Sit, Stay, Speak! is proud of the many rescue groups in our area, and the dedicated members who work hard to find good homes for abandonned, abused and neglected animals. So beginning today, we will run a periodic feature called Rescue Me, spotlighting pets available for adoption through non-profit organizations. Boots is our first.

RESCUE ME PET: Boots
RESCUE GROUP: Animal Aid, Fort Lauderdale
BASICS: Dog, boxer mix, 35 pounds

HIS STORY: Boots, so named because of his four white paws, orginally was a shy, skittish stray roaming the streets of the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club neighborhood in Boca Raton. He was picked up by county animal control officers late last year when he wandered into someone's garage. Because he could not be leashed, he was deemed unadoptable and scheduled to be euthanized in five days.

But the neighbors rallied, raising $1,500 for the dog's care. They got the county to agree to release him as long as he was sheltered by an animal welfare group that could rehabilitate him. And so Boots came under Animal Aid's care, moving in with managing director Tamera Gibson.

Tamera soon noticed Boots was crying at night and had stopped eating. Taking him to a vet, she discovered that Boots at one point had been hit by a car -- and had two bullets lodged inside him. They cannot be removed because Boots possibly could be paralyzed as a result of the surgery.

PERSONALITY: Tamera says Boots is house-trained and loveable. He is a little leery when someone comes near his neck area, but is friendly and well-behaved, she said.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Because of his injuries, Boots should not live with other dogs or small children, but does fine with cats. He must never wear a collar, as that could paralyze him due to the bullets. He can wear a harness, but should not be on a leash and must be walked gently.

Here is a video about Boots and his recovery:

TO ADOPT: Boots could be a special dog for a special family. For more information about adopting Boots, please contact Tamera at: TameraC@aol.com.

For more information about Animal Aid, other dogs and cats available for adoption there, shelter hours and the organization's policies, click here.
You also can call Animal Aid at 954-730-8398.

Animal Aid is a non-profit organization that runs a no-kill shelter and is supported by adoption fees and private donations. It takes emergency, abuse and neglect cases, as well as some animals from county shelters. The group also runs a trap, spay and return program for feral cats. The shelter is located at 2121 W. Oakland Park Blvd., No. 6, Oakland Park.

WHEN CONSIDERING ANY ADOPTION: Be aware that most nonprofit rescue organizations have fees and specific requirements for adoptions.

Many rescue groups and shelters do family screenings before placing an animal and some require home visits. Some retain the right to reclaim the animal if certain conditions agreed to are not followed. Please make sure you understand all requirements, the screening process, and the conditions under which an animal may be reclaimed or returned by the new owner before entering into any adoption.