Fresno Bully Rescue: Phyllis

Oct 17, 2020 | 2020 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures

by Becky Holly

Becky Holly is FBR’s events coordinator for Fresno Bully Rescue. FBR shares their animal rescue adventures with us every other month. You can find more of their columns here and on KRL News & Reviews.

Phyllis

Recently I was helping out at the emergency shelter for family animals displaced by the Creek Fire when an elderly gentleman arrived looking very tired and broken. He asked for help retrieving his dog, Phyllis, from his vehicle. Because Phyllis was a Pit Bull and the owner told shelter staff she was hard to handle, I was asked to get her from the car and set her up in a temporary crate for her stay. I followed the gentleman to his vehicle and saw a car full of belongings, seemingly everything he had. In the front seat was a black bull terrier mix looking confused, yet excited. Dogs can be very territorial in vehicles but as I opened the door and put a collar and leash on her, Phyllis happily complied and was eager for pets and kisses.

All animals at the emergency shelter were owned, and owners were coming to walk them and spend time daily. Since the owner told staff that he had difficulty handling her, I asked him if he would like to make a schedule to meet me at the emergency shelter in the evenings after I was off work at my regular office job so that he could spend time with her. To my surprise and dismay, the gentleman told me that he would not be coming back to see Phyllis, and in fact wanted to give her up since he had lost his home in the fire and was unable to continue to care for her.

Since the emergency shelter was not equipped to take surrendered animals, I agreed to take Phyllis to Fresno Bully Rescue to hold until Fresno Humane Animal Services could take her. While Fresno Humane Animal Services is a wonderful, valued partner to us, works very hard to save lives, and has reached an unprecedented no kill status for Fresno County, it is still a municipal shelter providing animal control services, therefore, live release for animals there is likely but not guaranteed. Phyllis rode in my car like a champ in the front passenger seat and enjoyed looking out the window and listening to music. Phyllis had some facial scars, ticks, and fleas.

According to her former owner, she was not spayed and had never been vaccinated. Vaccinations and parasite control were first on the list when we arrived at FBR and Phyllis once again took the new, uncomfortable experience in stride. She seemed fearful of some every day items, but she quickly calmed with human assurance.

Once I took her into her new, large kennel at FBR, Phyllis was very excited about her dog house filled with cozy blankets and the toys we had put in there for her. The look on her face said “Can you believe this?” I could tell that Phyllis’ former owner cared for her, but it was also clear her life had not been easy.

Phyllis has now been with us for several weeks, and she has blossomed into a silly, affectionate, well-behaved dog full of personality. Phyllis genuinely loves her toys and her comfy bed full of blankets. She dances with excitement when she sees you and loves to be hugged and cuddled. In fact, when you stop, she gently paws to let you know she would like some more. Phyllis has a soft mouth with treats and toys, is quiet, patient, and loving. Phyllis does need to be the only dog in the home, but with a dog like Phyllis that is all you need. Phyllis is the type of dog that will not only be your companion, but will see you as her everything and is eternally grateful for every kiss, cuddle, and new experience. For those of us who have been lucky to have a dog like Phyllis in our families, it is a powerful, special and once in a lifetime bond. If you are looking for a companion that will never make you wonder if they love you and appreciate you, Phyllis is your girl.

Check out the Fresno Bully website to learn more about Phyllis and the rescue.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section here in KRL and on our sister website KRL News & Reviews. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Fresno Bully Rescue.