Angel Dog Project

Raphael and Gabriel

Our Story of Being in the Care of Community

December 7, 2024 Seeking Home — January 1, 2025 Found Our Forever Families

The Visitation

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, while I sat on my deck with my two dogs drinking a coffee, these two rain soaked pups showed up at my house. They were immediately friendly and approached the gate. They were not deterred by my territorial female husky, and did not bark back when she offered a spunky conversation. Instead, they gently came to greet her through the fence.

These male dogs, probably about 3 years old and who seem like brothers, were quite hungry, smelled of wild onions, and had clearly been out in the rain all night. And, they were pretty content. After eating two portions of food each and lapping up lots of water, they settled in and got comfortable on the deck or in the yard under the trees. Both dogs appear to be healthy and in good physical and emotional condition.

Their Presence

We had them checked, and they are not chipped, do not have collars, and do not appear to be neutered. No owner has come forward even after sharing their faces and stories through social media and local shelters. We believe they are likely a Pyrenees Lab mix, and have been around and love people and other animals (cat friendly). They are gentle, friendly, and curious. And, they are escape artists, so they need a secure outdoor space. They do not typically jump up on people, and are easily redirected. Both dogs also tend to come to people rather than run off.

Their ideal home is one where they can safely be outdoors, potentially spend time indoors or in a sheltered area during extreme weather, and, most importantly, have regular contact with people.

Because they seem to have dropped out of the sky, and appear to be on a mission to meet as many loving people and dogs as possible, we now call them Raphael (Brown Eyes) and Gabriel (Blue Eyes). We have not been successful in locating their owners and are currently looking for temporary and permanent placement for them. We are looking for a home where they will be cared for and have plenty of room to live their best dog life. In the meantime, we are also asking for support to care for them.

Health Update:

After a trip to the vet today, we know a little more about these two dogs.

Raphael: 73 lbs, estimated 1 year old, heart-worm negative flea treated and dewormed. No sign of ticks or tick borne illnesses.

Gabriel: 54 lbs, estimated 1 year old, heart-worm negative flea treated and dewormed. No sign of ticks or tick borne illnesses.

The Invitation

Raphael and Gabriel arrived unexpectedly Saturday, December 7, 2024 and have invited us to help find them a permanent home. As we get to know this dynamic duo better, their needs are becoming clearer and the project is evolving thoughtfully. We have not been successful in locating their owners and are currently looking for long-term temporary and/or permanent placement for them. In the meantime, a few community members will be taking care of them. In partnership with Wimberley UMC’s Green Team in Care for Creation and Shady Llama, The Greater Mercy Foundation is asking the community to:

1. Share Raphael’s and Gabriel’s story.

2. Help find them a permanent home. (secure yard, indoor/outdoor pets, people-time)

3. Temporarily provide food or monetary contributions for their care.*

*Any funds collected will be offered to and used at the discretion of their permanent person/s. (Vet check-up, vaccines, neuter, start-up food/supplies.)

Donations for this project can be made through The Greater Mercy Foundation with a note for the Angel Dog Project.

Gabe and Raph are getting used to being indoors and finding comfort in a crate.

Their Message

Raphael and Gabriel bring us messages of love, sovereignty, mutuality, and sustainability. If we believe in the sovereignty of all beings, then we must be present to and respect the essence of each being and their capacities and power-full-ness. Raphael and Gabriel, in their full power, require love, food, care, and secure space to roam. Together, as a village and community, we can provide resources to support Raphael and Gabriel. Mutual, sustainable relationships will not exceed any participants capacities, and will be beneficial to all. This is the offering and message these dog-people bring to us.

In service to Raphael and Gabriel, please join this project within your capacity and without any attachment to a particular outcome. For more information please contact Courtenay 414-747-6886 or Jen 512-992-8725.

Home

These sweet dogs have their forever people. Thank you to all those who helped in big and small ways to make sure these two were in good hands. We especially thank Shady Llama for managing the foster care and rehoming process. Thank you also to Wimberley UMC’s Green Team in Care for Creation and those who contributed financially.

Together, we can do what is within our capacity to serve. May this be the beginning of so many more beautiful community projects in 2025.