It’s still a barOOOOOOO-tiful thing!
Baxter and Mom Anitra, Fall 2011
Corgi Nation’s beloved Baxter Valentine continues to move people and inspire them to save dogs’ lives. Since the first Baxter Valentine Rescue Brigade trip in November of last year, Anitra Francis and the good people of Secondhand Hounds Rescue in Minneapolis have made more trips to pull shelter dogs and bring them back to Minnesota where foster homes and happy-ever-afters await them.
A week ago, the little caravan that could — with Baxter riding soul co-pilot — went back to Missouri and saved nearly three dozen at-risk dogs. Funded by many supportive friends in Corgi Nation and beyond, these missions of mercy remain a huge part of Baxter’s lasting legacy of love.
Raindrop and Thunder — sweet and saved!
According to Anitra “There are a lot of homeless dogs in Missouri. A lot a lot. Secondhand Hounds had foster homes waiting for many of them — 34 to be exact. Problem was, transports (as they are called) were all booked up. Rather than let that stop their lives from being saved, we once again called on the support of Baxter’s Rescue Brigade. And we were once again amazed at the outpouring of support and donations. We raised almost triple what we needed for the trip in just one day. All that means is we go again. And again : ).”
Puppy lovin’.
“We sent two volunteers (myself and a lovely gal named Jean) to Osceola, Iowa, five hours south of Secondhand Hounds headquarters. Our awesome, amazing, and awe-inspiring volunteers down at Team Secondhand Hounds — Missouri sent two additional volunteers north five hours. We met in the middle. Sherry and Sam escorted the lovely pups halfway on their journey, and we took over from there. This story would NOT be complete without mentioning the wonderful Harry C., who had over 30 dogs at his house the night before so that they could hop on board the next morning. WOW! And of course, we discovered a new shelter to work with in the future during our lunch break ; ).”
Road trip!
In the past two years, Secondhand Hounds has saved and re-homed 23 purebred Corgis and nearly 40 Corgi mixes, among many other wonderful dogs.
Now ain’t that somethin’ ?
If you’d like to contribute to this very special cause, visit Anitra’s Team Corgi fundraiser page for Secondhand Hounds.
To read all about Baxter’s courageous battle with cancer and the outpouring of support from Corgi Nation, read his CorgiPals page and feel the love!
Go Corgi Nation, GO!
It never ceases to amaze me how much good Baxter inspired in this world. Not only in his mom, Anitra, but in the corgi community in general as well as in the hearts of people across state lines. I am sure that Baxter is smiling down on you all from the Rainbow Bridge.
Wonderful job! Baxter would be very pleased.
Very cool!!
Benny & Lily