Courtesy of the Humane Society of Louisiana
An amazing stray, emaciated dog led Stacey Cook through four miles of woods to her 10 pit-mix puppies.
Stacey and her husband, Max, kindly took all 11 dogs into their already full house. Stacey Cook came to America six years ago and settled in Ruston. Soon after moving, a tornado hit Ruston, and they rescued their first dog, a Labrador/Rottweiler mix. Six years later, the couple now has 21 dogs and 15 cats, all from the streets of Lincoln Parish.
This extremely kind couple keeps their dozens of rescued animals in the 400-square-foot home, although they have a 3-acre backyard for all animals to exercise properly. Originally from the United Kingdom, Stacey hasn’t gone home in six years as she and her husband have devoted their lives to helping these animals.
“The joy they bring to our lives outweighs anything else, and we are more than willing and dedicated to keeping them safe and well loved, no matter the stress it brings us,” Stacey said.
While stray pets are prominent everywhere, Lincoln Parish has a particular issue of being overrun with strays. The sweet, protective mom leading the Cooks to her 10 puppies is one in a long line of rescue stories – this has a happier ending than others.
A week before discovering all the puppies, the terrified momma dog wandered through the Cook’s yard. The couple called Lincoln Parish Animal Control regarding her, but they assured that someone had picked up her puppies and it was okay to take her in, leaving the Cooks to help and gain this mom’s trust.
After taking her inside, she began to act strangely once night fell, as if she needed to go out. The couple put her on a leash and she led them for four miles to her puppies, where the Cooks took all of them in.
“We were so pleased and proud of her at the same time. She kept them safe, all 10 of them, while taking a 4-mile walk daily in harsh weather to come to us for food,” Stacey said. “These animals and their resilience fill my heart with pride.”
The Cooks seek modest donations as the two live off one paycheck, and often struggle to make ends meet. Additionally, the Ruston Animal Shelter has yet to help the couple find homes for all the animals they’ve taken in, providing them only with the option of euthanasia if the pet is not adopted within five days. With donations, however, they can continue their wonderful work rescuing and supporting animals.
“The impact on the animals speaks for itself. When you can see a hungry, scared, unsure face, turn it into one full of love, trust, and loyalty,” Stacey said. “The hardest part is finding these babies homes that we can honestly trust and know they’ll be shown the same love, loyalty, and respect they give out.”
Those interested in adopting any of the 10 puppies can contact the Cooks at 318.957.9441 or email them at Staceyjaneburton@gmail.com.
“We are so grateful the Cooks understood the momma dog’s behavior so well,” said Jeff Dorson, Humane Society of Louisiana Director. “How else would they trust a stray dog to lead them on a 4-mile trek through the woods? It’s rather unbelievable that they trusted each other to that extent.
“Despite their modest accommodations, we’re also grateful the Cooks were kind enough to make room for a canine family of 11. We hope the public will support their rescue efforts by donating to them or us on their behalf and/or adopting one or more of their puppies.”
The Humane Society encourages the public to donate directly to the Cooks or those who prefer a tax deduction, can donate to the Humane Society on behalf of the Cooks: https://donatenow.
Established in 1988, the Humane Society of Louisiana is one of the largest animal protection organizations in the state. For more information, please visit its website at www.humanela.org.
