Rescued from the Murrumbidgee River, Halle’s rehabilitation was spent under the desks and in the arms of staff at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, and the pup was obviously showered with chew toys. Photo: CGRC
What began as an ordinary day for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) ranger Tara Robinson quickly turned into something far more profound.
It started with a call. A distress call from a Gundagai local who witnessed a small pup being thrown into the Murrumbidgee River.
The bystander leapt into action, rescuing the tiny critter from the water and quickly alerting authorities.
Tara, dispatched from Cootamundra to assist in the rescue, ended up with quite the crisis as the small pup, having ingested a significant amount of water, remained in a critical state.
According to Tara, the 40-minute return journey essentially threw her into the role of paramedic, as a life and death battle ensued as the pup continued to struggle to breathe, suffering two seizures.
Once in Cootamundra, veterinary intervention still left the nine-week-old pup with an uncertain prognosis, requiring around-the-clock supervision for several days.
By then Tara had already named the pup Halle – a name that signifies strength and nobility.
But as word fluttered across Cootamundra-Gundagai’s cubicles and offices, Halle’s fight for survival became what Mayor Abb McAlister describes as an unflinching effort from the council staff to ensure the pup received proper care.
Offers of help came pouring in from across all departments, he said.
“It was one of those typical situations you get out here in the country where people step up to help out,” he said.
Halle became the object of everyone’s affections as the cuddles came in thick and fast – not only as she was ferried around the office in the arms of staff, but as she rested under various desks throughout the workday.
Tara was never far from the pup’s sights, as Halle was reportedly often nestled in the arms of a staff member rather than in her bed.
After a few days Halle had become a fixture in the council’s administration office and depot, where she attended the early morning pre-start meetings and developed an endearing habit of sniffing steel-capped boots before picking a pair to rest her head on as discussions carried on.
According to Abb – conversations in the office revolved around Halle and her wellbeing.
“It was pretty much a case of her capturing everyone’s hearts,” he said, “but in turn she fostered a camaraderie among the staff.”
Despite her progress, Halle’s start in life left her with some challenges not the least of which was a bacterial infection developed from the river water she swallowed.
And, understandably, she initially showed a strong aversion to water.
Now, three months after her near-tragic beginning, Halle’s story has a beautiful ending with her now rehomed with a loving family, where she is thriving as a happy, confident, and energetic companion.
Once fearful of water, she apparently has even mastered the paddleboard, proving that with kindness and perseverance, past trauma can be overcome.
Says Abb: “Halle’s journey is a testament to the incredible work undertaken by the CGRC in rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned animals – it goes far beyond impounding them.”
But, he said, her story was not just one of survival.
“It’s one of hope, unity and the profound impact a small pup had on an entire workforce,” he explained.
“Through her resilience and the love of those who cared for her, Halle found her second chance at life, and in doing so, she brought people together in the most unexpected way,” Abb said.
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