Several weeks ago, a man named Tom English walked into a shelter near Houston Texas to rescue some dogs who were about to be euthanized. He spotted a tiny dog covered with mange and scabs, and pulled him out for rescue too.

The little dog was hairless and so tiny that Lee Selman, who works with Tom on the rescues, gave the little dog the name Topo Gigio, after the little puppet mouse who used to appear on the Ed Sullivan show way back in the 60’s.

Little Topo had a long way to go towards recovery. Slowly, he put on some weight, and thanks to multiple medications and care, overcame the mange and infections and grew some tawny fur. The vet who treated him estimated he was only a puppy—about six months old.

Two weeks ago, I was contemplating finding a puppy to join our family as a playmate for our 2-year old Yorkshire terrier, who had been purchased from a breeder who subsidizes her dog show habit by selling the puppies that won’t make it in the ring. I was pondering the economics of dog breeding when I caught an ad on Facebook for petfinder.com, and clicked the link. After entering my zip code and specifying that I wanted a small “baby” dog, a bunch of cute canine faces appeared before my eyes. And just like that, I saw little Topo Gigio and fell for him. It occurred to me that we could adopt a love puppy rather than purchase one who was created as a byproduct of intentional breeding for show dogs or profit.

I emailed the Chi Society of CT ( www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT371.html ) which acts on behalf of the rescues from Tom and Lee, and was almost immediately in touch with Tom. He told me about the little dog, and sent me “before and after” photos of his transformation. At this point, I was hooked. I filled out an application, detailing my experience with dogs, my vet’s phone number, and answered questions about our family, our yard and our expectations. By the next day, we were approved to adopt Topo, and I sent along a deposit of $100.

Last Wednesday, Tom had taken Topo to board a camper truck owned by Rescue Road Trips (www.rescueroadtrips.com) which transports rescued dogs from Southern high kill shelters to their new owners up north. Topo was put on the transport with dozens of other dogs for a three-day trip from Houston to Rocky Hill, CT. I met him there on Sunday along with my husband and daughter. Topo emerged from the truck smelly and shaking, but his tail was wagging and there was a light in his eyes. He arrived neutered and with an ID chip implanted, up to date on his shots and wormed. I paid Peggy from the Chi Society another $250, and Topo was ours. I am sure the $350 adoption fee we paid did not begin to cover the medical expenses and transportation fees for this little guy.

By the time he had been home for an hour, Topo had been bathed and managed to devour all the food in Bax’s bowl, play with his toys and settle into his favorite dog bed for a nap. All Bax did was bark twice and politely let the little intruder have his stuff. I imagine by the end of the week the two of them will sort out territories. But for the time being, a little six pound orphan has made his way into our home and made the most of his big chance.

I’ve had dogs all my life, and this is my first “rescue” dog. If you have the heart and room, this is a beautiful way to expand your family. Northern “foster” families are also needed, so go on Petfinder.com and start your search.

Related posts:

1. I Want A Puppy For Christmas!
2. Get Your Pet’s Photo Taken With Santa And Help Pets In Need
3. Caveat Puptor
4. Looking For A New Pet? This May Be Your Weekend!
5. Calling All Dog And Cat Lovers! Local Rescue And Adoption Groups Need Us.