BY JOHN CHAPPELL

Staff Writer

A 12-year-old chow mix seized by Moore County Animal Control has a new chance at life, thanks to rescuers who were touched by his plight.

Kai was a stray when adopted - on her birthday - by a girl who saw him wandering the street. Later, his adoptive family lost their mobile home. New apartments didn't allow pets, so Kai was kept in a pen behind a run-down house.

His owner's 90-year-old great-grandmother was driving over every other day to feed Kai but wasn't able to groom or tend him. The property owner had county officers collect him.

Because Kai is part chow, and because of his age, chances didn't look good for him. North Carolina has many breed-specific rescue organizations but none for Kai's breed. The closest was one in South Carolina that had no room.

The dog's plight, outlined last month in a story in The Pilot, sparked the interest of Catrina Harris at Chow Charmer Rescue in South Carolina, and word went out, spread by email, Twitter and Facebook.

Animal Control promised to keep Kai a week to give him a chance. A week was enough. By the last day, Jeanne Orlando, who works at FirstHealth, and nurse Suzanne Jasuta were ready to act.

"I have found a place that will board him and I will get him vetted," Orlando said in an email. "I don't know his health status, and I know he is an older dog. My heart tells me that he needs a chance and should experience love and affection before he leaves this Earth even if it was one day's worth."

Jasuta went to the center to see Kai and liked what she saw.

"Suzanne is up at Animal Control right now adopting Kai," Orlando wrote. "He seems calm but lame in his hindquarters. Poor baby!

"Suzanne said he didn't seem aggressive, but he did seem scared. I don't know what to expect or what his future holds but I do know if we left him there, he would eventually get euthanized due to space limitations."

Both were very impressed by staff at the county shelter.

"Al Carter and staff did all they can do for him, and they did an outstanding job," Orlando said. "He was transported to the boarding facility in Southern Pines. The animal behaviorist tested him for any sign of aggression. The results: doll baby. I received a call from the 90-year-old lady who had to leave him behind. She sobbed on the phone and said that we all were sent to her by her prayers to the Lord to help Kai."

Kai is at Watch My Wag, at 255A Commerce Ave. in Southern Pines, and both Orlando and Jasuta hope to find a permanent home for him.

"He got groomed on Saturday. I was there and he did really great," Orlando said. "He didn't get stressed or angered by the pampering. He just stood there like the little gentleman that he is. I don't know for certain about Kai's future, but I do know he has a purpose."

Contact John Chappell at (910) 783-5841 or jfchappell@ gmail.com.