End animal suffering in KCMO urban core

"Gotti" was a routine stop for the Chain of Hope outreach team for nearly two years.  So much so that he lit up as soon as he saw the van pull up.  He knew fresh food and water, treats, toys, and a lot of love and affection were coming.  Chain of Hope also provided Gotti a dog house, hay to cover mud in summer and keep him warm in the winter.  Gotti had a canine brother that lived in his owner's house, pampered and loved, but Gotti remained outside, all day, every day, even now at the age of 13.  But they refused to give him up.  

A dangerous cold blast was expected hit Kansas City.  The outreach teams were out and stopped to warn the owner of impending temperatures and how dangerous this would be for Gotti - life threatening.   The blast hit and the teams went out.  On this horribly cold day, Gotti was a priority stop with wind chills expected to be 18 below zero.  And there he was, on the side of the house where no sun could even touch him. Despite the warning, despite the conditions, they would not consider letting this boy in the house.  

Education only goes so far, and sometimes must be replaced by insistence that a person do the right thing.  And finally on this day, they did.   Gottie was free from his chain, his isolation, his neglect....and "Reggie" started his new life.  That van that brought him the only goodness he knew, was now taking him to freedom.

Reggie had a cheesburger on the way to Chain of Hope where he got a warm bath, more food and fresh water, a fresh blanket on a clean cot where he settled in for a long warm cozy nap.  And it wasn't long before his distinguished good looks and charisma landed him a girl.  He and Abby are the best of friends.  

We don't know how long Reggie will be with us, but we do know he will spend the rest of his days loved and in comfort.