Riley  |  The Circle of Rescue

It’s difficult to accept that there are people who would be so heartless as to abandon a dog to the harsh circumstances of a Southern California desert in January, but that is what happened to Riley. Just two-and-a-half years old, this cute, sweet Wire was left to fend for himself until he was rescued by a concerned gentleman who saw him wandering in the wilderness area while he was on a morning walk. All kinds of dangers lurked in the area. In addition to the intense heat, there was the threat of encountering snakes and coyotes. 

As much as he wanted to, Riley’s rescuer could not keep him so Riley went off to a shelter in Palm Springs. There, they discovered that Riley had suffered a wound to his tail that had become infected. Whether this occurred before or while he was abandoned we will never know but most of Riley’s tail had to be amputated. 

Because of his medical condition, Riley could not be readily adopted, so the rescue gladly accepted ATRA’s offer to take Riley. 

Riley’s rescue is an example of the teamwork often needed to help a Wire in need. We contacted an ATRA volunteer in the Palm Springs area to go to the shelter to meet Riley and assess him. This volunteer also went back when Riley was ready to be released and took him to the next volunteer who drove him half way to Long Beach where Riley would be fostered. Two additional volunteers then met Riley and drove him to his foster home.

Riley only stayed a few months with ATRA. While with us, two volunteers shared fostering duties. But soon, he caught the eye of Chad who, ironically, lived in Palm Springs! Off Riley went back to the desert! But this time he was in loving arms and with someone who would care for him and enjoy his spirited, frenetic Wire antics!