Please help me, to help a wandering pupper!

[pupper-lover]

This is a new situation for me, so you will have to excuse my cluelessness. I need some advice from all you animal experts out there. I know many of you have rescued animals. I need your help!

There has been a stray dog wandering around my apartment complex. I first noticed it Sunday, and it has been appearing off and on ever since. He is not aggressive, but when I get near him, he runs away. Monday night, my heart broke, when I saw him sleeping under the parked cars in the parking lot. He looked so scared and helpless. I want to help him, but I don't know how, if I can't get near him. The local shelters always seem to be overflowing and refusing to take anymore animals. I couldn't keep him even if he would let me near him. Several of the residents, including me, have been feeding him. I have been setting out water, also, but I think he is just drinking out of the river. I don't want to send him to a shelter, that will immediately kill him, but he can't continue to live without a home. I'm sure he has worms and other ailments and I really want to get him to a vet. Everytime I look into those sweet scared eyes, my heart aches for him. I have tried treats, food, crouching down, talking gently, etc. to the dog. He moves further and further away with each word I speak or step I take. What can I do to help the poor thing?

[C.C.'s Mom]

I don't know, but I hope somebody does. Such a heartbreaking story.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Why don't you try and get a special treat, like chicken or steak. See if he will take it. Perhaps you cab bring on of your pups uout and see if they play? Can you take him/her in untill a good home can be found?

Do you have a dog house or something he could sleep on outside your door if you say he won't come? It seems like he may be scared.

Contact the local shelters and see if anyone has reported him missing. Also contact animal hospitals and rescue organizations for the same reason.

[pupper-lover]

I live in an apartment and do not have a yard/ dog house to lure the dog into.

By the behavior of the dog, I do not think he was ever in a good home. I think someone may have "dropped him off" at the park down the street.

I will make some calls and hopefully find someone who will help. Although having a third dog, would be rough due to lack of finances, space, time, and two existing puppers, right now I just want to get that poor dog to a safe place.

Thanks.

[sujei]

maybe u can contact a dog catcher and have them bring him in for you. it may not be an easy experience but it would be for the better for the poor dog. i also think bringing out one of ur puppies to play is a good idea. who knows. i wish u the best of luck and i hope to dog gets through ok. do u know what breed it is.? good luck

[pupper-lover]

I have contacted several shelters and animal aid organizations today (phone calls, left descriptions, sent e-mails, etc.). His description is now in a database that can be accessed from several different rescue groups. A group called ARF is also sending out e-mails to try to help.

No one has reported him missing at the local shelters, which is not a surprise:( . I really think he was thrown out by some senseless idiot. It is also possible, he may have just run away from an unhappy home.

Calling someone to catch him has crossed my mind, but the dog comes by off and on. Sometimes, he is there in the evening, sometimes at night. During the day, he must just be hiding in the shade from the 100 degree temps. It is very hard to determine when he will appear. If I knew when he'd be around, he would be a bit easier to catch. Except for the first day I saw him, he has only been wandering about before 7am and after 10pm. I'm not sure if the dogcatcher would come by in the middle of the night.

I'm still crossing my fingers for the little guy.

[mugsy]

I'm with Souraya, try a special treat like chicken or something and see if he will come to you. If you can get him, maybe Mike and I could take him to see if we could find him a home here. God I hate the human race sometimes.

[pupper-lover]

Mugsy, it's amazing of you to offer to drive here to pick up the dog. I have been in contact with some foster groups here. Hopefully, they will be able to save you a long drive.

Last night, Jake and the stray pupper sniffed noses and wagged tails. Then, the dog just turned around and bolted through a hole the fence to the apartment complex next door. Argh! I thought for sure, we were at least headed in the right direction.

This morning, I was on my way to work and I saw him across the street eating trash. I tried to lure him with my breakfast, but once again he took off. Guess he's not a vegetarian.

I went back to my place to get Jake, whom he seemed to like very much. I had just gotten back in the car, armed with chicken I had pulled out of my boyfriend's leftovers, when he ran behind my car. Jake and I got out and followed him. I tried to give him chicken, but he kept spitting it out. Everytime, I spoke he would take off. I followed him around a block of buildings, two or three times. His behavior was more questionable than it had been in the past (jaw twitching w/ tail between legs alternating with tail wagging), so we backed off. His appearance seems to be rapidly deteriorating, including a newly noticable limp. I decided I should call someone to pick him up. I walked to my car, about 50 feet away, keeping him in site. I turned to look up the number, and he was gone. We walked around the building blocks again, but no sign of him. I called the city to come by and try to pick him up, and apparently they had come by earlier in the week and couldn't catch him. They were going to try again, and told me to call at 4:30 to see if they managed to bring him in.

This whole thing is so frustrating. The poor dog needs help. The fact that he'd rather go on suffering than get near a human trying to feed him, really amplifies my concerns for his past treatment. I am so worried for this poor dog. I so dearly want him to have the opportunity, before he dies, to experience the wonderful love that all of us animals lovers here give our animals. Please keep this poor dog in your thoughts and prayers. :(

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

It seems like the poor fella is afraid. Perhaps you should have someone help you capture him. Have you found someone who could adopt him and help him get better?

What kind of dog does he look like?

[pupper-lover]

Yes, he is definately afraid. Frantically petrified would probably be a more fitting term.

I do not have a definate place for him. One of the organizations I talked to only rescues pets on death row. If the city caught him, I really really hope they would go get him. I wouldn't hesitate to pay the $90 fee to the city shelter. I would rather he stay at the Humane Society than the city shelter, but we only have one Humane Society and they have a several month waiting list.

I wish so desperately that I had a fenced in yard. I don't think it would be a challenge at all to get him into a fenced area. A bit of food left out, just inside the gate, and a person to sneak around the corner to shut him in, is all it would take.

I have thought of having someone help me catch the dog, but there are so many places for him to go. I also fear that cornering him, would make him more likely to fear bite. I wish I was more experienced at this.

FYI - I think he is a lab-shepard mix. That's a wild guess. He is all white with medium length short-hair, like a german shepard. His tail iresembles that of a shepard. His ears are partially perky, like a mix between lab and shepard ears. He has a somewhat thin, longish nose. His eyes are very dark in color. I see so much fear and longing when I look into them. It reminds of the look Addie gave me, when I saw her at the shelter. That "I'm scared of you, but please love me" look, just gets way down in me.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

You are right, cornering him is not a good idea at all. He may bite out of fear.

Hmmm... I am trying to think of a way to get this guy. I will let you know if I come up with Anything.

[trisha0503]

Hi Pupper-Lover,

I hope you'll be able to find a way to help this dog. May he soon find a home that could shower him with love that he deseves. SInce I live far from you, the easiest way that I could help is through financial contribution. If you need to pay anything to the Humane Society or any other organization, it will be very helpful if you have some extra money to shoulder any possible expenses that may arise.

You could e-mail me at [email protected]. Tell me where I could I send the check.

I wish you good luck. Bless your kind heart for really taking time to help this poor baby.

God bless,
Rosebel
Miami, FL

[mruffruff]

If you can, set food out at the same place and time every night. If you want to watch, stay back at least 6 feet and sit very still. Even a finger movement can frighten a stray.

If you want to capture the dog quickly, a trap will usually work better. A rescue group might be willing to loan you a trap, maybe with a deposit that you get back when you return the trap. Animal control has them also. They can tell you how to set it. Be sure to use something smelly, like canned fish.

I've used both methods with great success.

Good luck! Let us know how you do.

Mary

[jessililly]

hi,

I think this will take time,
you have to make the baby trust you...
He must be very scared and lonely, and feels like he can´t trust anyone.
Go see him everyday if you can, don´t come to close, and don´t make him scared. Just show him that you are there for him, and want to help.
You will be able to get closer and closer, and one day you might even be alowd to pet him...
only take your dog to see him, if you are sure he will not act aggresive to the puppy.
It can scare him off.
Good luck, and please don´t give up on him.
Once you get him to trust you, you can bring him inside, or to safety, and find him a good home.
I would suggest you to start looking now already.
Let the dog come to you...


Jessica

[pupper-lover]

Don't worry, I am not giving up any time soon. Everytime, I see the poor sweetie, I am reminded as to why I'm spending so much time and energy trying to help him.

I have a cabinet full of tuna, I'll never eat. I will start putting out a little bit at the same time, same place every evening. I can say that a tiny bit of progress has been made. The dog has started to let me see him eat. The first time, he waited until he thought I was gone. I guess he didn't want to let his guard down.

Neither of my dogs is aggressive, but they are a bit overly eager to play. When I have my dogs out with me, the stray often comes out of nowhere, to see us. He seems to really want a doggy friend. I have also seen this stray dog following other people with dogs, so I figure my chances are best if I bring one of mine along.

Just to clear things up, this is a full grown dog, not a puppy. I often use terms like pupper, pup, etc. to describe a dog at any age. They are all babies to me. Sorry, if my terminology was confusing.

[sessan]

(pupper-lover, I posted before (jessililly) but this post might stand in another name because I thought I had to register again, because I lost my password, and my e-mail don´t recive any new e-mails, so they can´t mail me another pawssword, i think. I will try to get my last registration back)

yes, they are all babies to me too!
My dog is soon 8 years young, and he will always be my puppy!
I think you are so kind for doing this, the baby had been lost without you.
I don´t think anyone else would have saved him.
I also think he already cares for you, but still I´m scared, of course, poor baby, he has problably been trough alot of hurt and sorrow...
it is a big step that he let you see him eat, it really is.
I think he deep inside feels safe when you are near, because he know that you won´t let anything bad happend to him again, but still can´t trust anyone yet..
My heart breaks for this puppy, he so badly want a friend, he don´t want to cry alone anymore, he wants to feel the love of a hug...
someday you will hug him, I think you problably will break into tears when that moment comes.

God Bless You, you are everything to him...


jessica

[Goldens4evr]

Hi there!!! Check out this site

http://www.animalspirit.ca

Tha lady that owns this site may be able to help you out with at least sound advice on what you can do.....no guarantees but it's worth a shot. Good luck!!!!!

[pupper-lover]

The essay on that site made me all teary eyed.

http://www.animalspirit.ca/how.html

[trisha0503]

It did make me cry too.....

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Ditto.

[Sudilar]

That one always gets to me.

Good luck on catching the pup (dog). It is a wonderful thing that you do.

[pupper-lover]

Today, the pup let me get so close I could touch him (but I didn't)!
:D

Jake and I walked up to the pupper, he wagged and came closer to us. I had to hold on to Jake's collar to keep him from jumping. Despite this, the dog sniffed all around Jake's head and neck, etc, wagging the whole time. I even held out my hand for him to sniff. He didn't seem interested in me, but he didn't back away. I was even able to hold out some food, that was readily sniffed, but not consumed. Jake and I sat down on the sidewalk, and the dog layed down a couple of feet from Jake. My presence is no longer as intimidating. Yeah! After awhile, I got up. It scared him slightly, but not the way it used to. I hope we're on our way to happier pupper-ness!

[jessililly]

Oh, I am so glad!
What a sweetheart he is, he is so glad someone cares for him.
I can´t wait to here about the next big step...


jessica

[anna_66]

So great to hear you are making some progress! Keep up the good work!

[Karen]

Originally posted by sessan
My heart breaks for this puppy, he so badly want a friend, he don´t want to cry alone anymore, he wants to feel the love of a hug...
someday you will hug him, I think you problably will break into tears when that moment comes.

Don't hug him yet! Wait for a long time! I bear a scar right on my lower lip where I was bitten when I was four by a beighnor dog whom I hugged. CHOMP! Ow!!!!!! I was more surprised than I was hurt, but my parents, after bandaging my lip and cleaning me up, explained to me that not all dogs are "hugging" dogs, and he was probably very scared and found my hug threatening!

So wait wait wait before hugging! ;)

Just has to add my 2 cents!

[jessililly]

Karen, I agree, she should wait for the right moment, but I hope that just one day she will be able to hug him, I didn´t mean she would do that tommorow, it will take time, the poor dog is very scared, but is taking baby steps every day, i think...
Karen,I´m sorry you had a bad moment when you hugged that dog, but it looks like it haven´t brought out any love for animals from your heart...


jessica

[pupper-lover]

Don't worry, I am not attempting to gets hugs from this dog. I have not yet even dared to touch him. I want to help him, but I am very aware of his fear of humans. The last thing I want to do is scare the pup into fear biting. My goal is to gain his trust, so I can help him. Snuggling is not in the near future, but thank you for the concern. I would definately not want someone to read these posts and get the idea to go out and force their love on stray animals that do not know how to accept human affection. One should always be weary of approaching an animal they do not know.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Pupperlover, any new updates on your stray dog?

[pupper-lover]

He is still without any form of permanent shelter, but he has definitely taken a liking to my dogs and me. We can't go anywhere without a wagging white shadow. Unfortunately, he will also follow us out of the complex and wander into traffic. I have to sneak out the other entrance, to take my puppers for walks.

He will come right up to me, if I have my dogs, but I still have no way of getting a hold of him. I feel privileged that he will stand close to me, despite the fact that he stills runs from everyone else. I also feel more and more responsibility for his safety. He has obviously choosen me to trust and I must do everything I can to help him.

The pup is very happy, every time I see him, but his limp is getting worse and worse. It pains me to see such a sweet creature suffering, and all because of some worthless individual. Please continue to keep this dog in your thoughts and prayers. May he be saved before the cruelty of this world overwhelms his little body.

[mugsy]

The way I got Smokey when we took him was to take a leash and make a loop at the end so that I could slip it over his head and then just took him with me. If this little guy trusts you now, I would continue to talk sweetly to him and then try and slip the leash over his head and see what he does. Did you say you had someone to take him once you get him?? I keep hoping when I see your name on this thread that you've gotten him. Good luck.

[pupper-lover]

No. I do not yet have a home for him. :(

What I do know is that, when I get the little guy, our first visit will be to the vet. If he has contagious critters, as I suspect he will, I will most likely try to board him while he gets treatment. My apartment is too small to separate the three dogs.

After that, I have no idea what to do. I also have no idea how to pay for his treatments. I have contacted rescue organizations, and they will rescue dogs from death row, but will not pick up strays. I don't want to risk putting the poor boy into our city shelter, but I don’t know if I’ll have the choice. There he could get medical attention and I could go pick him up, when he reached the end of his allotted time. What I want so desperately is for him to have a real home with people who love him, and possibly a pupper sibling. This dog deserves a home, but I know I can not give it to him.:( I am attached to him already and don't really want to see him go. I have even named him and everything. I figured that even if I couldn't give him everything he needs, I could at least give him something. As sad as I would be to see the boy leave, I would gladly hand him over to any wonderfully caring home.

He is always in my thoughts, and I think of him every time the weather reeks its havoc, every time I attempt to go to sleep knowing he is still out there, and every time I look at my own sweet pups and see the happiness and joy they bring to my life. I feel so helpless, but I know to this dog, I have all the power in the world. He is counting on me.

[Sam's My Baby]

I really hope you can rescue this sweet pup. I know how you feel about him becuase I had also tried to rescue a stray cat, he was so sweet and loving, but I havent seen him for over a month now:( My thoughts and prayers are with you

[mugsy]

Have you seen him lately?? I informed Mike that we might be getting another dog and he jokingly said, WHAT?? lol What have you named the little guy??

[pupper-lover]

I named the pupper Isaiah. It just seemed like a strong name that fit a sweet white pooch.

His visits have become more frequent and I don't think he is leaving the complex as often as he used to. The people here always have food out for him (I think we are feeding some stray cats, as well) and I have seen multiple people trying to lure him to them. I think his lack of wandering also has to do with the fact that he is not feeling well. Besides the worsening limp, he also seems to be getting thinner.

This morning, he let me approach him without my dogs! I crouched down and kept scooting closer, each time throwing a bit of tuna his way. He didn't eat, but let me get closer and closer. I held out my hand with a peice of tuna in my palm. He very gently and sweetly took a tiny bite of the fish. The whole time he just looked at me, his eyes were so much sader than they were a few days ago. I think the lack of care and shelter are taking their toll. He may also realize that no one is coming back for him.

I have been contacting foster organiztions and so far everyone is full. They told me they would keep trying, but that I really needed to pray for this dog. Poor puppy :(

[pupper-lover]

One more thing . . .

I actually touched him this morning. It scared him a bit. He stood up and moved a couple of feet away, but he didn't run like he used to. I think he is too tired to run anymore.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Oh, This is just breaking my heart!

Glad that Isaiah is warming up to you. he may be a very submissive dog if he won't eat in front of you. If you were able to "catch" him, could you hold onto him for a bit till he is back on his feet?

I would be willing to contribute to his cause and pitch in to cover his vet bills.

Keep us updated.

[sammi]

I will pray for this poor pup.

[zippy-kat]

such a heart-breaking story! I can not contribute financially right now but you have all of my best wishes, warm thoughts, and prayers!

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Pupperlover, any updates on Isaiah?

[mugsy]

Jenny are there any new developments in Isiahs story?

[Cookiebaker]

Wow this thread is more fascinating than a good novel...I can't wait to find out what happens next. :) Will there be an update soon??

[Chrissay-SOAR]

Oh how sad!! How sad!! Oh mayn I practically started crying after hearing this boys story. He doesn't sound well! Oh gosh this is just so sad, I wish we were closer!!! Any updates??? I'm really worred about this boy..... oh gosh. My prayers and with you and him!!!!

[jessililly]

update?..

[pupper-lover]

Sorry to go so long without updating. I didn't realize so many people were reading this story. Not much has happened, so I haven't had a lot to tell you all about.

Last week, I managed to get a neighbor on my side to help catch the feller. She was actually in contact with one of the same rescue organizations that I was. Luckily the lady at C.A.R.E. made the connection and gave her my number.

We got so close, but once again failed at catching Isaiah. The leash was almost over his head, when he got up and darted away from us. He let out several loud yelps and limped away, looking back at us with the saddest look on his face I have ever seen. We almost got him a few other times that night, but each time we tried, we got a little bit further from success.

Since that night, I have seen very little of Isaiah. When I do seen him, it is a horrifying experience for us both. He is hanging out near the street and will come out to see my dogs, if we happen to cross paths. For some reason, he will not walk in the grass. He wanders down the middle of the street (a four lane boulevard), despite the cars traveling around him. This has only happened twice in the past week, but each time I have to turn my head away, as cars come screeching to a halt to avoid him. One night, he almost got hit by about 7-10 cars. I could barely keep myself from bursting into tears. I just wanted to run out in the street and grab him in my arms. The poor sweetie is just so petrified.

To make the situation more difficult, I am now on crutches. I can't even walk my own dogs. I don't think, Isaiah would let me get within twenty feet of him with my big scary metal thingies. I am still seeing Isaiah wandering around once in a awhile, but he is not make his presence known as he was earlier. I'm afraid that in trying to help the little guy, we have actually scared him away. I really don't know what to do at this point, other than to keep putting out food and hoping that he will come back.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

It broke my heart to read your update. I am sorry you are on crutches. I hope Isaiah can be helped soon. He is in my thoughts.

[mruffruff]

Pupperlover, we're all behind you a 100%. Please keep on feeding Isiaiah. We'll all pray that he's safe until he can be rescued.

Did you find a trap you can use? It might be the way to get him.

Sorry to hear that you are on crutches. Sending prayers for you too.

Mary

[mugsy]

Oh Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear about the crutches and that Isiah is getting worse. It just breaks my heart. I wish I could come down there and help you myself (not that that would necessarily help). Hopefully, whatever spooked him will go away and he'll come back and visit. You will be in my prayers. After Max's incident, I am more convinced than ever that God listens to our prayers with a little more sympathy when it comes to animals. Good luck and again, you're in our thoughts.

[jessililly]

I am so sorry to hear all this.
But don´t give up.
This is such a hard situation. I hope the little baby don´t dissepear from you, then it will get even harder.
I don´t know what you should do other then to try to win his trust again, so that you have a chance of saving him.
But as far as i can tell, he is not feeling very well and need to get help very soon.
So it is not alot of time.
Maybe you can use some kind of trap?
There must be some way to save him fast, it breaks my heart that he is almost killed in the traffic.
I wish you all the luck, and thank you for not giving up.
I also have you in my prayers.


jessica

[Cookiebaker]

I'm almost scared to ask...any new updates?? It seemed like it was going so well for a while!! Don't give up 'cause when you least expect it, he may come around!!!

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Any news on Isaiah?

[pupper-lover]

Hey all! Sorry to keep you hanging for so long. Due to the foot injury thing, I haven't exactly been able to chase around Isaiah, and haven't had much to report. I am now off crutches and fairly mobile with my new little bootie thing. I will start trying to catch the little guy, as soon as my foot can handle it.

Isaiah seems to have taken up residence within my complex once again. He has been hanging out on the patio of a resident that keeps food on his porch for his own dog. Hmmm, I wonder why he likes it there? His white coat is a bit gray now, but other than that he doesn't seem to be in increasing worse shape. I haven't seen him walking, so I'm not sure how his limp is.

Unfortunately, they have patched our complex fence and fixed the gates, so they actually close when not in use. Today, I saw poor Isaiah on the outside of the fence, eyeing the gate and wanting in. He was standing by the road and I didn't want to scare him into traffic by opening the gate. Hopefully, he remembers the other ways (by the river) to get in.

I hope that one day soon, I will be able to share the great news that everyone has been waiting to hear. Right now, I am just relieved to see Isaiah is still around. Please continue to keep our guy in your thoughts.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

I am glad to hear that Isaiah is still coming around. I hope he can be caught soon. Thanks for looking after the lil guy.

[mruffruff]

Good to hear that you're getting better! Crutches are a pain.

We'll be watching for further developments on Isaiah.

Mary

[pupper-lover]

I haven't seen Isaiah in over a week now. I worried about the guy. :(

[mugsy]

I was afraid that might be your report. I think about you guys a lot. I wish I could come down there and help.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. I have been wondering about lil Isaiah for a while, but been afraid to ask. Please let us know if you do see Isaiah, though.

[anna_66]

Yep, I was wondering too. I figured since we hadn't heard anything, that he probably wasn't coming around any more.

[ownerof3dogs]

AHHH this story is so heartbreaking and its even worse that you havn't seen him. I feel so bad for that little pupper. I wish he would let you catch him.

Do you think that the animal control or maybe one of your neighbors cought him without telling you?

Lets us know.

[jessililly]

I have been waiting for a reply, and I hoped for some good news...
I´m very sorry to hear about Isaiah.
Maybe he have just been walking around for a while, but will return to you soon. Don´t give up, next time you see him, maybe you have a plan on how to help him.
Good luck to you.



jessica

[ownerof3dogs]

Have you seen Isaiah around?

[pupper-lover]

No. I have not seen Isaiah in quite awhile :( . I feel deep down in my heart that he is gone, but I hope so badly that I am wrong. My bad thoughts are more solidified by something my dogs found on the river shore. I'm not sure if you all want to hear those details. I don't know that it was Isaiah, but I'm very happy I did not find what a found any sooner. I wouldn't have been able to handle it.

I dearly miss Isaiah's sweet face and wish that wherever he is, living or dead, that he is finally in peace, in place without pain, where no one will hurt him anymore. I pray that he will feel the love and acceptance that every sweet creature deserves. He was counting on me, and I feel I let him down. Wherever he is, he will always be in my heart. Isaiah was a special boy, and whether he knew it or not, he will always be loved.

[mugsy]

I'm so sorry Jenny. I was kind of hoping you would have better news. I was looking forward to adding him to our family. If that was Isaish, I hope he's at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. Now I'm really sad.

[ownerof3dogs]

Ahh. I am sorry to hear the sad news.

Don't ever feel that you let poor Isaiah down. You did everything that you could. You were probably the only one that ever loved him, and I am sure he knew and appreciated that. Whereever he is lets just hope that he's happy.

-Diana

[mruffruff]

Jenny, I'm so sorry too. Unfortunately there will be times when even our best isn't enough to save one.

You did your best. And I'm sure Isaiah knew it.

Mary

[C J]

I just read the story of Isaiah from start to finish and want to say that you may have helped him more than you know just by letting him see that someone did care for him. I wish I had read this whole thing sooner because I would have at least offered you an idea that has worked for me lots of times.....not every time, but more than I can count. To rescue a very scared stray who needs help right away, a trap has worked really well. I get them on loan from my local animal shelter/humane society. They are basically a long cage in which you set the smelliest food you can find at the far end. They are spring loaded; when a dog goes in, he must go all the way to the far end where the food is. When he steps in that area, the open end of the cage where he went in falls shut. It does not hurt them because the dog is in the deeper end, by the food. However it will scare them! 2 thing are very important--when you get the cage you must be prepared to sit somewhere nearby for hours & hours watching, because people will steal them! Also you want to remove the cage & dog as soon as he is trapped & not leave him in that vulnerable situation. You might also need help moving him because the cage & dog can be very heavy. But I have caught dogs this way who were very smart & wary; it just takes a lot of your time & patience. I sometimes bring a pillow to sit on & water for myself. Can you ask your shelter if they have such traps & go look at them, on the chance you might see Isaiah again? If you do see him again, you might want to get a trap quickly. Or, if you're totally convinced you'll never see this sweet dog again, maybe this info. can be of some help to you with some other stray in the future. (It has worked for me with cats too, though not quite as well as with dogs.) Sorry this message is so long, and so late! I'm sure everyone reading your story feels like I do, that you are a good & caring person for trying as hard as you have to help Isaiah.
C J

[sammi]

God bless you Jenny you did try and thats whats important. Like CJ said you showed that poor dog love. And maybe by all this being written it will help one of us get a stray to safety.

[pupper-lover]

Ever since the first time, I saw Isaish, I saw my sweet Addie in his eyes. The way she looks at me and lets me see deep into her soul. Isaiah did the same thing. Whenever, I look at Addie I see a bit of Isaiah. It's hard because it reminds me of his absense, but in a way, it also keeps him with me. I know that Addie and Isaiah have had similar hardships in their lives, and share a bit of the same sweet abused abandoned puppy soul. I am so greatful to have been able to save Addie and I think the loss of Isaiah reminds of how lucky Addie and I are to have each other. Addie thanks me everyday in her precious doggy ways, for rescuing her from the hell that was once her life. We will always share a special bond. She is my heart and I will never take her for granted.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. They mean a lot.

[C J]

Jenny, I almost hate to ask, but what was it you found by the river that made you think you'll never see Isaiah again? I'm still wondering if there is any chance at all of seeing him again. CJ

[pupper-lover]

Originally posted by C J
Jenny, I almost hate to ask, but what was it you found by the river that made you think you'll never see Isaiah again? I'm still wondering if there is any chance at all of seeing him again. CJ

We found a skeleton. It was too big too be a cat and I have never seen any wild animals that large in the area. My dogs usually run and sniff and try to eat the fish and small wild animal remains they find. This time they just stood there looking at it. They were very calm and quiet, which is nothing like them. I have no way of knowing that was Isaiah, but I don't know that it wasn't. Wherever he is, I hope he is at peace.

[C J]

Wow, it almost sounds like your dogs "knew" something. But on the other hand, maybe it was a poisoned animal & they knew to stay clear. Our Bassett Hound once found a skeleton near the river bank, in a place no dog could have gotten to without a lot of trouble. It was dog-size but we couldn't tell what it was. For remains to be skeletal, wouldn't they have had to be there a long time? How long has Isaiah been gone now? I truly hope you will see him again, or if not, that he is at least not suffering any more. C J