Ferrari - Sometimes, treasures are found in the most unlikely places. Salvage yards are a retirement ground for wrecked cars and used animals. No one knows where junkyard dogs come from, but apparently they come from the same nameless places cars come from.

While walking in a junkyard in East Austin, I noticed an emaciated purebred German Shepherd momma lying under a rusty car. There were 3 tiny puppies who looked like walking skeletons, milling about, desperate for food. I also noticed 2 red male Shepherd mixes, with ribs protruding, too shy to approach. Since it appeared the dogs were improperly cared for, I asked the yard owner if I could have the dogs. He agreed, since he apparently didn't have the money to feed or fix them.

I took the mom and pups to the shelter. I contacted the German Shepherd rescuers, who take purebreds into their "breed rescue" program. The four dogs were placed with people who didn't want to buy from breeders (since purebreds are available at every shelter in America).

I rushed back to the salvage yard to catch the remaining 2 dogs. Both dogs crowded into the trap to eat and the cage door snapped shut. The dogs sat down in the trap and patiently waited for their next meal. 

Once at the shelter, the Red Shepherd mixes were easy to socialize. One brother couldn't put weight on his rear leg - apparently he'd been hit by a car. The other brother was healthy. They were mixes, so there was no rescue from the purebred group. We had only one foster space, so the healthy brother got out. The other brother didn't.  Fortunately, humane euthanasia is a more acceptable option than dying in a roadway ditch.

We named the handsome red dog, Ferarri. He went places fast, especially when he was playfully being chased by other dogs. He was a gentle, calm dog that enjoyed sunbaths and butterflies. He found a great home in Austin and now has a rescued brother to chase.