Eliza Waters

According to ASPCA, “Each year, [in the USA] approximately 7.6 million animals enter animal shelters nationwide—and nearly 3 million don’t make it out.”

This sad statistic brings tears to my eyes. So many lives wasted, so much love lost. However, there are many who are tirelessly working to save as many of these animals as they can. One such organization is Legacy German Shepherd Rescue and More, who rescues animals out of kill shelters in the deep South, finds homes for them via the internet and transports them to the Northeast to awaiting families.

The success of spay/neuter education here has resulted in a demand for pets that exceeds available animals. Prospective adopters are rigorously screened, references checked by volunteers to ensure the match is a good one, before transport is arranged.

Rendezvous points are determined, dates and times are set and updated prior to arrival. Counting down the days until arrival is akin to a child awaiting Christmas– the anticipation is so exciting!

On the appointed day, we rose early to drive an hour and a half to meet the transport team. The van carrying bundles of LOVE arrives…

Names are called out, each excited family steps forward, squeals of joy, oohs and ahs, photos are taken, some shed tears of happiness.

Yeah, I was the one who cried.