Stanford, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, has become a hero dog for saving a fellow canine’s life through a life-saving blood donation. However, despite his selflessness, Stanford was almost euthanized after getting no adoption inquiries at the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 2022.
Thankfully, after an outpouring of calls, emails, and messages, Stanford was rescued and is now safe at nonprofit animal rescue Let Love Live in Northeast Texas, which has a “no kill” goal. The rescue lets animals, including dogs, stay for as long as they need until they find a forever home.
Evan Panhasi, vice president of Let Love Live, explained to WFAA: “We were looking at three other dogs because we had space for four. Stanford was one of the ones who was most urgent, so we decided to take him.”
Stanford has been at the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 15 and had his heroic act rewarded with being neutered and fully vaccinated. He will also receive free vaccinations every year until he turns eight years old.
However, according to a Facebook post by Nicholas Pet Haven, the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter was “being backed into a corner” and Stanford was in danger of being euthanized.
Thankfully, Let Love Live had some open kennels from their previous transport over the weekend, and they were able to take Stanford along with three other dogs from the same shelter named Nellie, Wallen, and Jasmine.
Let Love Live shared in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that Stanford is having a great time with his new playmates. The statement also revealed that Stanford has received a dozen inquiries and seven adoption applications, but they also reminded potential adopters to consider his friends as well.
Let Love Live’s commitment to saving animals and finding them forever homes is inspiring. Their “no-kill” goal ensures that animals like Stanford are not euthanized just because no one wants to adopt them.
In fact, dogs like Stanford are not uncommon in animal shelters across the country. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year in the United States. Sadly, of those, approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized each year.
Animal shelters and rescues need as much support as possible to help these animals find forever homes. Let Love Live’s rescue efforts are a shining example of how animal lovers can make a difference in the animals’ lives.
If you’re looking to adopt a dog or any other animal, you can check with your local animal shelter or rescue to see if they have any available for adoption. You can also consider fostering a dog or volunteering at your local animal shelter to help with their mission.
By working together, we can save animals like Stanford and give them the love and care they deserve.
