Daisy Mae begins new life with new owner

Share

By KOMO Staff

Summary

After a year of trying, Rescue Pup had nearly given up hope on finding home for an abandoned and disabled dog. But their plea for help was answered when Jacquie Irwin contacted the group and said she and Daisy Mae were meant to be together.

Story Published: May 20, 2008 at 6:29 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 8:28 PM PDT

Daisy Mae begins new life with new owner

Daisy Mae is seen saying goodbye to one of her caretakers before heading to her new home on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

BOTHELL, Wash. -- A local animal rescue group's prayers were finally answered on Tuesday.

After a year of trying, Rescue Pup had nearly given up hope on finding home for an abandoned and disabled dog.

Born with a spinal defect and abandoned as a pup, the 1-year-old Labrador-Whippet mix needs more assistance than most adoptive owners are willing to provide. One overwhelmed owner even gave her back.

It broke the volunteers' hearts to see Daisy Mae's condition overshadow her sunny disposition.

"I have never seen a dog that loved everything and everybody (the way she does)," said Joyce Gonzalez of Rescue Pup.

It took nearly a village of volunteers to raise the disabled dog. Rescue Pup went broke after spending thousands on Daisy's spinal taps, MRIs and hydrotherapy.

But just when the non-profit organization thought Daisy Mae had run of options, one woman opened up her heart and home.

Jacquie Irwin saw Daisy Mae's story on KOMO News and knew the underdog was meant to be hers.

"I was getting ready to go to work and burst into tears," she said.

Irwin works with a Tumwater veterinarian who is installing hydrotherapy tubs and opening a physical therapy center.

"I'm getting the gift here," Irwin said. "It's meant to be, because I'm going to be able to give her the things she needs."

On Tuesday volunteers with Rescue Pup took Daisy Mae to her new home.

"It's just a happy moment and we didn't know if it was ever going to happen," said Gloria Price, Rescue Pup volunteer.

But saying goodbye was difficult for the Rescue Pup family who had grown to love Daisy Mae. There were tears, gifts and goodbyes.

"It's your happy day for you, going to go to your new home," said Rescue Pup Director Allicia Crockett to Daisy Mae, "there's your mama."

At her new home, Daisy Mae will live with a canine companion named Pretty Boy Floyd.