Two special dogs went from
“death row” to a home on a resort
in Minnesota, thanks to Amber
Schwindel and a network of
volunteers that connected them.
{Opposite page} Sophie with her
cute white muzzle and Willow with
her creamy coat have settled into
Minnesota living with mommy
Amber. {Above} Before and after
pictures of Sophie and Willow, from
shelter sad to cozy contentment.
Then the person who operates the Puppy Love 4 Death Row
Dogs, learned about Willow and thought Amber would be a perfect
mommy for this malnourished dog. Felicia actually drove the dog
from Tennessee to Wisconsin where Amber met her.
Even though they aren’t related, Sophie and Willow have become bonded, as if they know they came from the same place, said
Amber.
“It was a bit hectic and nerve wracking at first,” said Amber “It
was kind of overwhelming. I knew it was a risk adopting dogs I’d
never met but it was a risk I was willing to take.”
Amber, who is just 23 and a full time student holding down a
job at a Minnesota resort, has been a dog lover as long as she can
remember. She’s never been without pets and that includes goats.
“I’ve never been a fan of pet stores and puppy mills when there
are so many that need home,” said Amber. “I’ve been drawn to the
ones that have death sentences.”
Sophie and Willow are both pit bull mixes, a breed that is misunderstood and often harder to adopt out. Amber, as a member of the
rescue world, knows the truth about pit bulls and isn’t phased by the
unfair perception.
Sophie is the “lazy” one of the bunch, said Amber. “She loves to
sunbathe.”
Willow on the other hand is a bit “naughty.” She’s a bit hyperactive but keeps things lively around Amber’s house.
Amber is going to load up her special dogs and accept the honor
of Shelter Dogs Of The Year for Sophie and Willow. She thinks it’s
going to be quite an adventure traveling 18 hours to meet the people
who saved her dogs’ lives.
“I think it will be kind of emotional,” said Amber. “I can’t imagine what life would have been like without them.”
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