Not a Shaggy Dog Story
About 10 days before Christmas, I saw a Lost Dog flyer in my mailbox. My heart sank to read it.
I know 93% of lost dogs are found and returned to their people; this is true for 75% of cats, too. For other stats see: www.vetstreet.com/...
But we all know of pets that never return, including two of my own when I was younger. We can only hope that those not returned are taken in by other people who will love them, too.
Sabina’s human parents clearly loved her.
Her picture was on the flyer, with a note that she was very timid and wearing a purple harness. There was phone number listed and a reward offered.
A few days later, when I was at work, I got a call from a neighbor. Was I expecting anyone at house that day? Well, no. My good neighbor went to check things out.
Turned out, it was the dad of the missing dog, who had been spotted near my home, which is within 2 miles from their home. Could he camp out in his car in my driveway and search the woods with his binoculars?
As the human responsible for 2 cats and 2 dogs who are dear to me, well, sure.
Twice a day the pet parents came to call out, scout the area, leave high value home-cooked treats, set up cameras trying to track down Sabina.
A week passes. 10 days.
Sightings, food eaten, bowls marked. Lots of human conversations. No dog.
Pet parents remain hopeful, but we all have growing doubts.
Christmas comes and goes.
After 2 weeks, Dog dad drives up again to bring the camera and bowls back home. I fear the worst. How’s it going?
There was a phone call and a message left. “I’ve seen your dog.” From 10 miles away.
All the words match the dog, but 10 miles away?
Was this a real sighting or a prank?
“She’s shy, I couldn’t catch her, but she ate the food I left out for the feral cats, so she’ll be back.” Oh, AND—
She was wearing a purple harness.
She was wearing a purple harness.
She was wearing a purple harness.
Glory Hallelujah, she was wearing a purple harness.
When the pet parents called back they heard:
“Great. I’ve got your dog in the car.”
How? A smart trail of cat food all the way to an open car door, and more food and water in the back seat.
She was skinnier, with a small limp.
That can be fixed.
Sabina is home again.
Home again, home again jiggity-jig
Happy New Year!
May all who feel lost, be found.
Rest up and re-energize.
We have work to do this year.
Mood for the New Year!
Choices—
What a Scotsman has in his...
A friend who is always there for you—
A Soft, Warm Bed
A good laugh—