In May 2007, Midwest Animal Rescue Services (MARS) a rescue group from Minneapolis, MN offered to take some of the pets from the St. Martin Parish Animal Control Facility. A transport coordinator located in VA raised donations and organized two trips made of different legs with volunteer drivers. A total of 16 dogs were saved this way, including a blind and deaf puppy and an older heartworm positive German Shepherd. It was a loooong journey! Five states, 1300 miles, 3 days and 2 nights, about 20 different volunteer drivers each time - before they reached the welcoming arms of the MN rescue volunteers!

A big thank you to all these volunteers, to MARS and in particular to Sheri Jackson, the brain of this operation!

These are some of the pets who were saved from euthanisia!

Darla, at the pound.

Darla, after a hair cut. She was adopted IMMEDIATELY on arrival in MN by a wonderful family!

German Shep/Lab mix puppies 10 weeks old

Taking a break... The puppies seem to think Ray is their mother and follow him everywhere!

On their way to MARS, in the safe hands of transport volunteers.

Pinto, described as a 3 month old Husky mix BLIND AND DEAF

Pinto on his way to MARS. Pinto turned out to be deaf, but not blind. He is a very loving and energetic puppy. How lucky he is to have been taken by MARS!

Grizzly at the pound Described as an 8 plus years German Shepherd Heartworm positive, not friendly to other dogs..

This is from Ray, one of the transport volunteers: "Grizzly is shown here with Avery, my co-pilot. He is nowhere near the monster he is made out to be. He is an older intact male who has the responsibility to protect and teach the younger animals. We walked him with all of the other dogs. He showed absolutely no signs of aggression."

This is a picture of Grizzly, safe in MN! This is how MARS described him: "Grizzly is an absolutely gorgeous dog. A showstopper! He's about 5 years old and is a big sweetheart. He is furry and cuddly just like a bear! Grizzly gets along with other dogs, but is not too sure what to think of cats. He is a quiet, trusting, mellow guy. Doing what you ask (going into his crate, jumping into the car) without complaint. He LOVES his walks, and wants to sniff everything. He's very easy to have around." He has been adopted!

Marley, a very sweet female Cocker Spaniel On her way to MARS!

Marley gave birth to a litter of puppies 9 days after she arrived in MN. ( Nobody knew she was expecting!)

Return to the St. Martin Humane Society's Home page

Return to the page "Helping the pets of the St. Martin Animal Control Facility"