Animal Rescue

JAKE'S STORY

I have always been passionate about rescuing animals from the highways and hazardous situations. My rescuing animals began simply as a personal thing, but has blossomed into a way of life. The reward of knowing that an animal has a GO od home and will not GO hungry is all that matters. It is through this passion, that I met my best friend, Jake. (He's the GO lden at the top of every page in this site!)

 

It was a sunny, spring day, I was on Highway I-35 returning to Stanford Court when I saw a stray dog in the middle of the highway. It took me three hours to gain his confidence and get him into my car. I put him into the backseat, but he instantly jumped into the front seat, looked at me, and put his hand on my shoulder.

 

The first stop was to visit the vet. This dog was skinny and had been severely abused. It was hard to tell how long he had been wondering alone. When we arrived at the vet's office, my vet was working on an emergency case. It was my intention to wait until he was finished, but it turned out that the emergency was another dog in need of a blood transfusion. This wonderful dog that just came into my life, came to the rescue. He gave the blood transfusion and saved the other dog's life. When he woke from the anesthesia, the first thing he did was walk over to me and shook my hand. I knew at that moment that this dog was meant to be a part of my life.

 

I named him Jake, and his unique charm seems to touch everyone that he meets. Jake has become the mascot of Salado, Texas, so to speak. Customers, friends, and “Jake's Friends” (other rescued animals) from all over the country come back to Stanford Court for no other reason than to say “hi” to Jake!

 

After having Jake for two years, I decided that Jake needed a friend. That's when Ranger came into our lives. The Deputy Sheriff in Belton, Texas rescued Ranger. Most of the surrounding city pounds work with us regularly in rescuing animals. They called me about Ranger. Ranger was a one- year-old GO lden retriever that despite his obnoxious behavior, won our hearts over within a week. Ranger, fondly known as “Knot Head”, and Jake are now the best of friends, and we are now a family of three.

 

Jake and Ranger GO to work with me every day. In fact, they GO everywhere with me. When you enter Stanford Court, Jake will greet you with a handshake. If Ranger has time, he will also be there to say hello!

 

In 2001 we rescued over 100 animals. When I say rescue, I mean that we provided shots, spay/neuter, and anything else that is necessary to make them healthy again. Due to the number of animals that found my doorstep one way or another, my veterinary bills quickly grew out of control.

 

Jake and his friends make it all worthwhile. Salado proudly presents what is called the Christmas Stroll the first and second weekends in December each year. My store manager decided that I needed help and put a sign on Jake's collar during the Christmas Stroll. Jake's sign read “Kisses and Handshakes $1.00.” It is always heartwarming to see people laugh and enjoy Jake's fine sense of humor as much as I do.

 

We hope you'll come by our new location at the Corner of Main Street and Rock Creek in Salado, Texas. Jake will be there to welcome you to our new store ~doling out the handshakes~ as always!