05/30/2025
A SPECIAL FUREVER HOME FRIDAY: 🐾
Seamus’s Story: A Rescue That Took a Village
Seamus was found in rural Texas, part of a loose group of dogs living near the woods. Life was uncertain, but there was one thing he could rely on—a kind local man who fed the pack twice a day. That routine became a foundation of trust and the beginning of Seamus’s journey toward a better life.
He was eventually brought into rescue, adopted by a thoughtful couple in Washington, and put on a flight from Houston to Seattle. Like many dogs experiencing major changes, the long travel day was overwhelming.
Instead of meeting his adopters at the airport, our volunteer transporter coordinated a meet-up at a nearby hotel. During a walk to help Seamus stretch his legs, something startled him. He slipped out of his harness and bolted.
He ran into the thick blackberry brambles along the Green River, where the brush was nearly impossible to navigate. His adopters and local ZOEY volunteers spent hours searching, calling his name, and pushing through thorns—but Seamus had vanished.
Local animal control connected us with WASART—Washington State Animal Response Team, a volunteer-run organization that specializes in rescuing animals in challenging terrain and emergencies. Within hours, trained responders began arriving with drones, thermal imaging, repelling equipment, and rescue gear. Volunteers positioned themselves along both sides of the river.
Using heat signatures from the drone, spotters confirmed Seamus’s location—down a steep, overgrown riverbank. WASART volunteers carefully navigated the terrain, repelled down the embankment, and reached Seamus. They secured him in a crate and slowly pulled him up the slope, foot by foot, through dense brush and steep drop-offs.
At the same time, Seamus’s original finder flew in from Houston. He arrived late that night, ready to help in case Seamus didn’t respond to anyone else. When they reunited, Seamus had burgers, a familiar face, and a quiet room to finally rest.
Seamus spent the next two days decompressing at the hotel. He had a few scrapes on his belly but was otherwise in good physical condition. After a bath and some sleep, he was slowly reintroduced to his adopters with support from the finder and our team.
The adopters could have walked away. No one would’ve blamed them. But they didn’t. They stayed involved, helped search, and remained fully committed to giving Seamus the home he was promised. With time, patience, and structure, Seamus began settling in.
This rescue was only possible because of:
💚 The professionalism and courage of the WASART team
💚 The selflessness of Seamus’s finder, who flew across the country without hesitation
💚 The tireless efforts of ZOEY volunteers on the ground
💚 And the adopters, who showed that commitment means standing by—especially when things get hard
Today, Seamus is safe. He’s home. And his story is a powerful reminder that rescue is never a solo effort—it’s a team effort, fueled by care, collaboration, and people who show up.
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Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART), Laura’s Community Cat Project, Carla Bell, Angelica InRescue, Mimi Tzib , and his adopters Morgan & Leo.
