Fairhope, Ala. – When we introduced you to her just over a month ago she become the poster child for 'rescue dogs'. Malnourished, mistreated and abandoned at a gas station in Thomasville, her plight was conveyed to the local BARC! rescue organization who promptly brought her back to Baldwin County. And back to life.

She's full of life now, as anyone will recognize at first glance. "She loves to play and loves life," according to her rescuers.

Cover-girl Clara, a.k.a. "The Gas Station Dog", remains in the market to find her new forever-home. You can see her this weekend, along with many of her furry pals also in need of permanent homes, at a major adoption event at PetSmart in Spanish Fort.

In Baldwin People editor Jill Gentry's original Aug. 7 story on Clara, we indicated the pup was already spoken for by a new adoptive family. BARC! adoption coordinator Deneen Balistere confirmed to us today that planned adoption ultimately fell through and Clara remains "highly adoptable".

Click here to read the original story of Clara's rescue.

Balistere said, "Clara had an additional outbreak of demodectic mange, which is not uncommon for a dog found in the condition of Clara. She's been treated and as she matures, with proper care and nutrition, chances are slim that she'll have recurrent outbreaks."

Clara's age is likely just over a year old.

Balistere worked closely with Clara on her socialization, especially with other dogs, a very common need with neglected animals filled with mistrust and fear. Deneen says, "Her socialization is complete. She's wonderful, so sweet. She's ready to go."

Clara is not the only 'celebrity' dog you'll meet at the event. The Haven animal rescue & adoption organization will have on hand 'Twister', the amazing smart dog rescued from the tornadoes in north Alabama. And 'Smiley' is still on board at BARC!, after 21 months. Another amazing animal, he's the last remaining adoption candidate of the 71 'Summerdale dogs' which were rescued from shockingly deplorable conditions at a private residence "rescue kennel" nearly two years ago,

Clara, Twister and Smiley will be appearing along with other BARC! and Haven adoption candidates — cats and dogs — at this weekend's PetSmart National Adoption Days. The two-day adoption event will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The store is located at 10200 Eastern Shore Boulevard in Spanish Fort (at the Eastern Shore Centre).

Over the past 15 years the PetSmart in-store adoption program has placed well over 5 million pets into permanent, caring homes nationwide.

BARC! (Baldwin County Humane Society) is a no-kill adoption agency established in 1979. You can lean all bout BARC! and all about their animal adoption programs at their website: www.BaldwinHumane.org