Our introduction to Maggie Sue came after we received a concerned call from two compassionate fellow-rescuers regarding a dog they'd found lying in the middle of a street while on their way to work. The rescuers stopped and quickly learned that the dog hadn't been hit but was in such physical distress that she simply couldn't move forward. They called TOESR, and we stepped in to help. With that ever-present miracle dust, Maggie Sue wound up at one of our cooperating vet's offices. Her initial exam was not good: she was extremely malnourished leaving her weak and lethargic, she had every type of parasite imaginable including heartworms, wasn't spayed, had ear infections and, after xrays were taken, was found to have been shot with a BB gun. As so often happens, when a rescue dog comes into the program in such horrible shape, we take the conditions that are easiest to control and deal with them first. This was the plan with Maggie. To have her attempt to undergo heartworm treatment, she first needed to gain weight and regain her strength. This happened in time and eventually Maggie bounced back to the point of completing those treatments. Her final hurdle was being spayed. With Maggie healthy, TOESR was ready to help her find a new home. We were delighted when Kim and Jim impressed us with their enthusiasm and love for Maggie and a date for her transition was made.

As so many of you watched Maggie's story unfold, we can't thank everyone enough for all the volunteer hours with fundraisers and raffles to raise money for Maggie's extensive care. A special thanks is in order for Jennifer! And we have to again thank so many of our crew who all pitched in to help with the process. First, thank you Ashley and Lisa. If you both hadn't stopped to check on Maggie that first day, I have no doubt she wouldn't be with us today. For Allie's coordinating the vet visits, to Tom's handling expertise, to an awesome vet's office, who went above and beyond to help. Further thanks to our foster homes, Tracey and Gil, Bonnie, and to Dena, who found some rescue magic to work through a couple of Maggie's behavioral issues. Most of all, thanks to Kim and Jim who passed the adoption process in fine form. We wanted Maggie's adoption to coincide with Christmas so she could spend it in her new home and this happened. Maggie is doing well, is loved and we hope to hear and see more of her as time passes.