Animal rescue memorializes buried puppy
CROCKETT COUNTY,Tenn. — An animal rescue group is continuing its mission despite a recent tragedy. In late October, Companion Pet Rescue and Transport had nine dogs stolen from its animal rescue facility. Eight of the puppies were returned, but one only made it back to the facility after being cremated. Mater, a 10-week-old puppy, was buried alive by juveniles, according to Gadsden police. Paws 2 Remember offered to cremate the puppy after staff decided against a traditional dog burial. “We just kind of thought it was inappropriate to bury him again, from what he had to go through the first time,” Rick Bowen of Companion Pet Rescue and Transport said. On Tuesday, the wooden box with the puppy inside was placed to overlook a pond on the shelter’s property. Bowen said a shelf eventually will be made to hold the pup’s memorial. The rescue group said Mater’s death is hard to forget, but they’re continuing their mission. Every Tuesday, staff load a trailer and prepare to take hundreds of dogs to New England. “We still get calls daily from people wanting help,” Bowen said. Since 2004, the group estimates it has helped around 14,000 dogs and puppies get adopted. The other eight puppies taken around the same time as Mater have made the trip up North to their new homes. “They’re in New England, happy, and they have their forever homes now,” Bowen said. “That’s the best part of the story.”
