Forrest's Freedom Express to Missouri
Dog gets reprieve from Denver pit bull ban, hitching a ride courtesy Best Friends Animal Society to Stray Rescue of St. Louis
DENVER, COLO. Aug. 28, 2008 - Forrest the dog, saved from Denver's pit bull ban by an outcry of public support, will be leaving Friday afternoon for a new life.
Mired on death row at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter after escaping from his yard twice, Forrest was slated for euthanasia under Denver's pit bull ban. Amid demonstrations in support of Forrest, Best Friends Animal Society, the national animal rescue organization which operates the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary, contacted the shelter director, Doug Kelley, to offer a lifesaving solution.
Best Friends contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis and the shelter agreed to provide Forrest safe haven.
The fawn-colored pit bull mix was picked up by Jeff Popowich, Best Friends' animal care operations manager, at Denver Municipal Animal Shelter, 678 S Jason St.
"Best Friends is honored to provide first-class taxi service for this friendly dog," Popowich said. "At Best Friends, we believe in second chances for all animals and Forrest surely deserves one. Hopefully he will soon be on his way to a new, loving home."
Jennie L. Foster, director of operations, Stray Rescue of St. Louis said: "When contacted to take Forrest we did so with open arms since there were no more alternatives left for this wonderful companion animal. After talking with the attorney of Chris McGahey (Forrest's "person") and the wonderful folks at Best Friends, everyone agrees that coming to Stray Rescue is the much better alternative than being destroyed."
Best Friends' role is to transport Forrest to his new home here in St. Louis, where he will get love, attention and safety. He should be sleeping in a real bed by Saturday.
"What Chris wants to know is that Forrest is loved and cared for, and that is a guarantee at Stray Rescue."
Kelley said: "We're happy to resolve this situation within the guidelines of the existing ordinance. We are not here to euthanize dogs. We are here to provide public safety. We believe this solution is the best one for everyone involved."
"Kindness to Animals Builds a Better World for All of Us"
