Some very lucky dogs and cats who were on death row at the overcrowded Galveston County Animal Shelter are now having a few days of "spa" treatment thanks to the generosity of the Barkington Inn and Pet Resort in Webster.

The whole thing started a when Melissa Weatherford of Charleston, SC, was online looking to adopt a dog. Katie, a Catahoula dog at the Galveston County Animal Shelter, caught her eye, and when she got on the phone to the shelter staff, she heard all about how overcrowded the facility was getting as they received the pets of hurricane victims.  A week later, Melissa was on a plane to Texas to help arrange transports of dogs and cats out of the shelter to rescue groups in other states who wanted to save the lives of these animals. She was assisted by a small group of dedicated volunteers who had met only days before on the internet, working with her long distance by phone and computer to set up rescue destinations for the animals.

But transport arrangements take time, and the volunteers were faced with the possibility that pets would be euthanized that night because a transport truck could not be arranged until later in the week. That's when Barkington Inn stepped in. The manager of the kennel, Roberto De Echavarri, answered "yes" on very short notice when Chris Beck called him from Massachusetts searching for temporary housing for over 30 dogs and cats from the shelter. "I'll take them all," he said, "at no charge."

Within 15 minutes, Melissa and Steven Hensley, a volunteer from Dallas, were in their vehicles driving dogs and cats to Barkington Inn, where they were just bowled over by the hospitality shown these pets by Robert and his professional staff upon arrival.  Staff members met the dogs at the door and smoothly moved animals into the kennel where they were bathed, vaccinated for Bordatella, treated for the fleas, and made comfortable in spacious dog runs.

Then came dinner from an extra 240 lbs of dog food purchased specially to accommodate these hurricane refugees. The Barkington staff kindly loaned the ad hoc group of  transport volunteers much-needed crates to speed up the shuttle process, as well as assorted supplies much appreciated by members of this shoestring operation. The next day, the dogs were introduced to the outdoor yards and Frisbee playtime supervised by the Barkington staff. Cats and kittens had a chance to relax in peace and quiet in kitty apartments away from all the barking.

After five days, the dogs and cats at the Barkington were moved to foster homes in Arkansas sponsored by the Saline County Humane Society, and from there were adopted into loving permanent homes. During their stay at Barkington Inn, these special dogs and cats had the time of  their lives in their temporary digs!

Comments received in support of Barkington Inn's Galveston’s Hurricane animals:

"Hi There: I just read about how you helped out the Galveston Shelter. I wanted to thank you for your generosity and kindness. I already donated money but wish I had a lot more to help out those cute little dogs and cats. Anyway…just wanted to say good job!" 
  -- Nancy (From Houston)”

"Wanted to send a note to say thank you sooooooo very much for helping the dogs at the Galveston shelter. From all reports, you guys have been angels and I wanted to let you know it is very much appreciated!" 
  -- Stephanie (from North Carolina)

"I have just been informed about the wonderful thing you all did for the animals from the Galveston shelter. When a commercial kennel says they love animals, it is rare that you see them put their “money where there mouth it.  I understand these poor animals were treated like royalty, with tenderness, compassion, efficiency and love. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness."  
  -- Laura (from Houston)

"Thank you so much for all your help with the dogs from Galveston. You must operate a very special business. Would you like to duplicate it here in Montgomery?/// (LOL) Again many thanks to you and your staff."  
  -- Becky (from Alabama)