Thoughts on Reuniting Lost Dogs with Owners

The story about Rocko the beagle who was reunited with his owners after five years got me to thinking: Should a pet always be returned to the original owners? Taking Responsibility In Rocko’s case, the Naranjo family obviously still loved the dog –even though they’d only had him for two months before he’d disappeared and he’d been gone for five years. However, they were willing to fork out some bucks and time to get him back. First they had to fly to Georgia to pick him up, then they had to rent a car and drive (14 hours I might … Continue reading

Lost Dog Reunion Story: Rocko the Beagle

A couple of weeks ago I was listening to Today while washing dishes. Before they went to commercial I heard them talk about a story coming up in the next half hour. Something to do with a little girl who had lost her dog when she was five, but now, five years later, had been reunited with it. I had meant to watch it, but didn’t. (I think the phone rang and distracted me.) I did, however, scour the Internet to read about it. Rocko the Beagle Rocko the beagle started life with the Naranjo family in Queens, New York. … Continue reading

Finding a Stray: Should You Put Their Picture on Found Flyers?

Yesterday my friend Christy in Arizona called asking for advice about a stray puppy she had found. Turns out the poor little guy literally collapsed in front of their house. One Rough Pup Apparently the pup’s had a rough go of it. Christy said he looked like he’d either been in a fight, was beaten up (by something other than a dog), or both. Before he collapsed he’d thrown up rice and beans. She also said he was skinny as all get out and might have been on the lamb for a while. So she walks outside first thing this … Continue reading

Surprise Puppy Sitting Duties

Wayne and I had just finished eating dinner last night when I noticed headlights in our driveway that weren’t going away. No sooner had I peeked out the window and commented that someone was parked behind my car than the doorbell started ringing frantically. I went to answer it and found a panicked looking Cindy, a neighbor from up the street, with a beagle puppy in her arms. “I don’t know what to do. He dashed into my garage as I was leaving, but I’m going to be late for the Y. Can you please watch him?” “Sure, come on … Continue reading

Where My Compassion for Animals Comes From

I’ve always loved animals ever since I can remember. Most kids start out that way, I guess. They love to go to zoos, watch movies or television shows about animals, or featuring animal characters, etc. But in some the fascination wanes and other things become more interesting. My love for animals remains constant. Not only that, I always stop to help them when I see them in need, too. Just yesterday it happened again. There’s a little dog in the next subdivision over who sometimes gets loose. He’s a friendly little guy whose nametag says “Luke.” I’ve spied Luke wandering … Continue reading