Rhett was in dire straits when he landed at the Front Street city shelter in Sacramento as a stray: he had numerous bite wounds and was covered with foxtails. Recognizing that this emaciated young Aussie needed more than they could provide, Front Street put out a call to NorCal Aussie Rescue(NCAR); they quickly took him to the vet, where he was neutered and had 45 foxtails removed. Then a week later he came down with double pneumonia; rushed to the emergency clinic at Loomis Basin, he spent two days in an oxygen tank and five more in intensive care. He came back to NorCal Aussie's Sanctuary, slept in NCAR President Kim Kuenlen's room with a humidifier running 24/7, and took massive antibiotics for four more weeks. After recovering his joie de vivre, Rhett has now found a great home, where he has an older Aussie sister to play with and people who adore him.
NCAR has rescued almost 1,400 dogs since 2003, and, says Kuenlen, happy outcomes like Rhett's — with vet bills over $4,100 — are possible thanks to the rescue's dedicated supporters, who keep its medical account well funded. That's an essential part of Kuenlen's commitment to take in good-natured Aussies in need — from frisky youngsters gone astray to seniors suddenly homeless due to family problems.
Making life even better for Aussies awaiting their forever homes at NCAR's Grass Valley Sanctuary is their newly completed Aussie Dream Pond, courtesy of the rescue's enthusiastic supporters. "It's a dream come true," says Kuenlen, who admits she still gets teary at being able to take the dogs for a watery frolic. "I'm so grateful that I can continue doing this work."
These dogs are enjoying NCAR's hospitality while awaiting their new families. Check them out!
