Today’s rescue tales are about two dogs and the two largest rescue facilities in our area, Foothills Humane Society and Pet Tender Angels.

Strays are the number one reason for the numbers of animals these facilities house and help. Of course there are animal turn-ins and confiscations due to abuse, but animal dumping and runaways land on the doorstep of these facilities daily.

My good friend Ernie, a fellow Kiwanian, came to me frantic last week.

“Lennie, I found the cutest little female beagle and I tried to get it to the shelter, FHS, but they were closed.” The shelter is closed on Wednesday. “I brought her to Bonnie Brae,” he went on, “and she had a collar but no tag or a microchip. Why do people do that?”

I smiled at my good friend and assured him I’d look into it and take care of the animal’s welfare. I tried to make him understand that there are many scenarios that could be the cause of the little lady running loose and I’d heard it all. I thanked him for helping the beagle and headed off to FHS, a visit I was planning anyway.

When I arrived at FHS I let the ladies at the front desk know about the beagle and to let me know if it arrives. I then went to speak to Lani (bulldog) on an unrelated matter.

When I came back up front I was informed the little beagle had arrived. Ernie was right; she was cute as all get out, a little dapple we estimated to be around 2 years old. My first thought was to name her Wanda, short for wanderer. I let them know that I would handle any of her needs after the three-day holding period to try to locate an owner.

Two days later I received the word the beagle had run off and the owner was picking her up. A good and proper ending but just imagine if Ernie hadn’t picked her up or if FHS wasn’t there, what the outcome might have been for this sweet little girl.

While visiting my dear friend and super rescuer at Pet Tender Angels I was surrounded by three of her gentle giants. I was there to deliver more tickets for my gala but I’ll use any excuse to visit Lori Jewell and her fabulous rescue facility.

I sat to catch my breath from the onslaught of affection from her Merle Great Dane, male and 3 years old, a 6-year-old male Newfoundland, and a female 5-year-old Great Pyrenees. Newfies and Pyrenees make me laugh because they remind me of a black and white version of the same dog. I guess this might offend some purists but hey, that’s just me.

In the midst of it all I spotted this scruffy little dog and my heart just went out to it. I asked Lori its name. Tike, she told me.

Little Tike was working its way between the bigger dogs, tail wagging and the cutest grin on his face, trying to get attention. Normally large dogs are my preference but little Tike broke through the cloud and struck me right in the heart.

“Where did he come from?” I asked Lori.

“He’s just a stray,” she replied.

Thanks for listening.

Editor’s note: Lennie’s Kids 6th annual gala fundraiser, the “Rescue Rally,” will be held Sunday, May 22, 4-7 p.m. at Tryon Estates. Call 828-859-5835 for tickets.