March 24, 2007
Unexpected Blessings
Written by Cindy Kirk in Jaunty PostAs many of you may know, I live in the country on a acreage…but close to a city. A place where many people dump their unwanted pets.
This week “Shug” an Australian Cattle Dog, came into our lives. At first we just thought he was a runaway. He had a nice collar and a 2007 rabies tag…so I called the local animal control and they gave me the first name of the owner, the name of the dog, his breed, and his age (9 months). I called the number, got a recording and left a message.
After leaving 4 messages (with no return call) I called the vet who did the rabies vaccination. I thought perhaps the owners had moved (the address Animal Control had given was 15 miles from where we live) but the vet was maybe five miles away. The vet had the same information, but said they would call the owner. Called back the next day and was told by the vet’s assistant that they’d never called back.
Obviously Shug was no longer wanted. But did these people actually believe this dog could survive in the country? It’s not like he’s a coyote used to killing rabbits….or a deer eating, well, whatever it is they eat.
He was starving when he came around our place. We thought about taking him to the local humane society…but it’s a kill shelter, where 50% of the animals brought in are euthanized.
We could put an ad in the paper but I’m worried the wrong person will get him. Our own other option is to look at an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) Rescue Organization. The closest one is about two hours away. I’ve looked the information up but haven’t made the call yet. Why, you might ask…
Well, Shug might not be the prettiest dog, but he’s smart. He can sit, stay and lie down on command. He’s very friendly, doesn’t flinch when you go to pet him…so he doesn’t appear to be abused. And he’s got a great personality. I think you can see where I’m going with this…
Yes, even though this breed of dog isn’t one I’d ever pick, I think we’re going to keep him, and I think that when I look back, I’ll consider him to be an unexpected blessing.
9:30 am | Share This
Shana Says:
Hey, Cindy, on behalf of Shug, Thank You! He’s a lucky dog to have found you.
Adrienne Says:
When I was growing up we had an Australian Shepard. He was the sweetest dog. They are crazy smart and would run through fire for you. I can’t fathom why anyone would ever, ever abandon that dog. You are truely blesesd to have him, and he to have you:)
Dorothy Says:
Cindy, I wish to reiterate Shana’s thanks for taking in Shug. He is one lucky dog, forgive the pun, to have wandered up to your door. Please keep us posted on how he’s doing.
Jenna Petersen Says:
I’ve never understood people who abandon or abuse their pets. They are essentially helpless and depend upon us. What kind of person does that??
Like this whole poisoned cat/dog food thing? What kind of ass gets a thrill out of killing some little old lady’s Pomeranian??
catslady Says:
That’s wonderful what you did. I wish I had land and could save more animals. At the moment I have 6 cats and take care of 5 outside cats. It started with a Mama cat and 3 kittens. I didn’t realize how many times that could be multiplied once they started having kittens so after finding homes and keeping some I was able to catch the females and have them fixed. The males come and go.
I always judge people by how they do or do not like animals.
RobynDeHart Says:
People can be so mean and selfish. Thankfully there are people out there who are generous and loving like you, Cindy and your husband, who are willing to take in a homeless dog. Both of our kitties are rescue animals and they are perfect pets. We’d have more if we could. I just hate to see animals out there on their own.
Laura Says:
I agree with what others have said. Shug is lucky to have found you.
Haven Rich Says:
Cindy, that is so sweet!
When we lived in Dallas we had the same problem. Ended up with several dogs that were just dropped off. Matter fact, the day we had our “going away” party, someone pulled up by our drive-way and dropped off two beautiful pups about 6 months old. We were all outside and watched as this happened.
This is also the reason why when my beloved Amie had her kittens my husband and I didn’t have the heart to find new homes for them. We always came back to the “what if they are mean to them or drop them off in the middle of nowhere?”
So I have 7 cats! Love them all. Take very good care of them and despite threatening to sell them to a local food joint as a new food group, I’d never get rid of them.
Shug is one lucky pup to have been dropped off in your direction and I’m sure he knows it!
Helen Sibbritt Says:
Cindy I am glad you are keeping Shug I am Aussie and have had a blue cattle dog before and they are one of the most loyal and loving breeds of dogs you could have and they are very smart. I thank God that there are caring people around so as our animal friends can be looked after life wouldn’t be the same without them.
Thanks again Cindy.
Have Fun
Helen
Rainy Says:
Cindy,
It sounds like Shug found a good and loving home. It seems strange that someone would bother to give him necessary shots and a nice collar and then abandon him.
But people are strange, as Jim Morrison said.
When I hear of the miracle kind of stories involving dogs, it makes me sure that there’s somethng special going on behind their dark eyes. Good luck!
Anne Mallory Says:
Yay, Cindy! Yay, Shug!
Kathryn Says:
Oh, lucky, lucky Shug to have been dropped off near caring people. All the dogs and cats I have had over the past 20 years have been adopted from the SPCA, rescued or taken off my country road. I don’t understand people who think domesticated animals can fend for themselves — the average lifespan of a feral cat is 9 months. And please, have your pets neutered. If you want your children to see the miracle of birth, rent a video.