PETS animal transport was started by a husband and wife team, Kyle and Pam Peterson, who created an industry that has allowed for tens of thousands of dogs and cats to be saved from high rate kill shelters.

Austin said PETS often makes trips to pick up southern animals and transport them to awaiting and loving homes up north.

Double Dog Rescue is a reputable all-breed rescue in the north but often is handicapped due to lack of foster homes keeping dogs safe after they are vetted.

Double Dog Rescue’s rule is that all dogs must be outside of a shelter for two weeks (puppies four weeks) to ensure they don’t come down with any diseases. An increase of more temporary homes would allow more rescues to occur.

PETS stopped in Clanton on their way to Mobile on Dec. 12 to pick up Cooper and transport him to Connecticut.

Volunteers brought Cooper to the Shoney’s parking lot to hand Cooper off to the first leg of his journey.

Although sadness loomed over many of the volunteers in Chilton County who had devoted time to loving and caring for Cooper, knowing he will have the opportunity to live a warm, safe and happy life with people who love and want him meant the world.

“Cooper touched many lives while he was here and he takes with him pieces of many hearts on his journey,” Austin said.

Currently, Austin said the number of rescues is about one in 20 with the hope that more people will step up and help out in the process of making rescues possible for a lot of animals to have a second chance of living in a happy home.

“Rescuing an animal greatly frees up the very limited space and resources that our local shelter has,” Austin said. “It means more time for the animals waiting for their second chance and it is a perfect way to recycle rather than throw away a precious life.”

Austin said for anyone interested in helping an animal out to remember that sometimes the difference between life and death is one person.

“Adopt, rescue, foster, transport, sponsor, donate, volunteer and care,” Austin said.

For more information on rescuing an animal contact the CCHS at 755-9170.