Dog days
I reached over and picked up the ringing phone.
“This is Fred,” I said.
“You need to call John McAllister and tell him to come get his dog!” Robyn said, her voice breaking with emotion.
“Huh?”
She sniffled loudly.
“I was sitting at the computer and saw this beagle out in the side yard. I went out there, and, my God, he’s skinnier than Spot!”
Spot’s got some very serious health issues going on right now, and weighs just under 7.5 pounds. As an adult cat, he should weigh about 11 or 12 pounds.
“Did you give him some food?” I asked.
“Yeah, he’s been at it for about 10 minutes so far and hasn’t looked up from the bowl. I put him in the back yard. He’s wearing a collar with John McAllister and a phone number on it. Can you call him?”
“Let’s think about this for a minute. If he was being abused and escaped, would we really want to put him back in that situation?”
“I guess not. He really looks bad.”
“Then again,” I said. “He might have been lost for the last two months. Can you send me some pictures?”
“Yes.”
“I think he’s pretty old,” Robyn said when we were on the phone again. “And maybe partly blind. He had a hard time figuring out where my voice was coming from when I tried to get him into the back yard.”
We played a long game of what if then, as we so often do.
What if the owner had died and the dog was on his own, looking for his master?
What if he was beaten, starved, and abused?
What if someone dropped him off in the country, forgetting their name and number was on the collar?
What if?
We got off the phone again, and after dithering for a bit, I called the number from the collar, careful to block my number from caller ID.
I got an answering machine for some people who had no name of ‘John’ or ‘McAllister’. I hung up without leaving a message, and started some Hardy Boys work with Google.
Before long, I discovered that the manager of one of the nurseries we share a property line with had the same first and last name as on the collar.
I dithered a bit more, then called the nursery.
“May I speak with John McAllister?” I asked the old man who answered the phone.
“Speakin’,” the man said.
“Hi, Mr. McAllister, my name is Fred [redacted], and I live back at the back of the nursery’s property. By the church? A dog wandered into our yard today, wearing a collar with your name on it. I’m not sure if that’s actually you or not, but since you’re so close and had the same name I thought I’d check to see if you’re missing a dog.”
I carefully avoided telling him how I’d gone all Creepy McStalkerson with Google to find his work number.
“Is it a beagle?” he asked.
“Yessir.”
The man sighed.
“Let me tell you ’bout that dog,” he said. “I sold that dog about two years ago, back when I was raising beagles. I’m out of that business now. The man I sold him to wanted to keep the collars, and I let him. I told him to take my name off them because the dog wasn’t mine any more.”
He sighed again.
“This happened about a year ago, too,” he added. “I told him then to take my name off the collar then and he promised he would. You know Otis Jackson? Lives up from you a little, sells produce from his garden?”
“Yessir, I know who he is, but not by name. I bought some watermelons from him for my chickens this summer.”
“He bought that dog from me and as far as I’m concerned it’s his. You want me to call him and talk to him?” Exasperation was plain in his voice.
“Not just yet,” I said. “The dog’s in pretty bad shape. He’s starving, and looks mostly blind. I need to talk to my wife and decide what we’re going to do. If he’s being abused I don’t want to put him back in that situation.”
“I understand that. I take care of my dogs.”
We talked for a bit more, then got cut off because the nursery got another call and he hit the wrong button. A few minutes later, my wife called me to tell me he’d shown up at our house to get his collar. She said he was pretty upset over it (as he’d been on the phone), told her the whole story about telling the guy to take his name off the collar.
He wanted to see the dog, so she took him around back. He said he didn’t remember that particular dog, but his estimate was that it was about eight years old, and desperately needed to be dewormed. It’s very concerning to me that the dog lives about 200 yards from me and is in such terrible shape. Of course, that doesn’t mean he didn’t run off for the last two months and is just now returning home. Beagles are notorious for both escaping and chasing after things like deer for miles and miles.
Right now we’re still unsure of what to do (note: this is not a solicitation for advice :)), but I’m leaning towards turning the dog over to Animal Control or the ASPCA with the story of where he belongs and instructions not to put him down if they can’t resolve his situation. Or, I may just stop at Otis’s house on the way home and talk to him about it. See what his reaction is, and whether he says he’s missing a dog.
After he finished eating, the dog curled up on the towels Robyn put out for him and he’s been sleeping there ever since (except when John McAllister stopped by), almost four hours now.
Life in Smallville is certainly quite the adventure.
Oh my God that poor baby! Please keep us informed! You guys are such good people!
-Nancy
Fred, that is the saddest photo I’ve ever seen…. please call the local animal shelter and see if they have someone who “fosters” doggies, just like you and Robyn do for kitties. I think he needs some TLC and a home where people love him to pieces. Poor thing.
That’s so sad. Poor doggie! 8 years old is nothing for a small dog like that, he could live another 7. That is, if he gets dewormed and is properly fed and cared for.
God make a person cry why don’t you! That is the saddest thing I have seem in a long while. At least he wandered onto the right property, I know you and Robyn will do whats best for the poor thing.
We live in the country and have seen some horrifying things. Dogs tied to abandoned houses when it’s 5 degrees (local animal shelter says it’s okay!), starving horses, dogs shoved out of cars, and people who keep cats and deliberately don’t feed them, saying they’ll be better mousers if they’re always hungry. I’ve seen people who seem to delight in keeping a dog chained and semi-starving. I hope your neighbor down the road isn’t one of those, but I wouldn’t bet money that he’s not, either.
Please don’t send the dog back to that man. At least not until you know for sure that the dog isn’t being abused. If the dog had been missing, long enough to end up looking like that, don’t you think there would be flyers or info or something, at the corner store or the mercantile, or something?
Good God. That poor dog. It’s probably the sweetest thing, ever.
Fred, if it were me, I’d probably contact the owner first and gauge his response. He may have been looking for his beagle for many weeks. Or he may have dumped him and doesn’t want him.
If you live in the county, more than likely your city’s Animal Control won’t take the dog …. and even if they do, many Animal Control facilities will only keep an animal for a week or so before they euthanize them .
If the owner doesn’t want the dog, you’ll have to make a decision whether to nurse it back to health and try to adopt it out …. or take it to animal control.
Even if he is looking for his dog, I’ll offer up that he obviously can’t afford to care for him. And he’ll just get another dog anyway. You both are angels for caring for him no matter what you do and he (Dawg) knows that.
Fred, From the looks of the nails on that dog it has not been out walking around for a long time. More than likely he finally gave up and left his home property to find food or die in peace. This might just be the dog that would break you and Robyn into dog parenthood.
I wish I could take the dog, but I kind of hate beagles. So sad, though.
Have you ever heard Tracy Ullman’s take on that song? The video is the gold standard.
Sara - yeah, Tracey Ullman’s was the only one I’d ever heard until I found this one. I just thought of this one as a refreshing change from hers (which is fan-fucking-tastic).
The dog is in the house now because it’s getting cold. Robyn was right - pictures don’t come close to showing how thin he is.
That poor animal. I am so glad that he made his way to you and Robyn. “People” who could treat an animal that way are less than human. I know you and Robyn will do only what is in his best interest. Bless you both.
Sammi
Carol’s right, that dog’s nails are way too long for him to have been wandering around for a long time. In fact, probably only a day or two of running around would have broken some of them. The only way a dog’s nails get that long is if they’re a house dog and not walked often, or they’re kept kenneled or tied up and they’re not moving around much or scratching. Good luck figuring out what to do with him, I sure hate seeing an animal in that kind of shape. I know you’re not looking for ass-vice exactly, but is there a beagle rescue you could contact for advice?
Do anything, except send him back
If you can help me get him to Texas, I will take him. I know you aren’t
“dog people” but he could live outside? You could build a house?
That poor dear dog. I know Robyn doesn’t like dogs– that’s as well-documented as anything– but this animal needs your resources and kindness. Please, I beg of you as a fellow animal lover, do not give it back to the owner. Nurse it back to health or give it to an organization who exists for this purpose.
It’s terrible what’s happened to this little guy. It’s the best stroke of luck he’s probably had in years that he wandered into your yard.
Heartbreaking.
South of you in Cullman, there was a terrible incident of dog cruelty. Still being sorted out, but a couple of beagles were running loose, and when they showed up at their owner’s house again, one had been skinned. First indications were that a person had done it, but after an autopsy (since the local newspaper ran the story and law enforcement got involved) the results seemed to point to some sort of machinery causing it — which is still hard to believe a dog could be skinned exactly that way. Horrid.
That dog you found looks abused — just my 2 cents worth. Some animal shelters do have foster dog programs; nine dogs were recently rescued from a rural home here and put in foster homes. Newspaper stories here bring these issues out into the public; just an idea for you and other readers. Sometimes contacting a local newspaper can bring better results than you might think, where animal cruelty is involved.
Connie, if you really want him, we’ll be happy to let you stay with us if you want to visit Alabama.
You could even meet Mister Boogers and Frick.
I know you and Robyn will do what is best for the dog, that’s just the kind of people you are, but please keep us updated. I am going to be thinking about that poor dog and worrying until I know he’s okay. I hope Connie is up for a road trip!
Well thank goodness the puppy found his way to your house! I know he could be in no better hands. And, yes, please keep us updated (I know you would without me even asking, though).
I just want to throw up looking at that poor dog. He’s been neglected for sure and the animal shelter, unless it’s a no kill shelter, will most likely euthanize him right away. Why do people get animals and not take care of them? Why? I see it all the time here. Just had a case where a lady rented out stalls for the equestrian season to someone who took off and left her with 7 severely malnourished horses. One has epilepsy. *SIGH*
This breaks my heart. Please keep us updated as far as his condition and what you decide. I showed my husband the pictures and we both wish we lived in your area. We took in a beagle several years ago that was in the same condition. I know your not asking for advice but I hope you consider contacting the ASPCA and let them try to contact your neighbor and see if it is his dog. If he is then they can take the appropriate actions.
OMG that is so heartbreaking. I’m glad he found your guys because you will do the right thing for him.
Fred,
Please don’t give this poor dog back to that man. Please give him back his health and his life. Those pictures had me practically sobbing and wanting dearly to punish that owner. If you need help with expenses for the little thing please let me know.
I know you’re not soliciting advice, but even if the dog is an escapee that’s been lost for a couple of weeks, the fact that the new owner won’t spend a few bucks to get the dog a new collar and also one with tags with the CORRECT info for the dog to be returned, is enough for BIG WARNING FLAGS to go off. Please don’t take him back to his old owner!!!
I found this site on the web, maybe they might be able to help you find a no kill shelter willing to help in your area.
http://brfoa.tripod.com/index.html
I wish I could take the little guy!
If Connie really wants the dog, you can contact the beagle rescue organization. Most of the dog breed rescue organizations will help transport the dog to it’s new home. Volunteers along the route drive the dog for 1-2 hours where another volunteer is waiting to the take the dog another 1-2 hours. Hope that makes sense.
It always amazes me how badly people treat animals, but then again, look at how badly people treat each other.
We have a Beagle and she is the best dog we ever had. Even when the gate gets left open she never leaves the property - she knows where the food is! It just breaks my heart to see this little guy, especially when our own Gypsy is such a little pot roast with legs! The breed is always so eager to please, to see one so abused just pisses me right off. If we lived closer we’d take him, poor thing. You guys are the best!
Oh, my God, the way that poor dog’s tail is tucked between his legs is breaking my heart. Just my two cents’ worth, but I’m almost positive he’s been abused and not just wandering around for months. I’ve had several beagles, and although they do love to get out and chase things, their sense of smell is so good that they usually find their way back home with little trouble (unless they have a reason for not wanting to go back home). Of all the yards he could have wandered into, I’m glad it was yours and Robyn’s. I hope you can find a home for him soon!
Hey Fred, I already posted over on Robyn’s blog, but thought I’d put it here too — if no one steps up to take him, or if the no-kill shelter can’t take him, drop me a line and I’ll put him up on the Homesteading forum. We have a lot of folks in your area, and I bet someone would really be happy to have him.
Such a shame people treat their animals so shamefully. We had a situation near us with a bunch of horses….I couldn’t believe they had to look out their dining room window at these starving horses while they ate dinner themselves. There’s a special place in Hell….
I have an 8-year old beagle, and she looks like a puppy compared to this poor beagle. It just breaks my heart to see an animal like that.
Whatever you decide to do, PLEASE do not give it back to that guy. The dog has obviously not been well cared for.
I only wish I lived closer, I would scoop him up and bring home to live with my motley crew of critters.
Fred,
I wonder if he was just neglected, dogs that age don’t usually wonder off anymore do they? Anyway, I’m glad you guys found him.. you guys are such good people!! You should keep him! LOL! I know, I know..
Fred,
You and Robyn are the best people I know. If I was in your situation, I don’t know what I would have done. I don’t really have any place to keep a dog, but I would have definitely found something for the poor guy. I know that he’s in excellent hands. He must have just known to walk up to your house - he could feel all the love.
Crap…that dog’s been abused..no doubt. He seems to be in a stance that shows some one has hit him….Pisses me off
I’m not a huge animal lover like Y’all but my girls are…and you know what that means..being the only male in this house I have to love the animals too, LOL.
I’m closing my broweser right now and gonna take Toby ( our mutt) out side and throw the stick around..dogs have one mission in life….to please the ba jesus out of their owners.
How incredibly sad. Instead of a no-kill shelter, you might want to try and find a local(ish) beagle rescue. Just google beagle+rescue+(your state)…or search Petfinder by shelter and key word beagle. Good luck!
I don’t know what’s sadder– the idea that the beagle is only 8 years old, and therefore has been malnourished so long that he has prematurely aged; or the fact that, being a beagle, he’ll take it and still be loyal to the guy who mistreated him.
The AKC website has lists of rescue groups — http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm — maybe there’s one within a distance you’d be willing to drive. I can’t praise rescue groups enough– my brother’s big yellow lab-mix came from a Labrador rescue group, and he is the Best Dog Ever, we all just adore him. And we spoil the sweetheart rotten, which it looks like that beagle could really use.
My god, poor dog. It just breaks my heart to see an animal looking like that.
Who is that singing on utube? Doggie breaks my heart. God bless you for taking care of him. Poor thing.
Donna, that’s Katrina, of Katrina and the Waves (”Walkin’ on Sunshine”)
Poor doggy, but SO LUCKY to have found you and Robyn in what appears to be the nick of time!
I’m a cruelty investigator for the SPCA where I live. I’ve helped convict people of misdemeanor animal cruelty for animals that looked in much better shape than that dog.
An animal control officer should speak to the owner and find out what the dog eats, how much of it, what kind of shelter he has, and when was the last time he saw a vet. There really is no excuse for a dog being that skinny….even if he is an older dog. If that info doesn’t check out…..then slap on the steel bracelets.
Just my two cents.