Pitching for Homes: Mark Buehrle Scores for Strays

I admit it: I don't care much for baseball. However, one thing that might lure me to the ballpark this season is the innovative "Sox for Strays” program. Increasing pet adoptions is key to achieving No More Homeless Pets, and this terrific program highlights adoptable dogs hoping to slide into a home. Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle and his wife, Jamie, are the champions pitching on behalf of the pups.

On July 27, the featured dog was Truman, a hound/pit bull mix, and a more loyal dog would be hard to find. Ironically, this Chicago transplant hails from Cardinal Country — Alton, IL — near where the Buehrles reside during the offseason. Truman and his little buddy, a dachshund, somehow ended up on a busy highway last year. Folks think they were dumped. Truman's pint-sized friend was killed, but Truman refused to desert him; hence his name. He stayed and guarded his friend's body, hoping that he would get up. He didn't.

Unfortunately, the accident happened on a Saturday. Although Animal Control was called about the dog standing guard over his dead friend, it was the weekend, so help didn't arrive for three days. Truman was finally captured, and the good folks at Hope Rescue took him in, but he was damaged by the ordeal. Suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder, Truman was fearful and would shake with loud noises. Hope Rescue tried to adopt him out, but he was returned because of behavior issues.  

Jamie Buehrle, who volunteers with Hope Animal Rescues in the offseason, came to his aid. She reached out to Best Friends Animal Society. Although there wasn't room for Truman at the sanctuary, Best Friends’ Community Training Partners program tapped Janice Triptow to pinch-hit and work with Truman through Safe Humane Chicago.

Truman made his debut to sports fans on July 27, looking to score a home. Although he initially handled the stress well and exhibited no fear, Truman was spooked by the fireworks for a White Sox home run. Like me, Truman decided that he wasn't a fan and made a quick exit back to his foster home. But he remains much improved: Check out the PSA featuring him to see just how far he's come. Now Truman just needs a forever home.

The next "Sox for Strays" event will occur Aug. 11. The innovative Court Case Dog Program of Best Friends Animal Society and Safe Humane Chicago — which works to find homes for dogs whose owners have been charged with animal cruelty, abuse and neglect — will be highlighted once a month as part of the “Sox for Strays” campaign.   

Let's hope that baseball fans open their hearts and homes to these pups who were victims of cruelty or neglect. Maybe these dogs can one day play ball in their own homes.

Photo Credit: Safe Humane Chicago