Friday, September 3, 2010

Three Lost Dogs Who Wandered into My Yard

Imagine my surprise the other day when three strange dogs wandered into my driveway. Sheldon and Duncan were outside, playing in the garden on the other side of the front gate. Luckily they hadn't seen these four-legged furry visitors. I was able to shoo them into the house before anyone got all barky at each other. John and I were very cautious around these three dogs, as they were unknown, but also because one was a Pit Bull. I like Pit Bulls, but some people train them to be aggressive. Not knowing how they had been raised, we were initially very careful. None of the dogs were wearing collars or identification, they looked healthy with nice shiny coats- these clearly were not stray dogs. After a few minutes it was clear that all three dogs were from the same home. They played with each other and knew each other well. They must have escaped and went on a stroll together exploring Palm Springs.
Sounds like fun, huh? Well not really. You see, it's 110 degrees here, not a hospitable climate for dogs to be wandering the desert. If they had been out all day it was very possible they could have died from heat exhaustion or dehydration. The dogs already looked thirsty, so I put out a bowl of water, which they quickly lapped up. 



John drove around the neighborhood to see if anyone was out searching for a dog, but with no luck. We took photos of the dogs to make signs about "Found Dogs". Soon, the city animal control arrived to pick up these three sweet dogs. We drove around the area, posting our signs to let someone know the dogs were safe and how to locate them. As luck would have it, while out posting signs in a nearby neighborhood, a young teenager saw us putting up the sign and realized it was about his three dogs! A sense of relief came over me, as the fate of the dogs became clear, they would be reunited with their family again. As an animal lover, I hate to see things like this. I always blame the humans for not properly looking after their pets. In the end, it turned out alright, but I couldn't help wonder what if...
-Rick Rockhill

4 comments:

  1. Wonder if....they are indeed in a good home, how do 3 dogs get loose and run around the neighborhood? and who wasn't watching them at those high temps. Did the young man seem responsible Rick?
    They all are adorable. I am glad they found their way back home, they are lucky they wandered into your home, a good caring dog lover.

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  2. How lucky for the trio that they wandered into YOUR yard --. Glad all ended well.

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  3. I don't believe it was luck those furry guys wandered into YOUR yard. I think they sensed you would take care of them, as you did. They were attuned to you, my friend. :)

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  4. Thank goodness dogs have good instincts and when they wander, these particular smart poochies knew exactly the best way to get lost-lost by you guys--and I'm glad you guys are the type that actually help out the dogs. Some would just call animal control and wash their hands of it. Something tells me all these dogs are happily discussing "Master Savant," And how cool he is. In their dogtalk.
    have a great labor day weekend

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Thank you kindly.