RHS Scholarship Committee Chair Elizabeth C. has had a busy spring, and earlier this year met a handsome fellow name Rio. Though this is “old news”, we’re sharing it here now!
From the streets of Antalya to the mountains of Lake Tahoe, as promised, this is Rio’s story:
Rio was found on the streets of Antalya, in southern Turkey. Through a network of rescue people he journeyed north and ended up with our friend Emel, who is one of the most amazing rescuers a dog could ever meet. Rio stayed under Emel’s care for a couple of months, getting healthy, socialized, and waiting...
I traveled to Turkey as a flight volunteer for Rover’s Retreat.
When I first saw Rio, sitting in the sun with his paws crossed, I think my heart stopped. He “chose” me, in that undeniable way that only a dog does. After a couple of days of accompanying Emel as she rescued and transported dogs, and spending time at what must be the equivalent of Doggie Heaven (Emel and Siyami share their home with dozens of lucky dogs and cats rescued from the streets and other bad situations), we started the long journey to America, first a long drive to Istanbul, then a 14 hour flight to LAX. In Istanbul, Rio charmed his way through the airport. In LAX, I navigated through customs with the 5 crates and 5 excited dogs I brought back. The other 4 dogs went immediately to their foster homes. Rio and I hitched a ride to Hawthorne (thank you Nancy and Bruce), where JP waited for us in the trusty Bonanza. We flew to Petaluma and the next morning flew to Truckee. Rio is a great flyer, and apparently, like his mama, likes everything from the B777-300s to C-180s. I know he will be a great cub flyer.
You’re home now, Rio! He’s a Tahoe dog, loves and has made friends with an extended community of people and dogs. Rio’s beautiful coat of gold, which at one point was completely shaved, has grown in thick and soft. He has a few scars, but his heart is pure gold. He loves snow, is a great companion on walks, hikes, skis, and trips to the beach. He is sweet and calm, great with dogs, cats, kids, and people, and he strikes fear into those wicked birds, squirrels and bears! This boy may never be an ultra-runner, but there are so many adventures in store for us. I think he likes it here, though the water’s a little cold for a guy used to the Mediterranean.
So many people helped to make this happen, and we are eternally grateful to all of you. The experience of going to Turkey and bringing back these dogs who are so deserving of their new lives, is rewarding, fulfilling, interesting, exhausting. If you might be interested in helping out, or if you are interested in going over as a flight volunteer, send me a PM. I can not recommend more highly Rover’s Retreat and the people who give so generously of their time and resources to help these sweet pups.
