by Joyce Brandon

Joyce is a part of Animal Compassion Team, an animal rescue in Fresno.

Like many public service occupations, those in animal rescue see the best and worst of humanity. Thankfully, the animal loving people we deal with on a day to day basis fuel our resolve to continue; likewise I suppose, those that abuse and neglect the helpless cement our commitment to animal welfare cause.

I like to reflect on the happy endings. Happy endings help me stay on task. Adopters that will travel for hours to take home a special needs dog or cat, rescuers that set their own comfort aside for the sake of those at risk, and a generous public that pitch in their hard earned money to help care for the sick and wounded are all situations that empower and embolden me. I have been blessed beyond measure to have played a small role in countless happy endings.

We have a happy ending in the making for three fantastic little dogs. We call them our “canal” dogs: Panama, Suez, and Venice. These three never cease to amaze me with their outgoing love for everyone they come in contact with. They are happy and playful and are waiting patiently for their very own families to come along. One reason people are drawn to dogs is because of their capacity to offer unconditional love. These three are no exception; but, what makes them really special is their near tragic journey.

I took a call a month or so ago while out at an adoption event. A woman called and said her husband just spotted a man throw three dogs into a canal: It wasn’t far from our adoption center and she was hoping we could help. It only took one text message and the fabulous Animal Compassion Team was on the road. Brenda Mitchell and Tracy Crutchfield were first on the scene and it didn’t take long for them to find the dogs and bring them up to safety.

All three dogs had strange wounds on their bodies. Our vet determined that they had all been likely shot with a BB gun. Imagine being shot at, loaded into a van, and dumped into a canal like trash! In spite of all this, these three are amazing in their love for humans.

Panama, Suez, and Venice have been rescued, stitched up, loved, and cared for. They are waiting for you to provide the happy ending. All three are residents at our Sofia Adoption Center and would love to have you come out and visit. We are located at 2789 S. Orange Ave. That is just south of Jensen off of Golden State in Fresno.

Learn more about ACT in their article here at KRL & watch for a new adoptable pet from ACT on our home page every week. You can also read more of Joyce’s Animal Rescue Adventures here.

Editor’s Note: Kings River Life Magazine wants to be a part of helping ACT and other animal rescues save the lives of animals in need. Toward that goal we recently began giving 10% of our ad sales to one of three rescues–Cat House On The Kings, ACT and Rattie Ratz–you can learn more in a recent article. Every time you buy an ad you can choose which of the three you would like your money to go to.

Joyce Brandon is co-founder of Animal Compassion Team, has lived in Squaw Valley for 21 years and has always had lots of four legged friends sharing her mountain home along with her husband Jim, and five children. Joyce works part time for Mountain Valley Community Church and splits the rest of her time between family and animal rescue work. Joyce believes animal rescue is a mission field God has called her to and has given her a passion for.