This one’s not so much a guest as a foundling. I picked her up off the highway, where she was dashing to greet each passing car (looking for her owner, I expect, but clearly without a shred of street smarts). Fortunately all the drivers stopped in time and I was able to persuade her to jump into the KIA.
She’s got tags with her name, owner’s name, home address, and phone number, and you can see from her mirror-shiny coat she’s well cared-for. But nobody’s answering either the phone or the door at her house.
She’s made herself quite at home here, though. Found Ava’s remaining toys and and has been squeaking and shredding and playing keep-away and tug-o-war ever since. Also throwing all the cushions off the couch and trying to find the source of that enticing cat aroma. She’s either going full-tilt or collapsing into a dead sleep. One or the other. No in-between. The second picture there isn’t blurry because I’m a crappy photographer; it’s because she’s shaking that little stuffed monkey hard enough to “kill” it.
I confess that for a few moments out there by the highway I looked at her sweet self and thought, “This is kismet. The fates have brought me a little bully girl just when I was starting to think doggie thoughts again.” But the angel on my other shoulder reminded me that somebody out there loves her and will miss her soon.
You came into her life when she needed help the most. You are both Blessed!
Pitties, they’re the best. Love mine. Bless you for helping her!
It leaves me wondering about what has become of her people? In any case they are probably freaking out about her.
Bless you Claire. Being kind to an animal in need is always rewarded.
She is very beautiful.
Odd about the no phone or door answer. Will be interested in learning more when you know more. Hopefully my household will have an adopted dog one day.
Good news, she’s back with her people. And boy, were they glad to see her (especially her 80-year-old mom).
Not answering their phone or their door was a Stupid Human Trick — or rather a panicked human reaction. Disregarding the fact that all the info needed to return her was right there on her collar, they packed the entire household up and everyone went hunting for her for several hours — leaving nobody to man the telephone or the door and causing themselves an afternoon’s unnecessary fear.
But still, the reunion was touching and I enjoyed having her here, even as I worried about her humans.
Every dog lover should have such a charming a pooch. I deserve no praise for saving her from traffic. Any of you would have done the same. And she “rescued” me with her company as much as I rescued her.
I love happy endings.
It is good to hear some good news, when there is so much of the other kind!
Wish I had your knack for enticing stray dogs. Twice in recent months I’ve come upon dogs running down the middle of the road and neither time have I been able to entice them to me, much less in the truck. Maybe if I carry treats with me? Anyway bless you Claire.
You do know every day is another day closer!
Right?
All it will take is just a trip to a shelter and a look into your eyes with love, game over!
We used to share 3 property lines with about 3000 acres of conserved woods and farmland. Our lab had run of the land, and could be gone for hours out exploring. We’d get the occasional call from the little leaguers at the school yard across the street, but mostly she was out in the woods.
We woke up one Sunday morning to a big, long haired muddy lab of unknown home romping around in our yard. So we let our dog out to play. His tags had Chessie’s phone number, so we called, and like you got no answer. Again, everyone was out looking. So I left a message to the effect of Chessie’s having a play date at Brooke’s house. Call us back and I’ll tell you where, come and get her whenever you want. Oh, bring LOTS of towels.
Half an hour later we get the frantic thank you so much call, we’ll be right there. They lived on the other side of the woods. Seems like they were old friends, they must have met out in the woods because they had seen ours at their house. Guess he came looking for her.
I always implore people to put their contact information on their dog’s tag. Over the years I’ve been able to return 3 or 4 dogs to their owners but others I had to just find homes elsewhere, including one memorable bloodhound that probably cost her owner a pretty penny. I couldn’t keep her for so much as 24 hours lest I be thrown out of my trailer park – she was a sweetheart but very loud when left alone – but the hunter I left her with, who fostered her reluctantly as a favor to me because “I don’t keep bloodhounds”, fell in love within a week.
Hey, Claire!
So happy i’ve found your website! Not gonna stop reading so soon. I recently was reading some survivalism and self reliance books and I got know your “101 things to do til the revolution” and I loved it. Your writing is so soft and funny! New follower successfully engaged. You’re awsome. Hugs from Brazil! May God bless and protect you.
Why thank you, Miguel. That’s one pretty awesome comment. I’m glad you’re going to stick around and I hope you’ll occasionally share some news and views from Brazil (another place that’s very “interesting” these perilous days).
What a great feel-good story. You have a wonderful heart.