Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Calling All Pets: From walking the streets to cuddling on a sofa, Betty searches for a forever family

A weekly series takes a closer look at the animals of the Cape Fear, from adoptable pets in need to special animals of all kinds.

WILMINGTON — A student in his third year of studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), Emmery Jessup has had a love of animals for many years. Now also the fostering coordinator for Dauntless Dog Rescue (DDR), Jessup is often responsible for the care of at-risk pups.

Betty pauses her walk to give her foster father Emmery Jessup a kiss. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)
Betty pauses her walk to give her foster father Emmery Jessup a kiss. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)

“I worked as a vet tech assistant, so I was able to help out with medical concerns,” Jessup said.

As the full-time caretaker for Betty, a pregnant beagle mix, Jessup ensures that Betty is provided with a stable home environment while being closely monitored.

“My favorite part is knowing that they are going to the best home,” Jessup said. “Knowing that we can take them from the lowest of the low, on the street, to the best possible home. That’s definitely one of the best feelings that you can get.”

A homeless stray with no home to call her own, Betty was initially picked up by animal control.

“She’s pretty timid, might not have had a lot of human interaction,” Jessup said. “It’s really cute to see her wag her tail, she loves the other dogs.”

Just the thought of a treat has Betty excited. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)
Just the thought of a treat has Betty excited. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)

Due to have her puppies any day now, Betty will be eligible for adoption after her little ones are old enough to be separated.

“She’ll probably be ready for adoption in around 6 weeks,” Jessup said. “Once she’s had her litter and her surgery, she’ll be ready for her forever home.”

Betty cuddles with Emmery Jessup, her caretaker at Dauntless Dog Rescue. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)
Betty cuddles with Emmery Jessup, her caretaker at Dauntless Dog Rescue. (Port City Daily photo / Samira Davis)

Prospective adopters interested in Betsy can complete an application online, at www.ddrnc.org, or call DDR at 910 777 7186.

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