Saving Onyx

There is no better example of why No Kill Harford exists than our newest foster. Onyx is an 8 month old that was described to us as a “pit mix”. She’s a little girl, no more than 40 lbs soaking wet. The best way to describe her, in our opinion, is to simply call her a walking, wiggling bundle of love.

We received a call a week ago about a Harford family in crisis. They had very suddenly lost their home. Through the grace and goodwill of family and friends, they quickly found a temporary place to stay while they search for a new home … but no dogs. Traditionally, their only option would be to surrender their beloved Onyx. During a time of year when shelters are full beyond belief, and the word “pit bull” in Maryland is about as controversial as it gets surrender to a shelter could mean a death sentence for Onyx. But even if her life had been spared, traditional shelters and rescues find animals new homes … they don’t return to owner. So at best, this amazing family going through a crisis that most can’t imagine was faced with losing their love Onyx forever … at worst, they faced the possibility of causing her death.

This is EXACTLY why No Kill Harford was founded. We believe situations that families find themselves in do not disqualify them from being able to love a pet. Onyx’s family is a great family, there is no reason that they should have to surrender their dog to become yet another homeless pet pushed into a system that struggles to save lives.

No Kill Harford was proud to be able to help Onyx and her family. We brought her into our Fix Harford program where she will be able to stay in a loving home until her family finds pet friendly housing. While Onyx is in our program she will stay with a loving family and be cared for just like she was at home. We’ll also help Onyx’s family by getting Onyx spayed, up to date on shots, and providing her with basic obedience training. When she’s returned to her family she’ll come back with a new leash & collar, a new dog bed, dog food, and the knowledge that no matter what the future holds her family loves her and will be there for her.

Onyx’s family will be visiting with her while she’s in foster care and if they need help finding a pet friendly place to live, No Kill Harford will help them with that as well.

We started our Fix Harford program with the belief that there isn’t anything that we shouldn’t do to keep pets with the families that love them. Onyx and her story is our proof that we’re on the right track.

UPDATE: 11/27/2012 – We are happy to report that Onyx was returned to her family last week. The reunion was a joyful event for all. After a quick checkin to see how things are going, it seems that everyone is adjusted and life is continuing as if she was never gone.