Adventures on Stray Street

[Adina P]

Each year I probably find or see a total of 10-12 dogs running around without an owner. Last year I spotted a huge dog who I thought I knew and without a second thought hopped out the door in a pair of Clark's boxer shorts and a tee shirt to lure him into my yard. It was Xander, my friend's Leonberger who'd wandered out of his yard a couple blocks down the road.

I have animal control on speed dial.

I've ran out in my pj's across the street when I spotted a dog racing back and forth along the fence of a house with other dogs. With my slip leash in hand I eventually successfully "caught" the dog and not long after its owner showed up.

This Friday night while I was on the phone, the dogs started going nuts. I looked out the window and saw the spitting image of Clark running down the sidewalk, but a dog was trailing him. Cass? nope not cass...therefore NOT Clark. Or so I thought until he walked in, rushed, "I've got a present for you!"

He'd found a dog running loose attached to a 20 foot leash. He had to finish some business so he left me in charge on the front yard. I called Animal Control and they said they'd be a while. The dog was very uneasy...a boxer mix (?) with a long tail. If I so much as looked at her she sat with her tail tucked. I tried to ignore her and turn my back but I HAD to reach her collar to check the number. She, uneasily, let me do this and I managed to look long enough to catch the number and dial it.

Did I get the right number, I wondered? I reached for the dog the second time to double check and she snapped, teeth touched my finger, no pain, no blood, no broken skin... PHEW! It was obvious she did NOT want to hurt me but was scared. It was also obvious I was NO dog whisperer as that spooked me enough to let her be and make sure the leash that was attached to a lamp post was secure and no more. Called the number I had and left a message for a "Heather."

Luckily Clark arrived back home not too long after that and he took over. She tried to snap at him too but it didn't scare him and he let her know that was not okay. She flipped onto her back for him, he petted her gently letting her know she was okay. From then on he would call her and she'd come to him. He told her to sit and she did. He told her to down and she complied...she'd obviously been well cared for and had a loving home with someone. Her tag said she was "Maggie."

To make a long story short...her owner eventually called back. She was visiting her in-laws from out of town. Dog must have been tied out somewhere and escaped after they'd left for Wal Mart. They were only a block away...and were thrilled to find their dog safe with us.

It happens so often on our street. I spot run away, wandering dogs regularly. Usually by the time I grab a leash and some kibble they're already too far to catch. I'm so glad we were able to keep Maggie safe.

[Patty Barnes]

Thank goodness you and Clark are the neighborhood dog vigilantes. Your neighbors are lucky to have you around. The dogs are lucky too!