Posted on December 22, 2011 by Wendy Alexander
The downtown area was decked with holiday lights and décor and everyone bustled to and fro on a chilly and festive night. A movement caught my eye and I watched as a small black dog ran into the middle of traffic, narrowly avoiding being hit. Numerous cars slowed and then continued on their merry way.
I was en route to serve eviction papers, not the easiest thing to do around the holidays, especially with a down-turning economy. Stopped at the red light I noticed the dog was wandering from car to car, as if it were in search of its owner. As it approached my truck, I instinctively opened the door and called to the dog. To my surprise, it jumped into my truck and sat in the passenger seat quite contentedly.
I was only trying to help the poor dog from getting hit by a car. I wasn’t looking for a new pet. My husband was going to kill me if I brought this dog home so I pulled over and phoned animal control for advice. Luckily, the owners of the dog had already contacted animal control, and I was able to meet up with them to return their dog.
Don’t Forget the Homeless…Animals
During the holidays, we all get so wrapped up, pardon the pun, in the holidays: shopping, cooking, planning, decorating, and giving and getting. It is important to remember that lost and homeless animals also need love and attention. I have been blessed with several strays that I was able to help this holiday season, and while my husband, who is not an animal person, has not been very accepting of my new hobby, I think that what I am doing is important nonetheless.
The Case of the Missing Dog
It all started in early November, when a new client called with a special request. I work for a PI firm, Custer Agency, Inc. that generally handles surveillance, domestic investigations, digital forensics analysis, civil litigation support and the like, so when “Jeff†called asking for our assistance in locating his missing dog we all couldn’t help but chuckle. While out of town Jeff’s small dog, “Gizmo†had escaped from the back yard. A neighbor found him and took him to the pound, where they encountered a man in the parking lot who wanted the dog for his girlfriend. Without filling out the appropriate paperwork with the humane society, the dog was given to the man.
When Jeff returned home from his trip, he was devastated to find Gizmo gone. The neighbor, while apologetic, was no help in offering information on the man who took Gizmo. A tip at the Animal Shelter later led our firm to discover who took the dog and through video surveillance and investigations, we were able to determine who they were and where they lived. Gizmo was returned to his rightful owner, and everyone was pleased. The dog had been abused, and it was a great relief to be able to reunite him with his loving owner.
Abandoned Pups
Several weeks ago, two small dogs (a brother and sister) were dumped at one of the local shopping centers in my area. I took them home and called animal control, who told me that they were full and couldn’t take the dogs. They also instructed me to let them go if I didn’t want to keep them. I was shocked.
Let them go?!?!
Instead I kept them and posted on Craigslist, attempting to find the rightful owner. After several days, when nobody came forward, I again posted on Craigslist and was able to find a good home for the two dogs.
Animal Neglect is a Felony
46 of 50 states have enacted felony penalties for certain forms of animal abuse. Animals are dumped, burned, injured and killed everyday and it is important that society helps to protect them. It doesn’t take much effort to be kind and caring to animals, especially when they are in need. If you see an animal in need or that is being abused this holiday season, give the gift of caring and love.
Do something about the problem, don’t just ignore it.
Share your loving animal stories in the comments below.
Wonderful information, Wendy!
Great Job!
You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals. Usually the way they treat animals is a good indication of the way they will treat people. Way to go Wendy.
Your heart is good.
My mother emailed me your blog… she used to work as a vet before she retired and really loves animals. It seems like you do too!
I noticed that you are coming from Idaho, and I also know that Idaho is one of the two states you mentioned that does NOT have animal cruelty laws on the book. Doesn’t that just burn your muffins when this kind of stuff happens and the law just turns the other cheek? -_-
I like puppy stories…..keep it up and the next thing you know you’ll have a kennel license and a new profession! Good work, but then dogs and I have been buddies for years.
Well the Kristie reply pretty much describes what proves to be a caring and loving human being. The pets of course are an excellent indicator, but the real test is the the five children. The first black dog in traffic, of course was desperate at this point, but the fact that it jumped into the vehicle with no apparent fear of Wendy is also an indicator. A dog can tell immediately if someone is likely to hurt them if they have not been taught to distrust all humans except a pack leader, whether that be a human or dog. The fact that this dog trusted the driver says something about that driver, dogs know. Every single person my dog did not like turned out to be, well we won’t spell that out here! Good info, way to not give up or give in with any of the dogs in the two
stories!
What a touching story! Seriously, brought tears to my eyes. It really made me pause and think of ways that I can better help animals in need.
Wow that is a great story and true. It can really tell you about a person the way they treat an animal…true and great blog
My family loves dogs (we have a special needs Daschund who is paraplegic) and my daughter is in dog 4-H. I hate it when people abandon their pets with no regard for their safety and welfare. Thanks Wendy for this post. I hope folks think before getting a puppy for Christmas not realizing that it is (or should be) a 7 – 15 year committment and that these cute little fuzz-balls grow up!
hi
Way to be thoughtful!
As an animal lover…Dad to two cats….I’m so happy to hear what you’ve been able to do Wendy…please…..keep up the GREAT work!!
I love dogs, have two myself a 16 year old pit bull and a 4 year old corgi, I loved your stories about the lost dogs you have saved. Keep up the good work!
Whoof whoof
This is a sad but real issue. Im glad to see the concern being discussed. Maybe Idaho will get on board with the seriousness of this.
Great article and wonderful writing!
Great story!
Good job on this!
I couldn’t agree more! Wonderful article of awareness!
What a great kid!!!! Dad
Awe Wendy I love you. You have the biggest heart ever! Awesome story, I am lucky to call you my friend/sister!
I’m not a pet owner, but know those who are love their animals like their own children. I do believe there are people who abuse animals and they should be criminally prosecuted. Loved the story of the rescue of the dog in the road! You are awesome!
I love dogs. I lost mine (Sparky-Norwegian Elkhound) 25 years ago and still think about him every day. My grandfather painted Sparky’s portrait and and it’s on my bedroom wall to this day. I haven’t been able to own another since, for various reasons, but I have picked up a few strays over the last few years. One, named Jack, really sticks in my mind. When I finally contacted his owners and told them I was on my way to drop him off, Jack and I went for an extended joyride together and bonded first. Can’t wait till the time is right to have another best friend.
Nice read and touching to see ones cares. Merry Christmas Wendy
Thank you for sharing your stories about an important problem.
Way to go ESIL, timely and touching!
Remarkable story Wendy, its heartwarming to read about pet “Angels” like yourself during the holidays and especially all year long! Keep up the good work no matter what your hubby says…
Good Job Wendy Sue
I’m glad you posted this, people tend to forget that this kind of stuff doesn’t just happen to children and adults. i appreciate this blog a lot.
Another reason why it is important to spay and neuter your pets. This article was delightfully written and has a strong and caring message that I hope makes a difference. Thank you for sharing!
Enjoyed your blog. So many animals that need loving homes. I work with MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter in McCall, Idaho and appreciate you bringing this issue to others. We personally have three cats and two dogs that are part of our family and love them very much. One dog and one cat rescued in McCall and one dog from I.H.S. in Boise.
Let’s all take time to save just one life!!!!
That’s great that you did that! We need more people like that in the world!
Great story Aunt Wendy!!!!!
Is it better to sell them on Craigslist or to take them to your local SPCA?
In my opinion, both have pros and cons. I recently took my daughter to simply look at the dogs at the pound, thinking it would be a fun experience. I left traumatized. It was loud and smelly. Cages and cages of close to a hundred dogs..some barking loudly others huddled in the corner of cages, looking scared and unsure. The look on the animals faces were so heart wrenching. The pound may be a safe place for animals but it is overcrowded. If you can find a GOOD home for a lost or homeless animal, after attempting to find it’s rightful owner, then the animal will have a better chance at a good life. Keep in mind, many animals at the pound will be euthenized if a home isn’t found for them.
That was amazing! I loved it.
I lost my 8 years relationship during December-last two years. My dream husband left me with so much pains and since then i have been heart broken and shattered. I have contact more than 5 different spell casters and 5 of them has rip me off my money without no result. I have Emailed so many sites online looking for a good spell caster until i was directed by a colleague in my working place to Dr. Ashra. Dr ashra is a grate man from Indian who help people with relationship problems.
At first i never believed him because he was requesting for some little amount of money to buy what will be use to cast the spell, it took him 1 weeks to convince me and something occur to my mind and i said let me give him a trial. I was very shocked when my dream hubby called 3 days ego that him was sorry and also ready to make amend he came back home.
i am very happy that we are together today as i am shearing this testimony a date has been fix for our wedding first week of January because Dr ashra made it possible. I will advise you contact Dr. Ashra because he has done wonders in my life and i believe he can help you out in any problem.