By Janet McAfee
The past few years have been exceptionally hard for our dogs and cats. In most regions of our country, they roam our streets hungry and often sick. Public and private shelters are overwhelmed with strays and relinquished animals. There never seems to be enough adopters.
During the pandemic, spaying and neutering was not considered an essential service, and the animals born then have given birth to many litters of young animals. The cost of housing, HOA pet restrictions, increased veterinary costs and landlord issues have made more precious creatures homeless.
David Bowan, an animal lover residing in Salton City, took it upon himself to make a difference. Sometimes it’s up to us as individuals to create solutions. On July 5, 2024, a small dog showed up outside his house. There was only one home nearby with several blocks of houses some distance away in this rural region. The dog refused to leave, possibly catching the smell of Casper, David’s Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix pup. He put out ice water, food, and a quilt, but eventually brought her indoors out of the sweltering heat.
She was a gorgeous friendly pup. Neighbors knew nothing about her. There are no veterinarians near the Salton Sea to scan for a microchip, so David drove her to Petco in Indio.7″I’m trying to find my home.”
David tells us, “I called her Baby Girl. At first she would sit in the bedroom doorway and watch me and Casper at night. Gradually she bonded with Casper and they happily played together. This kind, gentle pup wants all your love and wants to make everyone happy. She’s so smart and quickly learned commands.”
No owner came forward. David contacted us at Loving All Animals rescue for guidance and followed up on the suggestion to take her to Animal Action League, a mobile veterinary service that provides very low-cost spaying, neutering and vaccinations. On October 28, Baby Girl received these essential services in order to be “adoptable”. David’s landlord only permitted one dog, and David asked Loving All Animals to network her cute photo on our social media.
The Animal Action League Vet told David that Baby Girl appeared to be a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. These dogs are a special British breed of Spaniels. They are known to have a temperament that is playful, affectionate, sociable, fearless, adorable, playful and graceful. With her white and chestnut colored coat, Baby Girl appears to be a Blenheim King Charles Cavalier. The vet also estimated her to be a young animal about 2 years of age.
Loving All Animals did a “courtesy post” on social media to help Baby Girl find a forever home. David’s landlord permitted only one dog while he assertively managed to keep her safe with him during this temporary period.
David carefully screened people looking for quality adopters who were young enough to keep up with an active young dog and provide plenty of walks and exercise. He screened out one interested couple whose yard was not safely fenced. Animal advocate Christine Jones saw Baby Girl’s Facebook post and thought she could help. Christine lives in the Trilogy La Quinta community where there is a Cavalier Spaniel Club! She met David with Baby Girl and made some videos to show her neighbors.
Joy Ridenour, another Trilogy resident, doesn’t have a Cavalier but found out about the little dog needing a home. On May 15, it was love at first sight when she met Baby Girl who was also welcomed by Joy’s Labrador dog Betty. Joy told David how much fun and happiness Baby Girl has brought into her life. David and Casper miss Baby Girl but they have an upcoming playdate scheduled and enjoy getting texts with updates and photos.
David says, “Baby Girl taught me to love animals even more than I did before.” We need more animal heroes like David Rosen at a time when the shelters are overwhelmed and most “rescuers” are exhausted. Can you adopt a rescue dog or cat? Can you foster for one of the local shelters or rescues? When you foster with a reputable local animal welfare organization they provide veterinary and adoption assistance. I can email you my list of shelters that have foster programs which includes Loving All Animals at www.lovingallanimals.org.
We celebrate the happy ending for a once homeless little stray dog. Baby Girl has brought joy to so many people who were part of her journey to a home!
