Gardner-Webb family adopts stray and her pups

Renee Ybarra rescued a pregnant stray because she trusted in the generosity of the folks she works with at Gardner-Webb University.

I knew I had a better chance of finding homes because I work with this large group of caring people,” said Renee at a “family” reunion Sept. 20 for the mother dog and her puppies.

It was the first time mother, puppies and adoptive parents had been together since the litter of six was born in December 2005.

Only one member of the family, Harley, who was adopted by Teresa White, Athletics Secretary, couldn't make the reunion.

Renee brought her dog, Belle, who is an aunt to the litter. When Lady went into labor in the middle of the night, a persistent Belle woke Renee to let her know of the new arrivals. After the reunion — with dogs and owners getting tangled in leashes — it was decided that a better place next time might be a fenced in yard so the siblings could run and play.

Meet the family
Maxie and Sammie were adopted by Audrey and Ken Sloan
Audrey Sloan is director of GOAL Admissions at Gardner-Webb.
“We fell right in love with them. They stole our hearts. It was good to adopt them together, because they have always done everything together.”

Hildi was adopted by and Drs. Glen and Nancy Bottoms
Hildi, the largest of the litter, looks nothing like her sisters. She resembles an Otterhound, like the dog, “Sandy,” from the “Annie” movie. My wife is too soft-hearted,” Glen said to explain why they adopted Hildi.

Lady, the mother dog, was adopted by Elizabeth Pack, academic adviser
Elizabeth adopted her in May 2006 from Renee. Lady had more energy than Renee’s dog Belle, so Elizabeth offered to take her. Elizabeth planned the reunion and brought gifts of dog bones and treats for all of Lady’s children.

Sadie adopted by Becky Newton, administrative assistant to the provost and senior vice president
“I wasn’t going to get her, because I’m allergic to dogs,” Becky said. “But she was the next to the last one. My husband has three full-blooded labs, so Sadie is my dog.“

Hurley was adopted by Adam Fisher
"I wanted to find a Schnauzer puppy, so when I heard about them, she put me on the waiting list,” said Adam, assistant to the president and director of marketing.“The other person backed out so I got Hurley.”

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