A shelter dog, who saved the life of another dog, was nearly euthanized after not receiving any adoption applications at Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 2022.
After a flurry of calls, emails and messages, the dog was rescued and is now safe at a Northeast Texas nonprofit animal shelter called Let Love Live.
The rescue, which aims to “not kill,” allows dogs, as well as other animals, to stay as long as they need until they find a forever home.
Evan Panhasi, vice president of Let Love Live, told the WFAA, “We were looking at three other dogs because we had to have room for four. Stanford was one of the most pressing so we decided to take it.
The dog, a friendly two-and-a-half-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Stanford, has been at Smith County Animal Control & Shelter since December 15.
He is referred to a “hero” dog for his life-saving blood donation. Smith County Animal Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene shares with the WFAA, “He donated blood to the emergency animal clinic to save another dog’s life.”
And in return for his heroic deed, Stanford was neutered and fully vaccinated. He will also benefit from free vaccinations every year until he is 8 years old.
However, according to a Facebook post by Nicholas Pet Haven, the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter was “to be backed into a corner” and that Stanford is the first to be shot.
Luckily, Let Love Live had kennels open from their previous haul over the weekend. And they were able to take Stanford along with 3 other dogs from the same shelter named Nellie, Wallen and Jasmine.
The rescue shared, in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, that Stanford is having a great time with their new playmates.
Let Love Live also shared in the statement that Stanford received a dozen inquiries and seven adoption requests. But the rescue also took this opportunity to remember, “All the wonderful people who care about him are also adopting his friends.”