SLAYTON WELCOMES NEW RESIDENT TRIPOD THE SYRIAN IMMIGRANT

A new American citizen has arrived in Slayton: Tripod, the three-legged mutt of Anatolian Shepherd heritage has immigrated from Syria! Tripod was rescued by Evan Barney and BethAnn Burch-Winter through the efforts of SPCA International (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and other supporting animal rescue organizations. Evan and BethAnn have adopted and given Tripod the “retirement” he has earned because Evan believes Tripod rescued many soldiers in Syria when days were difficult and emotions were overwhelming.

Evan is a civilian contractor from Texas who has spent the past year working in Syria.

He met Tripod shortly after he arrived and learned the four year old dog had survived the ISIS invasion but lost one leg through unfortunate circumstances. “There were plans to euthanize all the adult dogs, but I always said Tripod needed to survive,” said Evan. “He saved so many of us with his ability to appear wherever he was needed, cheering everyone up.

My coworker learned SPCA was willing to vaccinate, provide blood work, medical work, and apply for U.S. citizenship for animals like Tripod. Citizenship is a real thing for dogs and cats! Once Tripod was approved the SPCA paid for the flight and his trip to Minnesota.” ture changes.” Evan added, “Though he is a mixed breed, he is primarily Anatolian Shepherd and they have been used for herding for centuries. They are extremely protective of their ‘herd’, whether it’s people or other animals and they have a strong bite. They seem to feel they aren’t your pet but they are meant to work and take care of you.” BethAnn stated the entire adoption process has taken about six months. “Through SPCA, I had a chance to fly to Iraq last September and bring a couple of dogs back. That was a big trip, but I got the dogs to New York and then they were brought to the place where they were adopted. We are really thankful for the SPCA and everyone who was a vital part of this process.”

Evan will leave soon for his next contract in Germany, but he knows Tripod is safe and loved in Slayton. The cost of rescuing a dog through the SPCA International program is about $7000 so your donations to this worthy organization are appreciated. Check out their website or ask BethAnn about ways you can support pets and families through the SPCA.