Kia, dog found in KCMO Tow Lot, makes national TV debut

So today, throughout the country (check local listings), a little dog that came into our shelter at the KC Pet Project is getting national attention. 

If you don't know the story, Kia was found on the dashboard of a car at the Kansas City, MO impound lot. Apparently, the car that she was in had been towed and she was trapped inside. Employees at the tow lot did not notice her inside the vehicle when it came in on April 6. 

Then, on May 6, she was found on the dashboard, alive. Skinny & dehydrated, but alive. Fortunately for Kia, her previous owner was a bit of a slob, and there was enough McDonalds leftovers, cigars, and trash in the car to keep her alive for 30 days. Pretty amazing.

The story first came out 10 days ago, and made a lot of news -- getting picked up by news media in virtually every state, and several national media outlets including the Today Show, Fox News and the Huffington Post. Earlier this week, people from the Rachel Ray Show came to the shelter, shot footage at the shelter, and Kia, and one of our staff people, were able to go out and be on the Rachel Ray Show. The show is airing TODAY -- so check local listings (the video of the clip is already online, however an embed option is not available). 

Kia's story is amazing, but I think the publicity of the case caught all of us off guard. As an open admission shelter in a large city, we see stories like this very regularly -- whether it's a dog that is found injured in the attic of an abandoned home, with a gunshot wound, or dogs found abandoned on a deck at a home. 

Since KC Pet Project took over the operations of the shelter 16 months ago, our staff has been working hard to provide the best possible options for dogs like Kia. Whereas as recently as 4 years ago, only 35% of the animals that came into the shelter were lucky enough to find new homes, over the past 16 months, nearly 90% of them have found new homes (most of the rest would be too sick, injured, or aggressive to be suitable candidates for adoption). 

It's been a fun, world-wind tour, and hats off to the great staff at KCPP who is making miracles happen every day. And thanks to Rachael Ray, who is a great advocate for shelter animals, for sharing Kia's story.

As for Kia, she is rehabbing well in her foster home where she'll stay for a few more weeks until she's ready for adoption. She's a pretty neat little girl, who has been through a lot. I'm so glad we were here to help her.

 

Comments

[Dianne R]

What wonderful publicity for you guys. Keep up the good work and I hope it brings in a flood of donations! WARL is not an open admission shelter but we get in dogs and cats that have been abandoned (?) in all sorts of strange places. Early in the recession, one lovely GSD was left on the grounds of the arboreteum.

[Samantha H]

The amazing part is not where she was found but the fact that she survived trapped in a car for 30 days. Hopefully the national exposure will motivate more people to adopt from their local shelter.

[Jen Brighton]

Wow, little Kia, you are one special dog, just like all our canine friends. I hope this illustrates to many people who wouldn't otherwise consider a shelter dog, just how amazing they are.

[michele]

I want her!!!