After searching to adopt a pet for about eight weeks, the Carlson family of West Bend, Wis., found Dot, a cream-colored terrier mix, on Ahimsa Rescue's national Petfinder's Web site and fell in love with her after seeing her photos and learning her personal information, Teresa Morton, director of Ahimsa Rescue of Muldrow, said.
Morton said Dot was picked up as a stray by the City of Muldrow's animal control. She was not wearing identification, and no owners claimed her. After Dot's holding time expired at the Muldrow City Pound, she was transferred to Ahimsa Rescue to make ready for adoption by being vaccinated, heartworm tested and being spayed to help control pet overpopulation, Morton said.
Dot's photo and personal information were placed on Ahimsa Rescue's local Web site, www.ahimsarescueofmuldrow.org, and on their national Web site, www.petfinder.com/shelters/OK96.html.
Morton said Ahimsa Rescue received many adoption applications for Dot. Besides receiving the Carlson's online application, Ahimsa received applicants from as far away as Scottsdale, Ariz., and Long Beach, Calif.
The Carlsons contacted Ahimsa Rescue and volunteered to travel from Wisconsin to Muldrow to adopt Dot, Morton said.
Morton said the Carlsons first considered traveling by plane, but after learning about the safety problems concerning airline travel and dogs, the Carlsons decided it would be much safer for Dot if they traveled by car.
Ahimsa Rescue processed the Carlsons' adoption application, contacted the Carlsons' veterinarian reference, personal references, and their local humane society who was trying to help the family find the right pet. The Carlsons sent photographs to Ahimsa Rescue to show Dot's new prospective home, family members, and large yard with lots of trees. They explained Dot would live in the house as a member of their family participating in family events and would receive an abundance of love, Morton said.
With careful consideration by Ahimsa Rescue's adoption committee the family's adoption application was approved, Morton said. The Carlsons and their 11-year-old daughter, Rachel, decided to make the 1,800-mile trip.
Morton said the Carlsons told her people from Wisconsin thought they were crazy to drive that distance to adopt a dog, but the Carlsons said their response was that there was only one dog for them, and she was in Muldrow, Okla.
Morton said Ahimsa Rescue has had many follow-up contacts with the Carlsons and on Dot thriving.
"This little terrier mix from the Muldrow City dog pound found an excellent and forever home in West Bend, Wis.," Morton said.
