Mid City Times

In a heartwarming display of compassion, the City of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Division North Campus stepped in to help a stranded dog and his family. The Van den Berg family had planned to move to the Netherlands with their beloved dog, Rippy. However, when they encountered difficulties at a boarding house in Dallas, they were left with no choice but to find a solution immediately.

Elizabeth van den Berg, the dog's owner, recounted the stressful situation, stating, "After driving all over the Fort Worth metro area and being turned away by three separate shelters, I was advised to take him to the City of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Division North Campus." It was there that she met shelter supervisor Ryan Ellis, who initially listed the reasons why they couldn't take Rippy in. However, when Elizabeth asked if he would still help despite the limitations, she received an unexpected response. "Ryan quickly responded with, 'Of course I am!'"

With the shelter's assistance, Rippy was housed until a good Samaritan arranged for him to be placed in a local boarding facility. From there, he would be safely transported back to Colorado, where the Van den Bergs had relocated. Elizabeth expressed her gratitude towards the shelter, saying, "Even though the Fort Worth Shelter had every reason not to help me in this very unique situation, they found the space and the resources to do so, and Rippy is safe back in Colorado at a place he loves and trusts."

The Van den Berg family is eternally grateful to the City of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Division North Campus for going above and beyond to help them in their time of need. Elizabeth commended the shelter for their kindness and willingness to lend a hand, stating, "The gratitude I feel for this organization is exponential, and I cannot thank them enough for taking care of my pup and me."

Currently, Rippy is staying at a training/boarding facility in Colorado, while the Van den Bergs work on devising a new plan to move him overseas with them. The entire family is relieved to have Rippy back in their lives, thanks to the compassion and support of the shelter staff.

In a world where stories of abandonment and neglect often dominate the headlines, it is heartening to see a shelter step up and provide assistance to a family in need. The City of Fort Worth Animal Care & Control Division North Campus serves as a shining example of the power of compassion and the impact it can have on both animals and their owners.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2023/12/rippy-dog