Mia - A Happy Tail with a Longer Trail

When the 3 ½ month old black and tan female Bull Mastiff /German Shepherd puppy arrived at NACHS in the early spring of 2011, she already weighed over 25 pounds.  Dubbed “#363”, she was extremely sweet, gentle and affectionate.   Over the next several weeks at NACHS, she maintained her great personality and continued to grow.   Unfortunately, the right person for her did not come along and she was one of many nice large dogs still awaiting adoption when the Mississippi River flood event occurred in May, 2011.   The uncertainty surrounding that event caused the NACHS pet adoption rate to drop dramatically while simultaneously causing shelter pet intake numbers to increase at an alarming rate. 

During this crisis, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offered assistance in transporting NACHS dogs to other areas of the country where their chance of adoption would be much better, and NACHS gratefully accepted the offer.    The first transport of 61 dogs and puppies to Arlington, Virginia area shelters occurred on May 26.  Unfortunately, there was not a lot of need for large dogs in Virginia and only a few could be included in that transport.    While #363 patiently waited for her chance at adoption, HSUS continued to search for a shelter that would take the NACHS large dogs.   

At this point, our “Happy Tail” begins.   Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (Humane Society of the Palm Beaches) answered the call for help and agreed to take 19 large dogs from the NACHS shelter.    A transport truck carrying those dogs arrived at the Palm Beach County shelter on June 4, and “#363” immediately caught the eye of Assistant Director/IT coordinator Heidi Nielsen.   Heidi and her husband were looking for a new four-legged family member to keep their young dog, Newton, company.    It was a great fit, and the nice puppy had finally found her name (“Mia”) and her forever home.

Heidi reports that Mia and Newton play non-stop and that she is truly a wonderful addition to their family.  Mia has the local lizard population running scared, but she is a gentle soul and beloved family member.

As for the other 18 dogs transferred to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, all but 4 had been placed in adoptive homes as of late August, 2011.    Heidi expected the remaining four dogs to find forever homes very soon.

NACHS is extremely grateful to Heidi Nielson and everyone at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League for all of their efforts on behalf of Mia and the other 18 NACHS dogs.