections in the Calgary area to look after two great springers??)

We are indebted to Terry Cumming for the loan of his crate and sharing of information. For the help of the son and daughter, we are very grateful. For Lorie, for being the "Go-between" and our only line for information, our hearts are full. For AirNorth whose generousity honours our dogs and values their safety.

The springers landed in Calgary safely this evening and are doing well with the loving and amazing care of Ron and Kathleen, and their springers, Rainey and Riggins, but Ron and Kathleen are still going away and another foster home is needed from December 22nd to 30th.