Lennox & Wicca: A True Happy Ending

By Alicia Hoemsen

Back in summer of 2012, I saw a beautiful pit bull with scars on his face, in the back of a pick up truck in the grocery store parking lot.  No leash, no crate.  Calmly sitting and observing his surroundings.  When his family came out of the store, I went up and complimented on how well behaved his dog was.  That is how I met Tennessee and Tank.  'Tennessee' is the man who owned the dog, Tank.  He is a truck driver that drives back and forth to Tennessee with his dog, Tank.  I asked about his scars and he said that they live on a reserve and that is from fighting with the stray dogs.  I gave him my card and said that anytime you need help with the animals out there - give me a call, I will do what I can.

Fast forward to August 24th, 2012.  Received a text from someone saying that Tennessee gave them my number.  Do I want their pitbull?  What's his story I said.  He is getting really aggressive - killing other dogs.  Crap.  Now what.  They called me for help.  I couldn't say no just because of the situation. 

That night I couldn't stop thinking.  What do I do?  I have a soft spot for pitbulls, no doubt about it.  I don't want to risk any other animal getting hurt, so I decided by morning that I would go get Kash and get him put to sleep.  I planned to take food and water with me so he would go with a full tummy.

Jumbo, waiting for love

That Saturday morning my mom and I go to pick Kash up.  There we see three dogs relaxing in the yard.  I see Kash - I know which one he is - he is the old looking one.    I get out of the car and the dogs just lazily come to me.  The three dogs are Diamond, Jumbo and Kash.  Roxanne greets me like an old friend - and I instantly like her.  We chat.  She says that she has been working away from home now all week, so Kash is tied to 'that' car, as she points to it.  She says she will come home and there will be 'lots of dead dogs everywhere'.  Kash is usually in the house with them, but she is working too much now.  Jumbo and Diamond are her sisters dogs, and she is not willing to give up Diamond, but she is Jumbo.  

Roxanne picks up Kash, gives him a hug and kiss and puts him in the kennel in my van.  While she is filling out the surrender document, I made a loop from a leash around Jumbo's neck.   I ask Roxanne to help me put him in the van.  'You are taking him now?' She says - 'Yes, I am!' I said.  Roxanne leans down and starts to massage Jumbo - this is the first time she has ever petted him.  I think she is amazed at what she is doing.

Kash, now Lennox, happy as a clam!

On the way home, I showed both dogs to a vet and told their story - if she had said euthanize, I would have.  She says she feels due to the circumstances, Kash deserves another chance!  And, in honour of those recent dogs in history that never got their second chance, I proudly named Kash, Lennox - strong, powerful and gentle; Jumbo, now Wicca - gentle, soft and kind.

Lennox and Wicca were both taken in by Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue and adopted into loving forever homes in fall of last year. 

The beginning of a new journey

For anyone involved in the world of dog rescue, you know it's hectic, tiring and rewarding. Some days are easier than others - depending if you're seeing a dog off to a new second chance, or seeing it in its final resting place. Either way, us rescuers continue doing what we do because at the end of the day, we love making a difference.

This blog was created to share the stories of the rescue adventures of Alicia Hoemsen and the many volunteers across Western Manitoba who are helping make a difference for the stray animals of the Sioux Valley, Birdtail Sioux and Canupawakpa communities.

Some stories have happy endings, others not so much. But we invite you along on the journey with us of animal rescue.