Many residents in the greater Houston area read about the recent rescue of 191 animals in spring, Texas. At first sight, it was hard to imagine any happy endings coming from this house of horrors. Dogs, cats, chickens, parrots and other animals were living in filth so horrendous that the air was almost unbreathable. As the only local animal rescue and welfare organization equipped to handle so many animals of so many diverse species at once, the Houston SPCA’s animal cruelty investigation team worked long hours documenting and removing every single animal earlier this year. It was among the top five worst cases of deplorable living conditions the Houston SPCA said they have ever seen when they, along with Montgomery County Constables Precinct 3 discovered a three- year -old Great Pyrenees mix named Wrangler, who was among the animals rescued and the only one with a microchip. The chip was registered to Ryland Brown, a U.S. Air Force airman currently serving in Spokane, Washington. Brown said he couldn’t believe the news after his pet’s caregiver gave Wrangler away when Brown left for basic training nearly three years ago. The Houston SPCA and United Airlines stepped in to reunite Wrangler with Brown on Valentine’s Day.
Three years ago, Ryland had given his 6-month-old Great Pyrenees mix puppy to a friend for safekeeping while Ryland went into basic training with the Air Force. But the friend re-homed Wrangler. As soon as he was out of basic, Ryland searched for his dog but came up with dead ends. Sadly, he believed he would never see his little buddy again.
Thanks to that microchip, the Houston SPCA supporters and a little help from United Airlines, Ryland and Wrangler were reunited at last. His little buddy isn’t so little anymore, but Ryland couldn’t wait to hold him!
As for the rest of the animals, the Houston SPCA worked hard to find happy endings for them, too—if maybe a little less dramatic.
Many of the stories at the Houston SPCA begin in tragedy. But as our community continues to work together to report cruelty, care for animals and adopt pets in need of loving homes, together we’re giving them a second chance!
For information about animal adoption please visit houstonspcahouston.org
