Ginny, a schnauzer mix was found in the closet of an empty apartment with three puppies. She had no food or water and was near death. Her previous owner had left the family there to die. After being discovered by the landlord, a shelter was called and they were picked up. They considered putting the dogs down because of their poor condition, but thankfully they showed immediate signs of improvement. All were brought back to full health and put up for adoption.
Phillip Gonzales was suffering from depression and went to adopt a dog for therapeutic purposes. The one he had his eye on was no longer available and the shelter suggest he take Ginny for a walk.
He was reluctant and she picked up on it. According to Gonzalez, she refused to budge until he made eye contact with her. He was sensitive to the fact that she too seemed to have feelings. He was charmed by her and felt that she was special. Soon after Gonzales would see just how extra special this little pup was. She had a secret mission that Gonzales was not aware of yet.
Her first rescue was during a walk. She took off, and went straight to a pipe. After pawing at it, she released five kittens. Animal behaviorists speculate that after being trapped and unable to help her starving litter, she may have felt the need to overcompensate for it later. Gonzales said that she always wanted to be out in the world, offering aid to those in need. It became her life’s mission. She always wanted to be searching alleys, buildings, dumpsters. Seeking injured or abandoned cats. Which is how she attained her incredible number of nearly 1,000 cat rescues.
(Photo Credit: Facebook)
Gonzales and Ginny soon became regulars in local animal shelters where they took many cats and kittens to help them find medical attention and homes. That is also where his family would grow. Ginny had a soft spot for impaired felines. One day her owner found her begging in front of a kennel and wound up adopting a blind cat. Another time, same thing happened, days later he discovered the new family member was deaf. Their family continually grew over the years and the ones they could not adopt or take to the shelter, they would feed. Every morning at 4:30am they would feed hundreds of hungry stray cats. He said it did not matter that he had small disability check from a construction accident. He felt that Ginny taught him the importance of giving love.
She was an incredible dog, that lead a remarkable life, thanks to her adopter, Phillip Gonzalez.
It’s the 10th anniversary of her passing, but Ginny has not been forgotten. She has even had books written about her life to help make sure her memory live on: The Dog Who Rescues Cats
