The Underground Railroad for Dogs

[Pugpillow]

I am posting this in this section to get the attention of all Pugalug forum members.

The Underground Railroad Needs Your Help

Every Saturday, people like you and me get into their vehicles and drive to a predetermined meeting spot, usually a commuter parking lot near the 401 or the parking lot of a fast food restaurant, where they meet someone who has driven an hour to meet them.  Both drivers get out of their vehicles, shake hands and share a few brief words.  Then they open their back doors or gates and exchange cargo  -  cargo more valuable than diamonds or gold or drugs.   The cargo is rescued dogs.  The drivers again shake hands or perhaps hug and the new driver goes on their way to meet another driver in another predetermined meeting place an hour or so down the highway where the scene is repeated.  The driver turns around and goes home to get on with the rest of their daily routine. This scene is repeated week in, week out throughout the year, westbound from Ottawa or Montreal or Kingston or Belleville to Toronto or Cambridge or Barrie or London and eastbound in reverse.  Sometimes the transports go northward; it just depends on the receiving destination. Most Saturdays, multiple transports are taking place and sometimes on Sundays or through the week.

The volunteer drivers are part of the rescue chain which helps dogs who have been rescued from abusive situations and puppy mills or who have narrowly escaped euthanasia in a shelter.  The dogs come from humane societies, temporary foster homes and pet sanctuaries and are headed to foster or adoptive homes where they will get love and medical care to help them start a new and better life.  

The unfortunate fact is that the number of dogs needing transport has increased and the number of transporters has not increased commensurately, in part because people are not aware of the need and in part because increased gas prices discourage people from putting extra miles on their vehicle.   When transporters are not available, the dogs cannot be rescued and some are doomed to die or languish in shelters.

What I’m asking is that you donate a couple of hours out of your weekend (usually Saturday) to help us help these dogs.  You will not be paid for your time nor your gas as rescue organizations are always strapped for funds, but the non-monetary rewards are immeasurable.   When the previous driver hands over to you a frightened little pup or a dog who has spent all his or her life in a breeding cage and you look in their eyes and see fear and maybe a glimmer of hope, your heart will melt and you will know you have made a difference in this world.  Won’t you give yourself an opportunity to have this experience?

If you would like to help, please PM me and we can discuss it.  If you would like to try it but not commit to doing it regularly, that’s okay.  If you would like to accompany an existing driver to see what’s involved first, that can be arranged too.  Please help us help those who cannot help themselves.

[christinelbell]

Hillary that was very well written!

From the point of view of someone who has done a few transports (unfortunately I live in Owen Sound and there are not many transports to my area), has been involved in rescues/animal shelters and will soon have my first foster experience (I can't wait!) it is an experience that will change your life forever!  Words can not describe it.

I urge each and every one on this forum to get involved in some aspect of rescue because sadly there are thousands of animals that need your help. Not sure where or how to help out----just ask!

[Anna]

I love to do transports whenever I can.  It really is a rewarding experience.

Hilary, I have a friend in Brantford who is also a dog lover.  Do you want me to see if she could join the transport group?  
Do you have enough people out that way?

PM me if you'd like me to contact her.

[vidushee]

i'm in stratford...in case you need me en route to toronto or neighbouring areas...i'm absolutely available.....

[puggy splendor]

Hello Pugpillow,

Thank you very much for your excellent post on the need for more volanteers for dog transport. A have a specific question about the transport of dogs that have been rescued from the US. I realize that proper documents are required, but there is a preception (and I admidt I am not clear myself) that transport for purposes of rescue is not illegal (versus explaining to a border official that you are transporting a permanent family pet). As motivated as many are for the good cause of dog rescue, I know that for some at least the perception that that they may somehow be part of a process that may break the law at some stage (crossing Canada/US border) is a deterant. Perhaps some education from more experienced transporters in this area would help people be 100% clear on what it is they are involved in from a "legal" standpoint and can then make educated decisions and hopefully there will be more volenteers coming out of the woodwork.

Thank you again

[Little Igor]

This post brought tears to my eyes.
I had absolutely no idea that this transport chain went on - how wonderful!

I heard about it last week when I got the message that my new rescue pug would be coming in from Ottawa and this transport chain would be set up to run her in. I'm the last "link" to pick up our sweet girl "Melody" in Bowmanville to bring her home to stay with us in Barrie.

So when I signed on today and read this post, I was moved to tears (yeah! I'm just a big softee).

If you're ever looking for a link north to Barrie, let me know how I can help...

Denise & Igor & Hilda

[Pugpillow]

This post brought tears to my eyes.
I had absolutely no idea that this transport chain went on - how wonderful!

I heard about it last week when I got the message that my new rescue pug would be coming in from Ottawa and this transport chain would be set up to run her in. I'm the last "link" to pick up our sweet girl "Melody" in Bowmanville to bring her home to stay with us in Barrie.

So when I signed on today and read this post, I was moved to tears (yeah! I'm just a big softee).

If you're ever looking for a link north to Barrie, let me know how I can help...

Denise & Igor & Hilda

Welcome, Denise!  Glad to see you on board (here on the forum, I mean!   ).  I'll add you to the transport team list - thanks!  Hilary

[Little Igor]

Thanks Hillary - you know where to find me.
Are you still laughing about the "PUG NERD" plate??

Denise

[Little Igor]

A big thank you to everyone one on the Railroad that helped "Melody" reach her new home in Barrie today.

Melody, henceforth to be known as "Olga" has settled in well with Igor and Hilda. She's had a nice big supper and is now enjoying pug naptime... it's like she's always been here!

Thanks again to all the links in our transportation chain, and anyone else that helped along the way!!

Denise, Igor, Hilda & Olga

[deb]

Hilary,

That was so moving and eloquent and you will see I've copied it to the 613 pugalug group and a few select friends.

Denise,

Give Olga a big kiss for me, Ross and & were tempted to pugnap her.  It was a joy to be part of her tranport yesterday.

Deb

[Pugpillow]

Hilary,

That was so moving and eloquent and you will see I've copied it to the 613 pugalug group and a few select friends.

Denise,

Give Olga a big kiss for me, Ross and & were tempted to pugnap her.  It was a joy to be part of her tranport yesterday.

Deb

Yep, Denise, I think you were very lucky she made it to you!  And yes, I'm still laughing at PUG NERD.

[lmcpug]

Hello Hillary;

I live in London and would love to volunteer to help out.
I have 2 puggies and have rescued 3 in the past and know the look
of hope in their sweet eyes.

Please put me down and I will help whenever I can.

Lori

[lmcpug]

Hi;

I just read the post by Puggy Splendor and would like to advise that in August 2005 I went across the border and adopted 3 puggies.
Myself, my friend and Mr. Pugs
I had spotted a family of three puggies> Honey (mom), Bubba (son) and ShyAnne (dgtr) on the Michigan Pug Rescue site. The rescue did not want them broken up and I applied

Hope that this helps with anyone who might be nervous crossing the border with animals.

Lori

[Pugpillow]

Hi;

I just read the post by Puggy Splendor and would like to advise that in August 2005 I went across the border and adopted 3 puggies.
Myself, my friend and Mr. Pugs
I had spotted a family of three puggies> Honey (mom), Bubba (son) and ShyAnne (dgtr) on the Michigan Pug Rescue site. The rescue did not want them broken up and I applied

Hope that this helps with anyone who might be nervous crossing the border with animals.

Lori

Sad to say, not all rescue crossings are this uneventful.  A large group of dogs was turned back last week because of an overzealous border guard.  They were overnighted on the US side and finally made it across the border on Sunday.  Apparently there is a discrepancy between the requirements posted on the website and the policy put into effect post Hurricane Katrina which hasn't been formally rescinded.  It all depends on which guards you get, it seems, and whether a supervisor is available to solve any problems.

[Pugpillow]

Hello Hillary;

I live in London and would love to volunteer to help out.
I have 2 puggies and have rescued 3 in the past and know the look
of hope in their sweet eyes.

Please put me down and I will help whenever I can.

Lori

Lori - I've sent you a PM.