Introducing ACHA's newest intake, ARTIE! Artie (aka "RD" the Rez Dog) is approximately 7-9 years old and has lived tied up outside, for the last 7 years of his life (as confirmed by locals). Artie is a male Chow/Shepherd/Retriever mix. Artie is a lovable, fluffy, goofy, sweet, gentle slice of... awesome. Most rescue/shelter dogs have stories that remain a mystery. This is Artie's story (well, most of it, anyway - stay tuned for a brief video coming soon...) Good Samaritan, Earl, travels to the Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation in Arizona from out of state once per month on business. And every month, for the last 6 years, Earl has watched Artie at the end of the thick, secure rope, outside, as is the standard for the vast majority of Reservation dogs (many roam free). Artie had a bucket of water and a Lemon tree for shade. Over the years, the seed of friendship between Artie and Earl was firmly planted, took root, and for 6 years it has grown strong. Earl also slowly developed a relationship with Artie's Native American custodians. Last Friday, Earl drove from his home in California to the Reservation (the only "business" for this particular trip concerned Artie). Respectfully, Earl convinced Artie's custodians to surrender him so that Earl could provide medical care for Artie. Earl and Artie arrived at ACHA Friday morning, both grinning ear to ear. What an incredible feeling it is for all of us at ACHA and our partner veterinarian, Pet Urgent Care, to now be involved in the next phase of Artie's journey! Our hearts are full as we say thank you to Artie's custodians for trusting Earl to take him, and we welcome this sweet, gentle and very lovable boy into the ACHA fold. Since Friday, Artie has had a bath, and many, many treats, though he takes them quite gingerly, as he has a fractured canine tooth. Artie loves the cool floor and human companionship. He also recently found that he can in fact, chase that big fluffy thing attached to his back side without getting tangled up in that darned rope. He has a bit of fun chasing it, too! Everything about Artie is gentle (though he does tend to pull on the leash). Artie very likely has a urinary tract infection (test results have not come back from the lab yet, but there is little doubt). So far, Artie appears fairly indifferent towards other dogs (he seems to know there's more to life than being the "big dog"), but we are still evaluating his behavior. Artie is scheduled for his tooth extraction, and neuter tomorrow. He finished his deworming medication today, and once his blood work and other test results come back, we will update! Until then, please, please, please share Artie's story far and wide. His journey is not necessarily uncommon, and not as dramatic as many pets we see in rescue. He is a beautiful example of "a heart of gold." Earl and Paula, Earl's dear friend, have graciously agreed to sponsor all of Artie's medical costs, as well as training. Artie is not the first animal they have helped, and he will not be the last, given the size of their hearts. Our gratitude for folks like Earl and Paula is immeasurable. Artie whispered to me the following excerpt from a poem that he would like to share with Earl and Paula, and all those helping him on his new path:

　　"I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes

　　In the best way I know how

　　Reminding you why you go on trying.

　　I am the reason

　　The dogs before me are the reason

　　As are the ones who come after."