There are more animal lovers in our area than anyone ever knew. I’m certain, because every time I announce a need for help, tons of really great people respond.

This is particularly true of one of my best sweethearts, Miss Libbie Walthall, a member of the Central Georgia CARES Board of Directors. Miss Libbie has done so many wonderful things for homeless animals in Macon that it would take several weeks of columns to tell you about them.

Of course, Miss Libbie would be blushing the entire time I bragged about her because she takes care of Macon’s most needy animals not for recognition, but because she has a heart of gold. This has never been more apparent than with what happened recently.

You see, ever since animal control in Macon began euthanizing almost every Wednesday, Miss Libbie has done whatever she could to rescue as many pound pals before Wednesdays each week. She was at the shelter on Monday, Aug. 20, to rescue six dogs.

While she was there, a man came in with eight puppies he’d gotten off a busy highway. He wanted to leave them at the shelter to try to be adopted. Unfortunately, the shelter was full, and he couldn’t leave the puppies. He was told to return on Thursday when there might be space.

Miss Libbie went out to his car to see the puppies and took pictures of them. It broke her tender heart to think what might happen to these beautiful babies.

Imagine her surprise on Thursday, Aug. 23, when she saw a picture on my Facebook page posted by Miss Mary Ellen Sherwood of all eight puppies together, abandoned off Ocmulgee East Boulevard in Macon. Miss Libbie, realizing the man probably tried taking them back to the shelter but it was closed because of parvo, jumped into action.

She communicated with Miss Mary Ellen Sherwood and Miss Lisa Rosen. Together the three of them headed out to the area to find the puppies.

Luckily, the scared puppies remained together so the ladies were able to collect them. Then Miss Libbie told me about them.

I posted the story on my Facebook page, and that’s all it took. Miss Betsy Annis stepped forward to foster five of them and Miss Mary Ellen took three. More of my Facebook friends offered food and donations for their care.

Three have already been adopted, and we’re looking for homes for the other five. If you’re interested in adopting one of the beautiful Fab 8, as they’re now called, just let me know!

It really does take a village. Thank goodness we have fantastic people like Miss Libbie, Miss Mary Ellen, Miss Lisa, Miss Betsy and others who are willing to get involved and lead the way.

Send questions for AC Pup to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or see his Facebook page.