Judy McGrath, 50, Melbourne, Vic The daring raid was captured on camera. A tiny white tail wagged as its owner burrowed into the cupboard containing doggy treats. Meanwhile, her partner in crime - a staffy cross - looked on. As I watched the drama unfold on my computer, hundreds of kilometres away in Victoria, I couldn't help but smile. It was November 2010 and I'd been following the progress of these two elderly pet dogs ever since they'd arrived at Blacktown Pound in western Sydney a few days earlier. Workers at the pound had been taking photos of the cheeky twosome and posting them on their website. It was clear the white and tan Jack Russell cross, called Lucky, and her companion, Sparkles, doted on each other. They'd obviously come from the same home, but no-one knew their background - perhaps their owner had passed away. Now they were waiting for a new family. As a lifelong animal lover I longed to take them in, but it simply wasn't practical. I already had other pets. |  |
Instead I followed their progress every day on the internet, desperately hoping someone would take them in before it was too late. A few days later, Lucky found a temporary home - at a rescue centre for small dogs in NSW. But poor Sparkles remained alone at the pound, mourning the loss of her mate. It was devastating. Over the next two weeks Sparkles lost weight and her expression became haunted. She started to lose her fur, developed sores from lying on concrete and her lovely brown eyes lost their, well, sparkle. Then, after five weeks on her own, horrifying news arrived. Because no-one wanted her, Sparkles was going to have to be put down. She was on death row, with just hours left to live. At that moment, something inside me snapped. No, I thought. Not this one. She's special. I decided to do everything I could to save her. First I called the pound and paid the $62 to release her. Then I arranged for a special truck to collect her and bring her to Melbourne. Finally I contacted three animal foster carers who agreed to look after her if needed. Five days later, when I met Sparkles for the first time I knew I'd made the right decision. Although initially wary, it didn't take her very long to leap into my lap. After a trip to the vet for a check-up, she was settled into a foster home. The trouble was, because she was suffering from terrible separation anxiety, she didn't mix well with other dogs. Over the next few weeks she stayed with different foster carers until I booked her into a luxury boarding kennel instead. 
It cost $18 a night and I was stunned when fellow animal fans on Facebook donated money for Sparkles' upkeep. Admittedly, some were surprised by my affection for Sparkles. Why are you doing all this? one person asked. I didn't have an answer. There was just something about these dogs that made me want to help. And my mission didn't end there. After doing some online research I tracked down Lucky. I'm going to reunite them, I decided, excitedly arranging for Lucky to be transported to Victoria. But a few days after Lucky arrived I got a call from her foster owner. 'Lucky's seriously ill,' she told me. 'She needs to go to the vet immediately.' The vet told us she'd contracted haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. She was kept in a vet hospital on a drip for a few days at a total cost of $1500. Once again, my Facebook friends spread the word and I was amazed when people started making donations towards the cost of Lucky's care. It was another two weeks before Lucky was well enough to be reunited with Sparkles. And what a day it was. The sun shone as I led Sparkles to the park to meet her mate. When Lucky scurried over with her foster owner, I almost had my arms pulled out by Sparkles pulling on her lead. 'They recognise each other,' I cried as Sparkles jumped all over her long lost friend. Over the next two weeks Lucky and Sparkles spent more time together before eventually moving into the same pen at the boarding kennels. During the course of their journey Lucky and Sparkles were renamed Teagan and Layla because no-one knew their old names. But whatever you call them, they just love being back together. It's a joy to see how happy they are, playing like puppies and sleeping side by side in the same canvas bed. |  |
Now I'm looking for someone who will give them the home they deserve – together. Be prepared though, now the daring duo are reunited it won't be long before they're back to their treat-stealing tricks! UPDATE on Layla & TeaganMessage from Judy: I just wanted to share with you the good news. Layla and Teagan have been officially adopted by the most loving family. They enjoy daily walks with their new family and even have their own bedroom. They have surely landed on their paws! No more concrete pens for them. They receive mega amounts of cuddles and attention now. View other pets like Layla & Teagan who are looking for a loving home at www.petrescue.com.au. As told to Katherine Davison |
