Maybe some of you know Genevieve, the Rye postal worker who delivers the mail each day to the shops on Purchase Street, as well as some of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Maybe some of you know Genevieve, the Rye postal worker who delivers the mail each day to the shops on Purchase Street, as well as some of the surrounding neighborhoods. Genevieve is a spitfire, bounding with energy and enthusiasm.  She is always quick with a smile and a “Have a blessed day” greeting. Our latest rescue story begins with her delivering the mail on Purchase Street.

Last spring, Genevieve mentioned to Samantha, the manager (and daughter) of Angela’s, a fine women’s clothing shop on Purchase Street, that she was having a blue day. Several years earlier Genevieve’s beloved Miniature Pincher (or Min Pin as they are affectionately known) named Chuletta had been hit by a car and killed. Genevieve was devastated by the loss and hoped one day to rescue another Min Pin, but she had no luck finding one at a local shelter. Samantha was so touched by Genevieve’s story that she became determined to help her find another Min Pin to adopt.

Samantha knew Rye resident Lynn Ingrassia, animal advocate and fantastic networker. Lynn loves dogs and devotes much of her free time to rescue. She is actively involved with two dachshund rescues, several multi-breed rescues in New York City, Pet Rescue in Harrison, and at the time she was working up to twelve hours a day, freeing dogs from some of the most inhumane kill shelters in the country, one of which is located in Los Angeles. Samantha asked Lynn to be on the “lookout” for a little Min Pin.

A few months passed and then the stars aligned…

In June, Lynn received the regular morning euthanasia list/photos. She combed through them, began emailing and calling rescue contacts, hoping to free some of the beautiful dogs slated for euthanasia simply because of the lack of space at the shelter. She spotted a little black Min Pin on the list, his picture showed him cowering in the corner of his pen, looking frightened and sad. She immediately texted Samantha, who said to do whatever it took to get him here. Everything fell into place perfectly, which really was miraculous. Lynn got a rescue to pull the dog — her favorite transporter happened to be at the shelter and transported the dog to a boarding facility that just happened to have space for a shelter dog. She arranged a vet to examine him and to issue a health certificate. It all sounds simple but none of it really is. Lynn did it! The little Min Pin was free! But now, how to get him from LA to NY?

By chance, Lynn discovered that a friend of her daughter’s was visiting LA, so she texted her and found her happy to fly the little pup to NYC. It was truly the work of the angels, as this friend is also an active animal advocate and was thrilled to participate in the rescue. Wrapped in a comfy blanket, with a stuffed teddy bear wearing an “LA” T-shirt so he’d never forget his roots, the Min Pin boarded a 747 for his red-eye flight east. Samantha went to the city early the next morning to meet them and to bring the dog to Rye.

The rest is history. Chuletta, now 2, lives happily with Genevieve and her husband and five children. No comfort has been spared. He is showered with love, good food, regular walks, outfits, and plenty of toys.

It was a joyful meeting in Angela’s shop that day between Samantha, Genevieve, Lynn, and Chuletta.