Dog Given New Chance at Life

It looked like the end of the line for a boxer in a high-kill shelter.

Known only as "Tag 455" in the shelter, he was named Ridlin by the rescue groups who tried desperately for months to find a home for him. When Newtown-based rescue group Green Fur Kidz shared his information with Patch, he had only one day left before he was scheduled to be gassed. Readers prayed for someone to save the dog.

"Please don't put this dog down," wrote one reader. "Give him more time. See if someone comes for him. What is another day?"

Then Brookfield resident Kristen Lebish stepped up. She saw the post on Newtown Patch's Facebook wall and announced she'd foster the dog. Fellow commenters celebrated when she posted the happy news.

"This dog will be saved," she wrote. "Green Fur Kidz has reviewed my foster application and will be in touch with me tomorrow to talk more about the fostering process. In the meantime they're calling the shelter that this precious pup is at and saving him."

More than one reader declared her an "angel." Green Fur Kidz updated their post shortly afterward with the headline: "RESCUED!"

Kristen dropped Patch a line recently to let readers know the dog — now named Chance — is happily enjoying his new lease on life. He's been treated for heartworm disease and is back on the way to full health.

"He is the sweetest dog ever," she said.

Now the dog who seemed without a prayer can run around, see the sunlight and curl on the couch with a human. Chance may be free from his cage and with a loving guardian, but he's still looking for a forever home. For information on adopting Chance, contact Kristen Lebish on Facebook.