ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS

NOVEMBER 2004

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS:

Though Not Her Forever Home, Foxie Saves Shelter and Inhabitants From Destruction

Foxie had been a resident of the Lake County, Indiana, Animal Control Center for just a short time. But the orphaned dog obviously did not consider the length of her stay when she warned the shelter staff of impending disaster. Read the amazing account as it appeared in the Munster Times on September 25, 2004:

GUARDIAN ANGEL OF THE LASSIE TYPE

Hero Dog: Shelter Workers Credit Foxie With Saving Other Dogs' Lives
By Elizabeth Eaken, Times Staff Writer

Foxie loves attention, but April Godra knew something wasn't right when she made her rounds through the Lake County Animal Control Center kennels a week ago, and the normally demure collie mix began barking hysterically. Then she noticed Foxie, a newcomer to the center, looking at the door leading to the garage where 10 other dogs were housed. "I opened the door and smoke started billowing in," Godra said.

Foxie's persistence paid off. Godra discovered the smoke before a fire broke out. "I said, 'Oh my God, Foxie, you're just like Lassie. You saved us',"Godra said. Godra, community liaison for the center, calls Foxie their "guardian angel.' The source of the smoke was a burning motor on the washing machine. The potential fire began when a load of blankets became entangled in the agitator. Godra said that the shelter's cleaning crew put a load of blankets into the washer and a load in the dryer just before they left for the day.

"Leaving when the machines are still running is now forbidden," she said. Godra said that if it weren't for Foxie, the dogs in the garage more than likely would have died. The possibility of the entire shelter burning and all the animals being destroyed brings tears to Godra's eyes. "She saved us. She's our baby" Godra said.

The Lewyt Award for November 2004 has been presented to Foxie to honor her exceptional bravery and loyalty to the people and pets of the Lake County Animal Control Center. Her courageous action that saved their lives. As a symbol of the award, North Shore Animal League America is sending the remarkable dog a plaque describing his incredible deed as well as a $500 check. Because the center is still Foxie's guardian, the check will be given to this remarkable organization. The League will present the Lake County Animal Control Center with a matching plaque and check in recognition of the organization's rescue and care of Foxie.