Give Christmas to the Dogs in Need - The Un-Self-Help Blog

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Wendy Alexander

A Holiday Reminder: Caring for Homeless Animals The downtown area was decked with holiday lights and décor, and everyone bustled to and fro on a chilly and festive night. A movement caught my eye, and I watched as a small black dog ran into the middle of traffic, narrowly avoiding being hit. Numerous cars slowed but continued on their way. I was en route to serve eviction papers—not the easiest thing to do around the holidays, especially in a struggling economy. Stopped at a red light, I noticed the dog wandering from car to car, as if searching for its owner. As it approached my truck, I instinctively opened the door and called to it. To my surprise, the dog jumped in and sat in the passenger seat quite contentedly. I was only trying to help keep the dog from getting hit by a car. I wasn’t looking for a new pet. My husband would not be thrilled if I brought it home, so I pulled over and called animal control for advice. Fortunately, the owners had already contacted them, and I was able to reunite them with their lost dog.

Don’t Forget the Homeless… Animals

During the holidays, we get so wrapped up—pardon the pun—in shopping, cooking, planning, decorating, giving, and receiving that we sometimes forget lost and homeless animals also need love and attention. Recently, I enrolled in a community workshop that opened my eyes to the plight of strays and helped me discover more about the resources available for their care. I have been blessed with opportunities to help several strays this holiday season. While my husband, who is not an animal person, has not been very supportive of my new hobby, I believe what I am doing is important nonetheless.

The Case of the Missing Dog

It all started in early November when a new client called with a special request. I work for a PI firm, Custer Agency, Inc., which typically handles surveillance, domestic investigations, digital forensics, and civil litigation support. So when “Jeff” called asking for our help in locating his missing dog, we all chuckled. While out of town, Jeff’s small dog, “Gizmo,” had escaped from his backyard. A neighbor found him and took him to the pound, where a man in the parking lot expressed interest in taking him for his girlfriend. Without proper paperwork being completed, the dog was handed over to the man. When Jeff returned, he was devastated to find Gizmo gone. The neighbor, though apologetic, had little information about the man who took him. A tip at the animal shelter helped us track down the person. Through video surveillance and investigations, we identified the individual, located the dog, and reunited Gizmo with his rightful owner. Unfortunately, Gizmo had been abused, making the reunion even more significant.

Abandoned Pups

Several weeks ago, two small dogs—a brother and sister—were abandoned at a local shopping center. I took them home and called animal control, only to be told they were full and couldn’t take the dogs. They even suggested I let them go if I didn’t want to keep them. I was shocked. Let them go?!?! Instead, I kept them and posted on Craigslist to find their rightful owner. After several days with no response, I posted again and was able to find a good home for them.

Animal Neglect is a Felony

Forty-six out of fifty states have enacted felony penalties for certain forms of animal abuse. Every day, animals are abandoned, injured, or killed. It’s crucial that we, as a society, help protect them. Being kind and caring toward animals in need requires little effort, yet it can make a world of difference. If you see an animal in need or suffering abuse this holiday season, give the gift of care and love. Do something about the problem—don’t just ignore it. Share your animal rescue stories in the comments below.

37 thoughts on “Give Christmas to the Dogs in Need”

Judy Shea December 22, 2011 at 9:27 am

Wonderful information, Wendy!
neal custer December 22, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Great Job!
Kristie December 22, 2011 at 12:44 pm

You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals. Usually the way they treat animals is a good indication of the way they will treat people. Way to go Wendy.
Your heart is good.
Kendra December 22, 2011 at 2:29 pm

My mother emailed me your blog… she used to work as a vet before she retired and really loves animals. It seems like you do too!

I noticed that you are coming from Idaho, and I also know that Idaho is one of the two states you mentioned that does NOT have animal cruelty laws on the book. Doesn’t that just burn your muffins when this kind of stuff happens and the law just turns the other cheek? -_-
Dianna December 22, 2011 at 3:03 pm

I like puppy stories…..keep it up and the next thing you know you’ll have a kennel license and a new profession! Good work, but then dogs and I have been buddies for years.
John Love December 22, 2011 at 4:44 pm

Well the Kristie reply pretty much describes what proves to be a caring and loving human being. The pets of course are an excellent indicator, but the real test is the the five children. The first black dog in traffic, of course was desperate at this point, but the fact that it jumped into the vehicle with no apparent fear of Wendy is also an indicator. A dog can tell immediately if someone is likely to hurt them if they have not been taught to distrust all humans except a pack leader, whether that be a human or dog. The fact that this dog trusted the driver says something about that driver, dogs know. Every single person my dog did not like turned out to be, well we won’t spell that out here! Good info, way to not give up or give in with any of the dogs in the two
stories!
Alex December 22, 2011 at 6:01 pm

What a touching story! Seriously, brought tears to my eyes. It really made me pause and think of ways that I can better help animals in need.
Patrick December 22, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Wow that is a great story and true. It can really tell you about a person the way they treat an animal…true and great blog
Rick December 22, 2011 at 6:33 pm

My family loves dogs (we have a special needs Daschund who is paraplegic) and my daughter is in dog 4-H. I hate it when people abandon their pets with no regard for their safety and welfare. Thanks Wendy for this post. I hope folks think before getting a puppy for Christmas not realizing that it is (or should be) a 7 – 15 year committment and that these cute little fuzz-balls grow up!
kaura December 22, 2011 at 6:39 pm

hi
Dawn December 22, 2011 at 6:46 pm

Way to be thoughtful!
Bruce Leonard December 22, 2011 at 7:04 pm

As an animal lover…Dad to two cats….I’m so happy to hear what you’ve been able to do Wendy…please…..keep up the GREAT work!!
Deb Langer December 22, 2011 at 8:00 pm

I love dogs, have two myself a 16 year old pit bull and a 4 year old corgi, I loved your stories about the lost dogs you have saved. Keep up the good work!
Daniel December 22, 2011 at 9:52 pm

Whoof whoof
david December 22, 2011 at 10:08 pm

This is a sad but real issue. Im glad to see the concern being discussed. Maybe Idaho will get on board with the seriousness of this.
Noel Peterson December 23, 2011 at 2:34 am

Great article and wonderful writing!
scott prothero December 23, 2011 at 7:22 am

Great story!
Jim Mahon December 23, 2011 at 11:09 am

Good job on this!
Michelle Cross December 23, 2011 at 9:08 pm

I couldn’t agree more! Wonderful article of awareness!
Glenn P December 24, 2011 at 7:06 am

What a great kid!!!! Dad
Nadia December 24, 2011 at 7:34 am

Awe Wendy I love you. You have the biggest heart ever! Awesome story, I am lucky to call you my friend/sister!
Angie Bernard December 24, 2011 at 9:18 am

I’m not a pet owner, but know those who are love their animals like their own children. I do believe there are people who abuse animals and they should be criminally prosecuted. Loved the story of the rescue of the dog in the road! You are awesome!
Skully December 24, 2011 at 9:51 pm

I love dogs. I lost mine (Sparky-Norwegian Elkhound) 25 years ago and still think about him every day. My grandfather painted Sparky’s portrait and and it’s on my bedroom wall to this day. I haven’t been able to own another since, for various reasons, but I have picked up a few strays over the last few years. One, named Jack, really sticks in my mind. When I finally contacted his owners and told them I was on my way to drop him off, Jack and I went for an extended joyride together and bonded first. Can’t wait till the time is right to have another best friend.
Danielle Stowe December 25, 2011 at 7:42 am

Nice read and touching to see ones cares. Merry Christmas Wendy
Rick December 25, 2011 at 12:10 pm

Thank you for sharing your stories about an important problem.
Dan Boren December 26, 2011 at 6:51 am

Way to go ESIL, timely and touching!
Linda Jackson December 28, 2011 at 7:28 am

Remarkable story Wendy, its heartwarming to read about pet “Angels” like yourself during the holidays and especially all year long! Keep up the good work no matter what your hubby says…
John John December 29, 2011 at 8:43 am

Good Job Wendy Sue
Adrian Boren December 29, 2011 at 8:52 am

I’m glad you posted this, people tend to forget that this kind of stuff doesn’t just happen to children and adults. i appreciate this blog a lot.
Rebecca Glenn December 29, 2011 at 2:34 pm

Another reason why it is important to spay and neuter your pets. This article was delightfully written and has a strong and caring message that I hope makes a difference. Thank you for sharing!
Christy December 30, 2011 at 10:47 am

Enjoyed your blog. So many animals that need loving homes. I work with MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter in McCall, Idaho and appreciate you bringing this issue to others. We personally have three cats and two dogs that are part of our family and love them very much. One dog and one cat rescued in McCall and one dog from I.H.S. in Boise.

Let’s all take time to save just one life!!!!
isaiah December 31, 2011 at 3:57 pm

That’s great that you did that! We need more people like that in the world!
Rachel Boren December 31, 2011 at 4:29 pm

Great story Aunt Wendy!!!!!
Jacob Share January 1, 2012 at 12:41 am

Is it better to sell them on Craigslist or to take them to your local SPCA?
Wendy January 1, 2012 at 7:16 am

In my opinion, both have pros and cons. I recently took my daughter to simply look at the dogs at the pound, thinking it would be a fun experience. I left traumatized. It was loud and smelly. Cages and cages of close to a hundred dogs..some barking loudly others huddled in the corner of cages, looking scared and unsure. The look on the animals faces were so heart wrenching. The pound may be a safe place for animals but it is overcrowded. If you can find a GOOD home for a lost or homeless animal, after attempting to find it’s rightful owner, then the animal will have a better chance at a good life. Keep in mind, many animals at the pound will be euthenized if a home isn’t found for them.
Sp January 6, 2012 at 12:17 pm

That was amazing! I loved it.
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