Birmingham, Alabama – the first of three stops for our events in this beautiful southern state. Once again, we worked side by side with devoted people, staff and volunteers preparing to present the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) pets for their window on the world debut in our mobile unit. As always, people can hardly resist the happy faces, wagging tails and demure feline glances inviting all to come aboard and find their next family member (aka pet).

But, sometimes there is one animal in particular who grabs your heart strings and does not let go of them. For us, and apparently all of the staff and volunteers at GBHS, it is Calvin, the three legged Beagle. No one knows if Calvin had a family or if he was always a stray or how he came to have only three legs. It appears he probably had his left front leg surgically removed, which implies he had someone who had cared enough about him to see he was tended to for this procedure. The only other thing we can be sure of is that Calvin is an affectionate sweetheart, a food hound (he was caught sniffing in the trash several times for scraps) and stubborn as a mule. When Calvin decides he is not ready and willing to return inside from his walks, he lies his chin and chest down on the ground (including the entire area where his left leg would have been), places his front right leg firmly along its length on the ground as well, keeps his rear end stuck in the air with his rear legs in a slightly splayed stance and digs in – refusing to move or to be moved. Short of being picked up and carried, Calvin becomes a real challenge to who ever is walking with him to get him to reconsider his position. Looking into those big brown eyes and you really have to remind yourself who is the boss and stay the course, for in those eyes one sees his warmth and his determination. Being the pack leader with Calvin is constant though, ultimately rewarding, work.

Each animal has its own personality – its own story – the desire and need to find their very own permanent home. Our mission is always the same – come adopt from your local shelter or rescue group – help these wonderful creatures to live the full lives they deserve and in the process, reap a reward greater than you can imagine – the gift of love. It is said, “Give and you shall receive back tenfold.” BELIEVE IT!

And now, from one successful event, we prepare for our next stop in Florence, AL. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on our continuing southern adventures so…”Ya’ll come back now, hear?”

Deborah and Mike