Old Dominion Humane Society Volunteers Travel To New Mexico Shelter To Rescue 50 Dogs And Get An Unexpected Delivery On The Road
- Lenora Kruk - Mullanaphy
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
It was a dire situation for the Artesia Animal Shelter in New Mexico when Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) Founder Chrissy Hamilton received the call for help a few weeks ago. The shelter manager was overwhelmed from battling serious health issues at the same time dozens of dogs from a hoarding case arrived. Her heart went out to the shelter manager’s plight, and Hamilton offered to help by taking a majority of the dogs to ODHS, where they’d be cared for by volunteers, fostered and adopted.
“Two dedicated volunteers stepped up to fly to New Mexico, pick up the dogs and drive them back to Fredericksburg,” said Hamilton. “They left on Friday and returned on Monday with 50 dogs. The volunteers kept us informed of their trip by posting where they were and how many more miles they had to go before getting back to ODHS.”
Volunteers Christina Twombly, of King George, and Theresa Murray, of Spotsylvania, didn’t hesitate to make the trip even though it was during a holiday weekend and they’d miss time spent with their families. After flying across the country, they picked up the pups, which included about 30 Chihuahuas, a few pregnant dogs and a handful of nursing moms. Then, they were ready to make the trek back to Fredericksburg, a trip that was filled with surprises and good samaritans along the way.
“We knew this trip would be a long one---1,745 miles of driving—but Theresa and I were determined to make it happen,” said Twombly. “We wanted to do it, because the shelter so desperately needed to find homes for some of these amazing pups.”
Twombly said the trip was so much fun, and there were some big highlights along the way. While driving back, the volunteers were in for a big surprise—one of the pregnant dogs gave birth to puppies.
Twombly said the pups were introduced to peanut butter, a treat they’d never experienced before. While at first unsure about the snack, they soon found it irresistible and became peanut butter lovers. Another “win” situation was befriending a very stressed mother dog that was aggressive at the Artesia shelter. Maybe it was the long drive or the soothing voices of Twombly and Murray or the peanut butter treats, but the dog came to love the two volunteers—and the feeling was mutual.
At a truck stop, they met a long-haul truck driver who stopped by their vehicle as they were handing the dogs peanut butter treats and giving them water. He donated $100 for food and said he’d always wanted to work with a rescue or shelter. On another stop at a convenience store, the staff helped out by ensuring the dogs had cold water.
Twombly said all the mom dogs and nursing pups, as well as unvaccinated dogs, are being cared for by foster families. Many dogs are still at ODHS waiting to be fostered.
“It’s fortunate that we were able to help the shelter by taking these dogs to ODHS,” said Hamilton. “The situation there was difficult, and they had a lack of resources to care for so many dogs from the hoarding case. It’s great to be able to partner in our shared mission of rescuing dogs and giving them a second chance at the lives they deserve.”
Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption surveys submitted in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.