How much is that doggy in the window?

An article by Don Quixote

Nearly a month ago I saw this odd looking white dog hanging around the trail in the woods by our yard. At the time I really didn’t think anything about it, there are so many dogs in the neighborhood that are wandering around at some point or another in any given week, it was no big deal. The neighbor’s cats think they live at our house sometimes (he loves to walk the edge of the pool – stupid cat), what’s one more loose dog?

Well one day turned into two. Two into three, the next thing I know this dog has been living in the woods for nearly a month. The poor thing looked horrible. I thought at one point I noticed a limp, but the dog doesn’t really want anyone getting close to it. So I broke down. On Monday I had a carry in lunch for the boss’s birthday and I made hibachi Bob. I had half a croc pot full with some rice, and put it out for him. He woofed it down (pun intended), and then off into the woods he went.

Tuesday he came into the yard when I got home from work, and I could tell that he was hungry and was hoping I’d help out. I went digging through the fridge and pulled out some half eaten packages of turkey and bologna. Again, those were met with success.

Yesterday he was back again, he still won’t let me touch him, but he will come and stand beside me, but the moment I turn he runs back out of reach. I broke down and bought a bag of dog food which he picked at (I guess I’ve spoiled him already).

Michelle and I are at a loss as what to do. He seems really skittish of people, which leads me to wonder if he was mistreated. We decided to place a found ad in the paper to see if we get a response, but if we don’t, what next? I cannot call the pound as I know that he will be destroyed if no one adopts him, I cannot let him starve in the woods, so we feed him, but do I claim his as my own? How do I get him to trust us, let us touch him, take him to the vet and get him looked at and all those other things?

I still haven’t named him. I know when I do, all hope is lost. But on a positive note, it’s made us realize that we want something furry to have around the house, so if not this dog, than maybe another or a cat.

Does anyone know what type of dog this is? My guess is a Boarder Collie.

About the Author: Bob Soulliere

6 Comments + Add Comment

Jobanana September 2, 2004 at 1:32 PM

When el marck, Brian and I arrived, there were 2 dogs of the same kind – one with a dark mark on it’s back near it’s tail.
Anonymous September 2, 2004 at 1:36 PM

accurate punctuation was deemed unnecessary
April September 2, 2004 at 2:33 PM

Sorry I have to say this. Get a differnt dog or a cat (prefer a cat myself less work and they take better care of themselves and don’t eat your house, need a lot less attention for people who are BUSY!!!!! ). Call the pound so he gets cared for unless you can get him to trust you soon.
Desiree' September 2, 2004 at 5:10 PM

I think the more that you interact with him he will start to trust you. It will take a lot of your “visits” with him to see that you are safe and not wanting to hurt him, but it can be done. If you don’t want to try and keep him, then I would suggest stop feeding him now and call the pound. I agree that he will be destroyed if he goes in. Doesn’t seem real easy to rehabilitate and the pound has no use for unadoptable dogs. Whatever you decided, I wish you the best of luck. Either way it is a tough decision. BTW, yes the hair and face structure indicates he has collie in him.
Bob September 2, 2004 at 6:06 PM

Yeah, the light one with a black stripe at the top of his tail is the one we are feeding. He actually let us pet him tonight – we played fetch with a stick.
Anonymous September 2, 2004 at 6:59 PM

If you or your boys are around this dog any at all, definately he needs to see a vet and get the appropriate shots and care. Also, try calling a vet…ask if they know of any vets (perhaps even them) that do “house calls”. Beyond that-for the safety of your family-the pound is the next best bet. Just because it goes there doesnt mean he wouldnt be given a home. They dont always auto destroy them-and cute dogs like this one often find a great home!