A month before MamaLiberty died, she gave her beloved corgi, Laddie, to two very nice young freedomistas from Montana. That must have been heart-wrenching. But they were great guys who already knew Laddie and would do their best for him.
It turns out that their best is to rehome him. Laddie’s always been an only dog, and even after two months in their care, he doesn’t tolerate their border collie. (Two male herding breeds; not easy.)
Although I was the official backup plan for Laddie, my border collie mix is considerably less tolerant (and tolerable) than theirs. The young men decided Plan C — a home where Laddie would be top (and only) dog again — was the way to go.
Plan C turns out to be Joel, who recently lost his beloved Little Bear.
No doubt they could have found hundreds of other potential adopters much closer. But bless them, the guys decided to keep Laddie “in the family” even though it meant taking nearly a week of their time to drive him to the Southwest desert.
All they want in return is reimbursement for gas and a bag of dog food to leave with Joel.
Wouldn’t gifts to Laddie make a great memorial for Susan?
Disclosure: Before the decision to rehome Laddie was final, we’d already started taking pledges at Claire’s Cabal. As always, people rushed to help. If everybody who pledged follows up with a donation (and they will because that’s the kind of people we are), we’ve got the gas money, and probably even the dog food, covered.
But if you’d like to help Laddie get home, see that Joel gets a new gulchdog to take Little Bear’s place, and maybe contribute toward any surprise transport expenses or Laddie’s long-term care, here’s the link to their fuel-and-food pool.
NOTE: Please don’t send anything to me. I’m out of the loop on this, except for being a donor myself.
I’m just helping raise funds for the expedition. When you use that PayPal link to the fuel-and-food fundraiser your contributions will go straight to the guys bringing Laddie to Joel. And I just heard from one of them, who says that anything not needed for the transport will go toward Laddie’s long-term care.
What with coyotes and other fauna around Joel’s place, I’ve been wondering — is Laddie an indoor or outdoor dog? I.e. will Joel need financing for kennel or other enclosed fixture for Laddie?
That’s a good question, Pat. It should be pretty easy to fence in a corgi, if need be. A few metal posts and some chicken wire, a shady place, and that might do it.
FWIW, where he is now there are coyotes, cougars, and (I’m guessing) possibly wolves. Laddie’s apparently not wise in the ways of the wild, but with human company and no solo trips outside at night, he’s doing okay.
is Laddie an indoor or outdoor dog? I.e. will Joel need financing for kennel or other enclosed fixture for Laddie?
Joel here. It’s my understanding that in the past he was an indoor/fenced yard dog. He has shown signs of not being ‘wise in the ways of the wild’ – at all – and so he’ll be an indoor/outside only with Uncle Joel dog.
I’m in the process of converting a strongly-fenced chicken yard next to the cabin into a strongly-fenced dog kennel, in case it turns out he can’t be left indoors on the rare occasions when I’m gone for hours without him. That doesn’t require any financing.
Sounds good, Joel. Good luck with him.
I’m having no luck with pay pals web sit, but want to contribute. Is there any other way?
Thank you, Sara. There is a snailing address, which I’m allowed to share privately. I’ll email you.
In case you haven’t checked recently, guys: Laddie’s PayPal pool has reached $680 — on a goal of $435. You’re good. You’re very good.
Thank you all for your support, both financial and social support.
I will use about 400$ for fuel to chauffeur Laddie to Joel’s Lair in Arizona. The remaining 300$ will be left with Joel to pre-fund Laddie’s pension for the next several year’s worth of kibble and biscuits.
Jeremy — Thank you for so impressively keeping your pledge to Susan. I know at least one snail-mailed donation is also heading your way.
“Pre-fund Laddie’s pension.” I love it.
Note for Joel; Laddie’s pension may need additional support as time goes by so I recommend that Joel keeps those of us who are a part of the “Friends of Laddie” support group aware of those needs. Pennies from heaven may not sound like a lot but they do add up methinks.
There you go again, Comrade X. Being a sweetie.
That’s a great thought. Among other things it would be comforting to see a small vet fund set up for Laddie. Or at least to know that the Friends of Laddie and Friends of Susan were on standby to help cover medical emergencies.