"I needed her"

On March 12th, Chicago Animal Care and Control sent a dead end microchip case to us at microchiphelp.com. After 24 PetWatch gave me the owner information, volunteer Ann took the case researching the registered owner, Charmaine, late in the evening. She sent numerous facebook messages, followed by voicemails, and texts to family members. No reponses.

A few days later, I offered some help as I knew this Puggle had one day left for her hold. I reached the ex sister-in-law, and she told me her brother Ed still keeps in touch with his ex-wife Charmaine. She called Ed, and let me know he would contact Charmaine. Volunteer Ann also heard back just then, from Ed's brother, and he told her he would reach out to Ed as well.

Charmaine called me very shortly after, and explained that she had given Nyla away. A few years ago, Charmaine had to make some changes in her life. Some good, and some not so good. She moved into a senior facility, and had to leave behind her dog Nyla, and her cat, both whom she loved dearly. She gave her dog Nyla to a family that wanted her.

"I had to pay $300 to bring her with me, and I didn't have the money at the time. But I do now." I let her know Nyla was at animal control and still registered to her. She didn't have the information of the family she gave Nyla to. She said she would love to have her dog again.

I made sure to check with CACC to see if anyone had come in to pick Nyla up, in case they were turned away until the stray hold was up because of the microchip. Charmaine didn't want to take her away from a family looking for her. Nobody had come in for her. Charmaine told me she would really love to have Nyla back. She was with her for five years, since she was a puppy.

Being over an hour away from CACC, Charmaine asked her dear friend to drive her to pick Nyla up. She watches her friend's Yorkie, Bella, for her often, and her friend was more that happy to drive her. I let CACC know Charmaine needed another day, and they place a redemption hold on Nyla for her to get there.

I spoke with Charmaine yesterday, after she brought Nyla home to her. She told me how much she needed her, and that she had a dog her whole life. She said her kids all have their own lives, and she is so happy to have a dog again. Nyla sits by her side, and is happy as can be.

LDI decided to pay for the redemption fee for Nyla to go home with Charmaine, to give her some help.

***Photo of Charmaine and Nyla waiting to go home from CACC***

~Jeanette
Lost Dogs Illinois
Microchip Hunters

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