Wells

Zach was working on a remote ranch south of Bellevue when a small dog approached him out of no where.  Zach is a hydrologist and works with wells often during his job.  This dog immediately started licking at the pipe of the well where the water was leaking out, desperate for water.  The ranch manager Zach was working with said the dog was a stray and would surely die within the week.  Zach was devastated and couldn't stand to know or see an animal suffer.  He decided he wouldn't let it.  Clearly the dog had never been in a car before and she wet herself immediately out of fright when Zach lifted her light body into the back of his truck.  If she didn't have such a pretty coat of fur her ribs would be visible for the only thing holding her together. 

He got home late that evening and we did our best to feed this little stray and make her comfortable in our home.  She seemed relieved to have someone to care for her but extremely anxious and nervous about any movement or noise.  The next morning we took her to the vet to get bathed and some medical attention.  We wanted to help as much as we could and thought we could handle another dog in our home.  One more night with us and it became apparent that this was over our heads.  With our new baby due to arrive next month, limited time and income, we knew this dog needed more attention and time then we have to give.

She is very sweet and approachable.  She has a gorgeous yellow and white coat that makes us think she is part Collie with freckles on her face that makes her part Red Healer.  Her eyes are a gorgeous pale yellow that matches her fur.  She get's nervous when left alone or things around her change suddenly.  She got use to Lucy after the first night but wasn't trusting immediately.  Once you earn her friendship she was going to be by your side indefinitely.  From her white teeth and small paws we believe she is around 1 1/2yrs.  She seems a lot more interested in people food but would eat anything.  We are guessing she was a scavenger because she is very sneaky about knowing when to take items from your lunch.  She weighs only 28lbs but when on a proper diet should way at least 38lbs.  Her fur is deceiving because she is all bones underneath.  I brought her to work with me on Friday and she was amazingly calm and responsive to anyone that was interested.  She does not understand a leash but didn't seem to mind as long as I was around her.  

Fortunately, we have an amazing Animal Shelter in our valley.  It runs on a no-kill policy, meaning there is no limit to an animals length of stay.  We were lovingly reassured that we were doing the right thing and that our little stray which Zach nick-named, "Wells", would be a desirable adoption because of her unique coloring and behavior. 

Even though we weren't able to adopt Wells, we found relief in knowing that no matter where she goes from being found abandoned on the ranch she will have a good life from here on out.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in adopting Wells or any other animal in this valley go to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley website for up to date information and pictures.  Wells will be available for adoption starting this Saturday (March 19th).  Even if your like us and can't take another pet into your lives please make a donation as we did.  This shelter provides an invaluable asset to our community.