Clara's Story: It all began with an email on the Sheltie list and a phone call to the Harrisburg Humane Society (HHS), PA.
A post on the Sheltie List requested help picking up two shelties (one male, one female) from Harrisburg. After many phone calls and rationalizing how I could care for four shelties in a townhouse, Laura Lane-Unsworth and I went to Harrisburg on a sunny Saturday the end of August 1998.
When we arrived at the HHS they told us the male sheltie had already been adopted so we went to the cages to see the female (yet unnamed). What I saw made my heart skip a beat. It was the most pitiful sight. Here was this filthy, flea infested, sparsely haired, possum-tailed sheltie laying sound asleep on a concrete floor. We couldn't rouse her at first; I thought she was on death's door. For a brief moment I thought, no way am I putting this dog in my car (I hate fleas). I also knew if I left her there in her current condition, she would not be adopted and was destined for an early trip to the bridge. So, I asked for a leash to walk her. She limped out of the pen and that was it. In my car on the old army blanket she went. Laura said she would take her home if I wanted, but I thought, not a good idea for her first rescue (didn't want to scare Laura away from rescue!).
So home we went. On the way home my 11 year old daughter Alex cried about the fate of the rest of the dogs we left behind at HHS. She cried, "It just isn't fair. Look at how bad those dogs looked. No one is going to adopt them. Are they going to be put to sleep." I told her, unfortunately, we just can't save them all and hopefully some other rescue groups will come and help the other breeds; that at least we saved this dog from being euthanized and she would never be treated badly again. It was then that we decided to come up with a name. Alex wanted to name her Princess. I said how about Clara. "Why Clara?" Alex asked. I said she is such a brave girl, and Clara Barton is one of my most admired heroines, I think we should name her Clara after Clara Barton. Alex conceded as long as she could call her Princess Clara, which evolved to Clara Belle!!
As soon as we arrived home I picked up the army blanket and carried Clara into the house and immediately into the bath tub. After several latherings with flea shampoo she was ready to be blow dried and have frontline applied. Clara was very protective of her hind legs, so we decided that would have to be checked. A visit to the vets the next week confirmed heartworm negative and x-rays revealed bad back knees. She stole the hearts of the staff at the vet's office.
For the next 6 months we worked on getting Clara's coat back (she no longer has a possum tail), controlling the pain in her knees and her hypo-thyroidism. We had a few inquiries about Clara (Kirstie and I even made a video to send to a potential long distance home), but most families changed their minds after seeing her lameness. She gets around fine, just moves slower than the average sheltie. Not a frisbee catching dog. But what a loving soul. She absolutely glows when she's paid attention. I had already decided, if the right family didn't come along she was staying with me until they did. My heart would tell me when the time was right to let go of her. (Oh no I'm starting tear up again).
Well, that time finally came, last night. I told this family, all I ask is that you love her and take care of her. They bonded immediately. It seemed like Clara was saying, "It's okay mom. I like this family. You can let go now--you deserve a break and they will be good to me." So, through sobs I told Clara how much I love her and handed her over to her new family. The new mom hugged me and assured me she would love and take good care of Clara. Clara has touched my life in such a special way. That helpless, flea infested, coat-challenged stray has become quite the little heroine. Clara has taught me a lot about myself, other people and what is really important in life. Thank you Clara.