Halle’s story began when the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) ranger, received a call that a pup had been thrown into the Murrumbidgee River in Gundagai, the caller had pulled the pup out of the river, and the ranger from Cootamundra was dispatched to assist with the rescue.
The pup’s age was estimated to be nine weeks at the time of rescue. The animal had ingested a lot of water, and her condition was dire. The trip from Gundagai to Cootamundra saw the animal experience two seizures, and laboured breathing. A special bond had been formed between CGRC Ranger Tara and the little pup, during their first hours together. As Ranger Tara, cared for the pup she picked the name Halle. Ranger Tara thought it was a pretty name and it signified strength, something Ranger Tara felt the little pup needed at the time.
On arrival in Cootamundra, veterinary advice was sort. The prognosis was guarded, the pup would need 24/7 supervision for a several days to ensure her recovery and welfare.
The pup’s rescue reached most of the CGRC workforce. Offers of assistance for her care come in from across all departments. Little Halle would sit under a desk for a short period of time or was watched over by outdoor staff as they went about their duties. Across the workforce Halle’s wellbeing was the topic of conversation each morning. The little pup warmed the hearts of all. As Halle had to be under constant supervision, she became a fixture for a few days in the administration office and depots in Cootamundra.
Halle would be present at early morning prestart meetings at the Council depot, as she became comfortable being on a leash, she would take a sniff at the various steel cap boots on the ground, and randomly pick a pair to rest her head on as the meeting progressed. Halle would be bought into the office whilst the Ranger Tara attended to paperwork, her bed would be rarely used as staff would take turns in nursing her or leading her around for some gentle exercise. Halle would rest her head on a shoulder and snuggle in for a cuddle. The little dog bolstered camaraderie, lifted morale and gave all who encountered her a common ground. This gorgeous pup seemed to know she had been rescued and was pouring out her love and appreciation to all.
Halle did have some health problems develop from her traumatic start, a bacterial infection developed from aspiration of river water, and she had an aversion to water in general, however those problems have been rectified through the love and care she has received.
Now some three months on from her appalling start Halle has been rehomed, she is a happy, lively and confident animal showing great promise as a forever companion animal to the family who have adopted her.
Halle’s story is one that has a happy ending, and what she bought to a workforce was solidarity. The work undertaken by Council, in the area of abandoned animals reaches far beyond impounding them.
Pictures and caption:
- The nine-week-old, abandoned pup had been rescued from the river.
- Three months on, Halle has been rehomed, is confident, happy and very healthy.
- Halle is mastering the paddleboard, her aversion for water has been overcome, thanks to a loving family.
