Stanley's story is yet another sad one with a very happy ending.
As was reported last year in the news, it was a dreary Christmas Eve back in 2005 for a big brown dog whose owners dumped him on the street a few blocks from the shelter. The shelter was closed for the holidays, so he wandered alone for three days, no food or water, until he was picked up by Animal Control as a stray.
A few days prior, a friend of the owners had contacted a rescue volunteer from Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Chessie) Relief and Rescue, a national rescue organization, to see if she could get this dog into rescue. When she called the owners to tell them she had found a spot for him, she was informed that the husband gave the dog to "a farm." The volunteer watched the local shelter website, and the dog appeared amongst the impounds a few days after Christmas.
Wheels were set in motion, and transport arranged. A volunteer from Westside German Shepherd Rescue pulled him from the shelter and drove him to where he would meet the Chessie Rescue volunteer that would drive him to San Diego. The Chessie Rescue person knew his name, his age and his former living situation.
When they met, she called the dog by his name -- Stanley. The look on the dog's face was one of pure elation that someone finally knew who he was. He instantly relaxed, and rode the entire way with his head gratefully resting in her hand. The Chessie Rescue volunteers in San Diego took him to the vet, had him checked, vaccinated, neutered and removed dew claws with nails that had grown into the pads from being untrimmed for years, causing an infection.
Stanley is a handsome purebred Chesapeake Bay Retriever with a beautiful coat and green eyes. He was 3 years old, friendly, smart and willing and ready to learn to be a terrific and fun-loving companion. Stanley's former life of being relegated to the backyard alone was behind him. He was fostered by Craig Haverstick of San Diego, who decided to make his adoption permanent in January of 2006.
Craig and Stanley are great companions. It was Craig's dream to own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Stanley now participates in Dock Dog jumping events, and is a Surf Dog champion. The crowd loves his antics. He stands up in the pool, refuses to come out, dives for toys, and sits up to shake hands with admirers. They travel the country for these events.
This past year, Stanley was again chosen as one of the finalists to ride on the Natural Balance float in the Tournament of Roses Parade 2012. It's the world's heaviest float, carrying over 6,600 gallons of water and is certified by The Guinness Book of World Records. If you missed it, this float featured surfing dogs.
It was a real pleasure to meet Stanley.
Regardless of what type of dog you are looking for - including a purebred, you can find a warm heart and cold nose waiting for you at a rescue or shelter. There are rescues for many of the breeds. And dogs waiting for your loving arms and home.
Save a life - don't buy a pet - Adopt.
