GLENDALE, AZ -- One of Robin Hood Animal Rescue's many pets is now making his way to the Green Bay, Wisconsin area.
Tipper left on October 3rd and will arrive with his new owner Kurt Peters on Saturday, October 10th.
Peters decided to adopt Tipper after seeing ABC15's story on the
Robin Hood Animal Rescue group.
"This just broke my heart. I couldn't imagine some poor dog waiting four or five years for a home only to end up being put down," said Peters.
Peters then called Bob Spangler, co-founder of the Robin Hood Animal Rescue group.
"I asked which dog has been there the longest," said Peters. Spangler then told him about Tipper, a black lab and pit bull mix.
But Peters reached a road block as far as how to transport Tipper over 1,985 miles to his home.
He contacted several rescue groups without luck. Then he said he heard of a group called Roads of Hope.
Roads of Hope had never arranged such a long trip for an animal, but began putting the word out for drivers.
"People from all over the country started showing their support. Many said they would volunteer if they were in route. Eventually all the driving legs and foster homes of the trip were filled and Tipper was ready to start his long trip to Wisconsin."
Tipper is among the lucky.
Robin Hood Animal Rescue group now has 10 days to place more than 70 animals or be forced to do what the group has always stood against, euthanizing the pets.
"It's horrendous, because we're faced with the same thing that everyone else is faced with, but worse, because we have so many pets to find homes for," said Robert Spangler, Robin Hood Animal Rescue's Director.
Both Spangler and his co-owner were laid off from their jobs and are both losing their homes, where the pets are kept, to foreclosure.
"Every animal we have is in jeopardy," said Spangler, whose home goes up for auction October 5.
Spangler said the economy has hit families hard. For the past year, they've been taking in two animals for every one animal they adopt out, and many of the adopted animals are finding their way back to the shelter.
"Unfortunately, we're finding some of our dogs and cats on the street or at the pound because the owners have lost their jobs and are letting them go," Spangler said.
Bethannah Guzman adopted one of Robin Hood Animal Rescue's pets for her own family.
"Phoenix can't afford to lose another animal Shelter," said Guzman.
Guzman's children call their new pet "B" and say she's changed their life. She is saddened by the news of the rescue group's hardship.
"When I rescued "B" I was touched by the fact they know each and everyone of their dogs and cats. They're not just a number like you find at the pound." said Guzman.
"I hope people will adopt the animals," said Guzman's son William.
So does a tearful Spangler.
"We're faced with having to euthanize them and some of the animals we've had for four to five years."
If you'd like to help you can reach Robin Hood Animal Rescue at 623-931-7499 or go to the
Robin Hood Animal Rescue website.
