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Saving A Stray

I’m so proud of my pet-loving friends. Writing Pet News and Views has allowed me to meet so many amazing people. I’m in total awe of people who rescue strays.

The after photo of Edie.

My friends Eldad and Audrey Hagar have saved the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats. Eldad just amazes me. He goes into all kinds of scary situations to rescue strays.  He is studying to be a veterinarian. His wife Audrey is also involved in the care of many of these animals at their home.

I wrote about Eldad and Audrey a while back. Their book, Our Lives Have Gone to the Dogs, is a beautiful coffee-table hardback that shows the after photos of their rescued four-legged friends and tells heartwarming stories about these dogs. They run Hope for Paws, a nonprofit organization that rescues abandoned dogs and cats.

I’ve never met Eldad or Audrey in person. We’ve e-mailed and talked on the phone; I have a huge soft spot in my heart for them. They are true heroes.

Following is a video of Eldad, who was called in to evaluate a dog that was scheduled to be euthanized. The story turns out well, as it often does when Eldad is involved.

The dog in this story, Edie, is an American Maltese. Eldad has rescued a mix of dogs in all shapes and sizes. He’s rescued them from crack dens and on highways.  This video gives a glimpse into how he evaluates and calms Edie. Spoiler Alert: it has a happy ending.

April 13th, 2010 | Tags: , , | Category: Celebrities and People who work with Animals

15 comments to Saving A Stray

  • Rod@GoPetFriendly
    April 13th, 2010 at 6:54 PM

    As you know, we rescued Buster (our GSD) off the street in center city Philadelphia. People familiar with our story say the Buster was lucky to find us. The exact opposite is true – we were lucky to find Buster! He has changed our lives and our outlook. Yes, there have been – and continue to be challenges – but he’s been a wonderful addition to our family.

    All that said, I imagine that it takes a special kind of person to be a “serial rescuer” like the Hagars. I tip my hat.

  • Michele
    April 13th, 2010 at 7:16 PM

    I so agree with you Rod. It’s the dogs and cats and horses… that make us happy and better people. I strongly believe in shelter adoptions. I have never even gotten that far. My first two dogs were given to me by people who could no longer keep them. And all of my cats were strays from the streets.

  • Leslie Kaufman
    April 13th, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    This is one of the most beautiful videos I have seen, and I wasn’t prepared so it was very emotional for me. When Eldad put this baby on his lap, forget about it! And the first wag? Is there nothing better than realizing an animal’s potential for being happy?

  • Michele
    April 14th, 2010 at 8:55 AM

    Leslie,
    In a world with few heroes, Eldad is simply amazing. I’ve seen videos of him going into rough areas and handling dogs that are bigger and tougher looking. Eldad has this gentle way about him. He is my hero.

  • Candy Blakeslee
    April 14th, 2010 at 2:59 PM

    This is an amazing video showing how caring people can help scared dogs. Why anyone would hurt such loving, accepting, intuitive beings is beyond me.

  • Michele
    April 14th, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    Hi Candy,
    Eldad is a truly amazing individual. I don’t know how he remains so calm. I’ve seen other videos of his where he handles tougher looking dogs. This dog, an American Maltese, is adorable once he is cleaned and cared for.

  • audrey
    April 14th, 2010 at 5:54 PM

    Hey
    You should see what goes on in the house. I like to say Eldad is the pretty face. I have a dog on my back right now. Did you ever see the CHASE video Eldad did? Its nuts here, its fun but CrAzY
    THANKS MICHELE
    XOXOXOXOO

  • Charli
    April 14th, 2010 at 6:12 PM

    This is what should happen to all dogs when they are in shelters, not just cast aside as some are.
    Eldad I admire what you do. I hope somehow I can do the same somehow.

  • Michele
    April 14th, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    Audrey,
    You and Eldad are special people. I hope to meet you in person one day soon. I really admire what you are both doing.
    Best,
    Michele

  • Theo Bastidos
    April 16th, 2010 at 3:19 PM

    I likely will often recommend Saving A Stray Pet News and Views to each person who I recognize. Magnificent Project. -Theo Bastidos

  • Saving Edie | Water Color Your World
    April 20th, 2010 at 5:46 PM

    [...] visit Pet News and Views to learn more details, and accept their invitation to pass the video on to others. Share and [...]

  • Jenn
    April 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 PM

    This is a really heartwarming video and story, thank you so much for sharing it!

  • Ilene Fine
    May 4th, 2010 at 1:09 PM

    I am always in awe of stories like Eldad’s and Audrey’s. What special people and I call them the unsung heroes of this world, never getting the recognition they deserve and doing good deeds out of the goodness of their hearts. We have a similar person in our lives, Ileana, who rescues dogs in Illinois/Indiana/Wisconsin. Brandy and Val, our two pups, were adopted through her rescue, Fortunate Pooches. She works tirelessly to save every abandoned and abused pet she can. She started with only Labs but now does all animals due to the huge number she finds abandoned and given away. Val is a Hurricane Katrina survivor, to boot and with his sister, Brandy, they are now pet therapy dogs and also have children’s books that they are the stars of. We give much of the profits away back to Ileana’s resuce and other pet sanctuaries we love!

  • Michele
    May 4th, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    Thanks Ilene, I would love to meet Ileana someday. Eldad and Audrey are amazing!

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