Community Pet Center

Humble Hubble

One recent Saturday, the APA Office received a call from a woman who said she was going into the Army, only had a few days to place her dog and could we help. After returning the woman’s call and not getting an answer, we went about our volunteer duties at Animal Control. Close to closing time, a woman arrived with a dog and, as she started to talk, we realized that this was the same woman that we had tried to reach earlier.

She said she had rescued Hubble from Friends of the Animals located in Chester, South Carolina. The dog, approximately 2 years old and a black flat-coat retriever and chow mix, is very modest, shy, gentle and loving. Hubble never barks, has been neutered and house broken, is very playful, and likes children, adults and other animals including cats.

Since our foster families were either on vacation or their homes were full, we told the woman that we would do our very best to get Hubble placed in a good home. However, we explained that it was possible that if we couldn’t place him and he remained at the Animal Control Facility, he could be destroyed within a few short days. She was devastated and didn’t want this to happen to him. As we sat in the office thinking about what to do, it became more and more obvious that Hubble was a very obedient, sweet and snuggly dog who would make someone a great companion. We talked about the New Leash on Life Program-matching inmates with shelter dogs saving and improving the lives of both. As we discussed the possibility of placing Hubble in the Program, this soldier began to cry. We soon learn3e that this Program would mean a great deal to her and Hubble.

After talking with Cheri McAlister, head trainer of the Program, who agreed to take Hubble into the next New Leash on Life Program. Hubble’s owner told us that this would make her mother very happy and we asked why. She cried as she explained that her brother had been on death row since he was 18 years old and will be in prison for life. She told us that her brother used to collect aluminum cans to raise money to feed the stray cats and dogs in their neighborhood. She talked about how much this would mean to her brother although he is currently not allowed to participate or interact with others.

Given Hubble’s owner’s family background and need to surrender him in order to serve our country, this is the least we can do for her special friend, Hubble. With his many positive attributes and endearing personality, Hubble will be a wonderful New Leash on Life dog and will find a loving forever home.

We wish this soldier and her family the very best as she begins her military career. In our upcoming columns, you will be reacquainted with Zoe (who was featured in our first Pet Project insert in August 2005). Her dad is returning to Iraq and we will update you on their activities in the near future. Please keep all of the troops serving in the armed forces and their families in your thoughts and prayers.