SAN ANTONIO — Our "Forgotten Friends" series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent a lengthy time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week, we meet a four-year-old American Pitbull Terrier mix named Raggedy Andy who is a Diamond in the Ruff! He was brought to the Animal Defense League over one year ago after being found abandoned with his sister in a crate left out in the rain. The pair of pooches both had distemper, and his sister, Raggedy Ann, sadly died from the illness. Thankfully, Raggedy Andy was able to beat the disease.
"After Raggedy Ann died from distemper, Raggedy Andy was in need of care and comfort while he battled the disease," said ADL. "He became very close to staff during this time."
Raggedy Andy is a bit selective on the dogs he has made friends with, so if you have another dog at home, they'd like to schedule a meet and greet to make sure they get along before you adopt. Cats are a definite no go.
"Raggedy Andy would thrive in a home where he is the only pet," said ADL. "He loves human companionship and is especially fond of children!"
You'll find him right at the front of his kennel, practically doing a happy dance, hoping and praying that someone will scoop him up for some quality pets and belly rubs. He's like the poster pup for enthusiasm and affection.
He is a very sweet and affectionate dog that's playful, too. He has an infectious smile and a love for cuddles, treats, and loads of attention. "He's a big boy at 70 pounds, but has an even bigger heart," said ADL staff.
"Raggedy Andy's journey from abandonment to recovery highlights his resilience and capacity for love," said ADL staff. "He is eagerly awaiting a forever home where he can bring joy and companionship to his new family."
MORE PICTURES OF RAGGEDY ANDY
Raggedy Andy was found abandoned in a small crate in the rain | Forgotten Friends
Raggedy Andy is healthy now that he has recovered from distemper, current on his vaccinations, microchipped and has already been neutered. He is ready to be spoiled with treats and lots of pets, and in return you'll get lots of love and wiggles.
If you'd like to adopt Raggedy Andy, there is no fee at all!
That's because he is what the ADL calls a Diamond in the Ruff. Any pet that has been available for adoption at the Animal Defense League for four months or longer qualifies. That means ZERO adoption fees so you can spend more on toys, beds, and treats to spoil them in their new home!
In fact, right now all adoption fees at the Animal Defense League are being waived until the end of July during the Empty the Shelters event, thanks to the Bissell Pet Foundation.
If you want to help ADL rescue and treat more pets in need, they will ask for a monetary donation in lieu of the adoption fee for these pets. Every bit you donate contributes to saving the next life of the abandoned, abused, or neglected pets in our community that we see daily.
You can fill out your adoption application by CLICKING HERE.
For whoever adopts Raggedy Andy, Lucy's Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free "Glow Up" Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy's most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!
ADL has a few adoption events coming up. On Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., they will be at the Black Rifle Coffee Company located at 3000 IKEA-RBFCU Suite 100. Then on Sunday, July 21 they will be at PetSmart 281 located at 21019 U.S Hwy 281 from 12 until 4 p.m.
The ADL says this year alone they will save the lives of over 6,500 dogs and cats, many of which will require multiple specialized surgeries costing thousands of dollars. You can help by donating to their PAWS for a Cause Emergency Medical Fund, which plays a crucial role in this mission.
Maybe you're not quite ready to adopt a dog, but still want to help out. Why not try fostering a dog. ADL will provide all of the food and supplies that you will need, and even take care of all of the medical. It's a win-win situation for both you and the dog or cat. They get a loving home, and it doesn't cost you a dime. CLICK HERE to become a pet foster parent.
Do you love animals and want to make a difference by volunteering? The Animal Defense League is always in need of volunteers in various areas. There is sure to be something for everyone! CLICK HERE
Want to help but don't have the time to volunteer or foster? Consider sponsoring a pet. This program allows you to assist ADL with their expenses in getting the pet adoption ready as each pet on average costs about $272. CLICK HERE to sponsor an animal.
The ADL also hosts bi-weekly free pet vaccination and microchip events for pet owners. Find out more about them by CLICKING HERE.
Here are some other ways you can help out the pets at ADL:
ADL tells us that what they need most, besides fosters and adpters, is soft dog treats, XL Kongs and pate wet dog food.
Hours of Operation:
- Nacogdoches Campus
11300 Nacogdoches Rd.,
San Antonio, TX 78217
Open Daily from 11am to 7pm - PAUL JOLLY CAMPUS
210 Tuleta Dr,
San Antonio, TX 78212
Open Daily from 11am to 7pm
Normal adoption fees are as follows:
- Dogs: $75.00
- Puppies under 6-months: $150.00
- Cats: $40.00
- Kittens under 6-months: $125.00
You can contact ADL at https://adltexas.org/contact-us/.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives... the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a "furr-ever" home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.