Monroe's Legendary 'Red' Headed for a Life of Bliss

It could be said that if you don't know "Red," you really don't know Monroe. 

For years, she has wandered the streets of the city, without a real home, finding shelter wherever she could. People got used to seeing her, many of them feeding her, but few getting close enough to touch her. She learned over the years just where to look for that next meal, but never to let anyone get too close.

Well, all that has changed and this story has a new chapter.

"Red," as she has affectionately been named by many, is a stray dog that made Monroe her home. Nobody is quite sure when she arrived, or from where she came, but she managed to worm her way into many a heart. She was fed at the Monroe Fire Department by firefighters, at the Post Office by people who worked there and by many other people in businesses and homes around town. On a Saturday, Red would make her way through the Farmers Market on the courthouse square - the booth selling dog biscuits was an obvious favorite. But while she would take food from anyone who offered, she was always very skittish.

Bill Wise, director of Walton County Animal Control, reported last week that someone finally managed to trap Red and get her into the hands of the people who will truly be able to take care of her. 

"Although nobody really wanted her picked up by animal control, nobody truly believed that running the streets was the best thing for her. This Thursday, she was cornered in a garage by a citizen and we were called to come get her," Wise wrote on the Walton County Animal Control website. "Once Red was back here at the shelter, we gave her an hour in a quieter area in quarantine away from the other dogs. I was able to enter her kennel and handle her. She bowed her head in submission and wet the floor when I first touched her, but I was able to calmly pet her without any issue. I was then able to leash her and she walked so nicely on the leash to the exam room. I was able to pick her up and put her on the table, draw blood for a heartworm test, and vaccinate and deworm her... all without her even attempting to nip or bite! She was still very cautious and doubted my intentions, but never tried to bite. She wet the table, but she did far better than I anticipated. No biting. No fighting the leash. Just calm submission. I spent a few minutes just talking softly while petting her head. I think she has just forgotten what it was like to be loved and petted by a caring person."

Wise put out a call to the local animal rescue groups and Bliss Animal Haven in Loganville answered the call immediately. Jessie Romer, co-founder of Bliss Animal Haven, said Red now has a shot at a new life.

"We are 'rehabilitating' her to ensure she learns to trust people and to give her a chance at a truly happy and spoiled life (we will adopt her out when she is ready)," Romer said. "I posted her on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/blissdogs and there's already lots of talk about her - and donations have come in." 

"Thanks so much for taking little Red into your rescue, she is a darling and the star of Monroe, we wish only good things for her in her new life. I will miss seeing her at the bank and feeding her hotdogs at DQ," one Facebook poster wrote. "Red is loved by many, and many will be wondering what has happened to her. Not to mention, I am crossing fingers it helps her find the BEST forever home in Monroe , hopefully!"

"SO glad to see she is doing well," posted another. "We have fed her for over two years. We were finally able to make sure she had a place to sleep. I will miss seeing her every day. She is so special to everyone. She had become a part of this city."

"Thank you people with heart who came and rescued this amazing dog who survived for so long on the streets of Monroe. During a heavy rain storm, I saw her curled up in the middle of a parking lot--absolutely no shelter. My friend Carolyn would look for her to feed her even before 6am and did all she could to coax her to come to her. She bought flea medicines and placed it in her food. The other day two dogs were biting her as she ran pell mell into traffic of Highway 11, dodging frantically," yet another poster wrote. "Yes, this Red, as we called her, has had such a challenge to survive. And someone or someones have hurt her so badly. Thank you, Bill Wise, of Walton Animal control for listening to the people who cared for so long about capturing Red and getting her to safety. Thank you for the kind officer from Animal Control that you sent to get her too. Thank you for not asking that we who loved her just 'ignore her.'"

"She is part of Monroe," another Facebook poster wrote. "Somebody here in Monroe needs to adopt her, she needs to stay here as she is a part of this city!! So glad she now has a soft spot to lay her head, can get grooming and vetting...Huge smile on this old lady's face!!!"

Someone even suggested that the mayor of Monroe should adopt her - and the story of Red has gone national. 

"I'm from indiana...have family & friends in Monroe, this is a great story and I would love knowing what happens with this precious dog," Rita Albach wrote on Facebook. "She looks happy and truly deserves a loving home. Thank you for sharing this story and thanks to all the kind hearted people that rescue and heal stray animals, makes me feel proud to know of Monroe!"

Bliss Animal Haven is the perfect rescue to take in Red. It devotes itself almost entirely to taking care of those animals most in need of love, compassion and, in some cases, extensive medical treatment. According to the website, the premise of Bliss Animal Haven is that animals are not only able to feel bliss, but that they are entitled to experience it. Since taking in Red, Romer said she has been amazed by the outpouring of support from the local community.

"I am amazed by every little piece of Red's history that is being messaged and emailed my way," Romer wrote. "It makes my heart ache, but it helps me to see more deeply into her eyes and into the difficult journey she has traveled thus far. I want you all to know that she gave me a small tail wag this evening, let me pet her, and has not once tried to dart away or snap. She is a gem! I am thrilled to give her the security, food, comfort and love that she has so long deserved, and I know the perfect adopter will come along when she is ready. Thanks to all who did not turn a blind eye to her suffering and who have been hoping for her safe rescue. We are honored to care for her."

Those who want to follow Red's progress can do so at www.facebook.com/blissdogs.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to Bliss Animal Haven for Red or any of their  other special rescues can do so here:
http://blissanimalhavendonate.blogspot.com/

• More about Red in an announcement on Patch.
• Learn more about the founders of Bliss Animal Haven.
• Learn more about Bill Wise, director of Walton County Animal Control