A Found Puppy
While taking the back roads to work yesterday I came upon a large puppy sitting in the middle of the road. It was still dark and he was at the rail road tracks just sitting there covered in mud. Of course I slammed on my brakes and jumped out of the car, only to find him casually walking around the back of my vehicle, wagging his tail and dragging a muddy leash.
He was a friendly pup. Long dark brindle hair, and looked to be a shepherd cross. About 35 pounds or so, he went willingly into my back seat. I turned around and brought him home–much to the delight of my four other dogs. They thought the new guy was fun to bark at and surprisingly did not show any aggression to him at all. I put him in the kennel all by himself, gave him a bowl of food and water and left a little late for my job.
At work, I started the routine. Called the paper and placed a “Found” dog ad. Called the Humane society but got their machine telling me that they were not open on Mondays. Called the animal control folks and spoke to a very nice officer who explained that I could not keep the dog–but rather had to turn him over to them for 8 business days in order to give the owner a chance to claim him, (its the law!).
At work, I worried all day about the poor pup. Was he dumped? He was found in an area where a resident told me she had 4 litters of kittens dumped on her front lawn this year alone. Was he lost? Was he scared of my dogs? Would he destroy his kennel in a panic to escape.
The workday dragged on until finally it was time to leave. I sped home and waited for the animal control officer to arrive and take the pup to the pound. He had been a very good boy. Nothing destroyed, food gone, water sampled. Looks like he slept for most of the day. He gave me a good bye lick on the hand and the officer lifted him up into the truck.
The good news is that the leash slung around his neck was the exact same kind they give out when dogs are adopted from the Monroe pound. The officer felt the dog looked familiar as well. So maybe he was an adopted dog who squirmed away from his owner. Maybe. If you think you know this dog, or someone who may know this dog, please contact the Monroe County dog pound. Then write me and let me know how he escaped. I would like to know that he is safe and happy in someone’s family. If he doesn’t get claimed, and you are looking for a sweet, good dog, I know he would be a great addition to your family. His kisses are free and plentiful, playing is mandatory, and love of puppies required. But what a price to pay for a new member of your family!