Gateway Pet Guardians in East Saint Louis, Illinois, working with their community to keep families together and prevent owned pets from entering the already crowded shelter system. Since their founding in 2004, they have significantly reduced the local stray population through spay/neuter programs, cheap pet food, affordable veterinary care, and other services. Another initiative to help keep dogs and cats safe at home.
Recently, two dogs rescued by Gateway Pet Guardians proved how valuable a furry companion can be. Jack and Peyton each helped save the lives of those who brought them in.
Jack smells of trouble
A generous young woman named Aisha decided to open her heart and home to a foster dog. She arrives at the Gateway Pet Guardians, where she is paired with a naughty stuffed dog named Jack. The nymphs and white pupae are under severe stress from living in a sheltered environment. He was placed on the “urgent” list, meaning he needed to find a foster home as soon as possible.
When the staff met Aisha and learned she was eight months pregnant, they thought Jack would be the perfect fit. At just one year old, Jack is described as gentle, cute, and great with children and other dogs. In other words, the perfect puppy for a growing family.
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It wasn’t long before Jack proved they were right by placing him with Aisha. One day, the normally normal dog became agitated and started upturned nose under Aisha’s belly. Between nudges, he would groan and walk towards the car.
Aisha knew something had to happen, so she trusted Jack’s instincts and went to the hospital. There, doctors confirmed the baby had turned its head on its side, causing a low heart rate and cutting off essential nutrients. Thanks to Jack, the problem was soon resolved, and Aisha received the medical care she needed to save her baby’s life.
“This handsome hero’s adoption fee is insured and he is looking for a permanent home. Until then, Jack will stay by Aisha’s side to watch over mom and baby.” – Gateway pet guardian
Peyton Save the day
As if a dog lifesaver wasn’t enough, but another of Gateway’s dogs had a foot in rescuing her humans from danger.
This past December, a woman named Choni was awoken by the barking of her pet dog, Peyton. It’s early in the morning, so Choni pushes Peyton aside and tries to sleep again. However, the Pit Bull mix didn’t have it. Peyton moved closer to Choni’s face, barking and growling more firmly. When Choni sat up, the dog rushed out of the room, forcing her to do the same.
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Choni saw Peyton barking at a vent near the front door. At first, everything seemed normal until Choni caught the burning smell of something burning. However, there is no smoke, and the front door is cool to the touch.
Choni decided to call the fire brigade to get there safely. They advised her to let everyone wait outside until they arrived. When checking, the fire department discovered that the furnace wire located in the utility locker had caught fire. They arrived just in time for a serious emergency.
“Who knows how the story would have ended if I hadn’t had Peyton!” Choni said. “Truly my angel.”
Creative Fostering, Adoption & Shelter Programs Save Lives
Both Jack and Peyton have a number of traits that may make them unpopular at some shelters. They have Physical characteristics of the Pit Bull breed and mildly odd behavior. Fortunately, Gateway Pet Guardians provides the emotional, educational and technical support pets and people needed for successful foster care and adoption.
Can your canine hero be at the Gateway? Learn more about them fostering and adoption service. If you don’t live near East Saint Louis, contact your local shelter to find a worthy puppy in your community.
All images provided by Gateway Pet Guardians
