Wife finds, we return a lost 4th dog

[mnkeeking]

My wife has worked every 4th of July for the last 20 years, which is fine because our kids are grown and I despise fighting crowds. I can't take the amateur fireworks either, and me and the dogs take cover in the tub sometimes. She called me last night on her way home, about two blocks from our house, and excitedly told me she just found a dog standing in the middle of the fairly busy street leading to our house. She said that he had a tag on, but she couldn't read it. She concluded by asking if I'd come down with a leash and help. You see, our Boston Terrier was stolen a few years ago, but made such a nuisance of herself that she was returned about 23 hours later, so we are always on the lookout for lost pets.

When I got there, my 'ol lady was petting a big AmStaff that was a ringer for Petey off of the Little Rascals. Prolly 100 pounds of dog. He had a tag with his name, address, and phone number. Seems like the fireworks bothered him too, so he escaped his yard, but he was standing in the street in front of his house waiting for his people to return. We couldn't just put him back in his yard because we were worried he would escape again and get hit by a car. I leashed him and called his owner. He was uber strong in that "corn-fed-country-boy" kinda way, pulled me around like tissue paper. Owner called and said she was on her way so we walked on down to our house to wait. Dog's name was Danny, and he knew his commands, sitting when I asked and walking pretty well on the leash. Good dog, loved and well cared for. About that time the official fireworks shows were over and amateur hour began. Couldn't take Danny in the house because my dogs wouldn't understand, so Danny and I proned out in the front yard to wait for his people. They came muy pronto and Danny about pulled my arm out of the socket when he saw them. Happy ending.

Please remember that the 4th of July fireworks make dogs nervous and some run away and get lost. You may see, or notice, a couple more "stray" dogs in the next few days than your used to seeing. Please, if you can, take a few minutes to investigate. As someone who has had a dog returned, whatever the circumstances, can tell you, it's worse than losing a child (had that happen once too,turned out fine) because the dog can't talk. Returning a lost dog rewards a happy feeling it's tough to describe, not to mention the relief and joy it brings to the dog's companion person.

The really weird thing about it all was that I was watching dog rescue videos on youtube when my wife first called. Danny is the second lost dog we returned. At the least, please put some ID on your dog's collar. Makes returning them much easier. Ours aren't chipped or tattooed but we have their info on their collars. Also, I called Danny's person and left messages, but I also texted my info as well. Sometimes people will answer texts before they check their voicemail.

Take care,
Joe

[68 Ford Stepside]

Good for you.

[flyboy2610]

That's great that you helped out like that!
The people across the street from us have a pair of yippy Dachshunds that pretend to be tough. They got out their yard one day as my wife got home. She got out of the car and stood in the street yapping at her. She knew where they belonged, and she started talking nicely to one of them. One of the dogs quit yapping, ran over and put his front legs on my wife's leg. She just kept talking to him, reached down and picked him up. The other one started making happy barks and bouncing up and down, so she reached down and picked him up under the other arm. Then she carried the two little tail-waggers home. She knocked on the door, and the guy who lives there answered. My wife said "I'm returning your burglar alarms." He just shook his head and laughed. "I guess my burglar alarms are defective!"

[Ranchero50]

Yeah, my female lab doesn't lie them but the boy doesn't mind. She jumped the fence and visited with the neighbors last night while we were away.

[71fordkid]

My pug (Edd) and pug/shish tzu (Charlie) couldn't care less. All they did was run around the house and play all night.

My parents aussies, however, DO NOT like fireworks. We have to give Thunder zanax (i think.. anti anxiety meds) so he doesnt tear up the house trying to get away from the booms. Sunni just sits really close to you with her eyes wide open and ears back. Thankfully neither have gotten out on the fourth.

Off topic, The neighbors basset hound got out one day... talk about a lot of tug in a little package!

[Donnie]

Joe, thank you for your compassion & seeing that the fella got reunited with his family...As a dog lover with 2 dogs, I wish more folk's had your
attitude....a side note for those who travel with their pet's :::::: we put a collar on our dog that goes in the motorhome with us to Bluegrass festivals, where we may be 3 or 4 days gone saying ( I belong to the folks in the Big green & white bus).....a phone call to our home will not be effective when we are MANY miles from home..............But our bus is an easy find....thanks again & 5 stars..............Donnie