'Rescue Dog' Visits Springs

Gus Horwith, a third-grader, met his visitors at the door of Springs School on Tuesday morning. Greetings were exchanged: a handshake, a pat on the head, a few canine licks.

Ginny, a husky-schnauzer mutt and the star of the day, bounded around her owner, Philip Gonzalez, whose book about the dog's cat-rescuing feats inspired Gus to write a letter that resulted in the visit.

A few moments later, Gus, his hair slicked back and shirt carefully tucked in, clutching his journal full of notes, introduced Ginny and Mr. Gonzalez to his peers. A camera crew from the ABC television program "20/20" fiddled with lights as they prepared to film a segment on Ginny and Mr. Gonzalez for the show.

One Stray Cat

"I first learned about them by reading 'The Dog Who Rescues Cats,' which some of you have copies of," Gus said. "Mr. Gonzalez is a cat saver, and so is Ginny. I'll let him tell you about her."

As Ginny circled the children seated around the floor, giving a lick here, poking a nose there, and veering off to explore a classroom or two, Mr. Gonzalez told how his life had changed since he adopted Ginny at an animal shelter seven years ago.

After a disabling accident, he thought a pet might brighten his life, he said. He brought Ginny home, and, while walking her on their third day together, he accidentally dropped her leash. She bounded into a vacant building, and began licking the face of a stray cat.

Sixth Sense

Mr. Gonzalez and Ginny began bringing food to strays, eventually feeding up to 140 cats in nine feral colonies in the community of Long Beach, where Mr. Gonzalez lives. He arranges for adoptions, and takes wild cats for medical care and spaying or neutering.

Ginny has a "sixth sense," Mr. Gonzalez said, for animals that are disabled or otherwise in need. Her numerous "rescues" of cats, ferreting out clutches of kittens from air-conditioning ducts or vacant lots, have been documented in two books written by Mr. Gonzalez with Leonore Fleischer, "The Dog Who Rescues Cats," and "The Blessing of the Animals."

The books, along with an article about the duo's work in Good Housekeeping magazine, led to numerous letters from children and school visits as well as the "20/20" attention. A third book, "Ginny the Rescue Dog," is due out in the spring.

"She Started It"

Gus received the books from his grandmother, Barbara Sigelbaum, and "loved them." He reviewed them on the Springs School's LTV show, and was encouraged by Sue Ellen Winter, his enrichment teacher, to write to the author. Mr. Gonzalez called the school and offered to appear, free of charge.

Aside from the feral cat colonies, Mr. Gonzalez cares for 21 cats at home, all of whom are disabled and were "chosen" by Ginny. There is Vogue, a cat Ginny ran to as it was being tossed about by people on the street, Topsy, a brain-damaged cat that Ginny pulled out of an abandoned building, and Betty Boop, who lacks back feet. "She started it. I didn't want any animals," Mr. Gonzalez said.

The pair's humane efforts have become a full-time job, which, said Mr. Gonzalez, has enriched his life, but requires substantial financial resources. He has established the Ginny Fund to support the work, which he hopes to expand nationwide. Donations may be sent to 470 East Broadway, Suite C1, Long Beach, 11561.

Pawtographs

Ginny has an "intern" now, Mr. Gonzalez told the students, a Sheltie found at the pound that performed its first rescue six weeks ago. "Ginny wants all kids to learn to be kind to all animals," he said as the wiry, energetic dog continued to lope about.

"Did you train her?" a student asked. "No, I didn't train Ginny at all. She does it all on her own. I try to train her to do tricks, " Mr. Gonzalez said, "but she doesn't listen to me."

As Gus stood by, a proud, excited smile on his face, Mr. Gonzalez used a stamp made from a scan of Ginny's paw to "pawtograph" copies of his books. Gus handed Mr. Gonzalez a picture of his own cat to stamp, and a token of his esteem. "This is just a picture of me and my dog," the boy told the author. "I thought you might want it."

What do you think of Ginny? Gus was asked. "She's very friendly," he said. "And I don't think she'll be satisfied until she sees and licks every face in this school."

"20/20" will add footage of Ginny in action, said Ms. Winter, to that taken at the school.