Tears of joy as local man steps up to save dog
By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 23, 2023.
Herald photo by Justin Sibbet
Sara Mollo visits with Foolio as David McGale and Jennifer Radisac look on during a fundraiser for Foolio's upcoming surgery on Saturday at Sublime Barber and Tattoo.Sometimes it just takes a single act of kindness to remind a community of the good in the world and one local man has shown that he can make a difference in the lives of many.
Animal adoption and foster care organizations have been facing an uphill battle for some time as shelters become overfilled and adoptions decrease.
To make matters worse, sometimes an animal is brought in with major medical needs that require an expensive vet bill.
One example is little Foolio, a two-year-old pit bull who was brought to the Streetz Rescue Foundation in Calgary with a bullet lodged in his chest.
Surgery is required but the cost is over $1,200, leading to the rescue organization hosting a fundraiser to help save the dog and pay for his medical bills.
On Saturday, the fundraiser kicked-off at Sublime Barber and Tattoo in Lethbridge because Foolio was being temporarily fostered in the city.
With food for the community and certain tattoos seeing two-thirds of their proceeds going towards Foolio’s surgery, the event saw relative success within the first two hours.
However, it was only going to take a single donor to pay for the entire surgery and give the day a happy ending.
The dog saviour in question is David McGale, who just happened to stop by the fundraiser because his wife works for a neighbouring business.
“Just talking to (Streetz Rescue Foundation) about what they’re doing here today, and they just showed us this dog and he just took to me,” said McGale.
He says he simply has a love for dogs and seeing one suffer is just terrible.
“I’ve just been reading so many stories about people abandoning their dogs and it breaks my heart,” said McGale. “Dogs, they need our help.”
Talking specifically about Foolio, McGale says the choice to pay for the surgery was an easy one.
“He obviously needs our help and (Streetz Rescue Foundation) needs our help, I’m willing to step up and do that,” said McGale. “I think more people should.”
This act of generosity brought one member of the rescue foundation to tears.
Jennifer Radisac, a board member and foster with Streetz, says she was overcome with emotion when McGale said he would pay for Foolio’s surgery.
“I’m so happy, I’m crying,” said Radisac.
She says the entire situation happened very quickly, but it will leave a lasting impact on the life of the dog.
“Next thing you know he wants to adopt Foolio or has a friend that can take him and he’s going to pay for his surgery,” said Radisac. “It just doesn’t happen, I’m so happy. This couldn’t have come out better than it is now.”
Even though it was mission accomplished for the fundraiser, remaining donations were still set to help other dogs in need.
The owner of Sublime Barber and Tattoo, Corey Nelemans, says the tattoo proceeds were coming from one of his employees, but he would also be donating a portion of his profits for the day.
“(The employee donor) is just taking out the minimum he needs for his supplies and the rest is going to the fund, and half of my (proceeds) for today will be going to them too,” said Nelemans.
He says the pain inflicted upon Foolio and other abandoned dogs is hard to see, so he is happy to help the organization.
“I don’t like to see anybody suffer, so if they need help, I’m here to help,” said Nelemans
Director from the Streetz Rescue Foundation, Sara Mollo, says Foolio’s journey with her organization may be coming to an end but several other adoptable pups are still seeking a home.
“Barney and Maddy, we have for adoption right now,” said Mollo.
She says more awareness with pet ownership is also paramount to the success of saving those in need.
“A lot of them are getting dumped and unfortunately the overcrowding, the dog population is just skyrocketing,” said Mollo. “Adoptions are down, intakes are high.”
She says she hopes people will spread the word and help find rescue dogs a forever home.
To contact Streetz Rescue Foundation, call 403-869-9523 or email admin@fromthestreetzrescue.com.
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good news to have some good news – and all the better when it amounts to great news!