Lost Dog, Lesson Learned

[BuddysMom]

Two days ago I saw a dog running by the side of the road. Normally I would have stopped but I had a multitude of excuses: no safe place to pull over, afraid I would scare it into traffic, running late, can't help them all.

Now I will never, ever again NOT stop to help a stray as this is what happened:

Yesterday I was at the boarding kennel picking up my cat food order and a young woman came in, left something with the owner and as she walked out I noticed she was in tears. Turns out she had left a picture of (you guessed it) the dog I had seen day before, Lucy, missing for two days. Where I had seen Lucy was right near the woman's house.

Filled with shame and regret, I went searching for over 2 hours, no luck. Last night I had vivid dreams of looking for, and finding Lucy.

This morning it occurred to me to call. I spoke into the machine, hi my name is Tonya, I did not find your dog but I saw you at the bording kennel and wondered if you had found her... She picked up and said they found her last night! Hunkered down in some tall grass right near their house. She was fine. After we hung up I cried with relief and sat down to tell you all this story.

I am SO ashamed that I did not make more of an effort to help Lucy when I saw her 2 days ago. Thank DOG she is OK. I have learned a very important lesson ... Because I care too much for dogs (and there are too few of us who do) ... I am going to do everything in my ability to help all strays I see from now on, no excuses.

[nadooshkinz]

You really should NOT feel bad, don't think of what you COULD have done, think of what you DID.. You looked long and hard for her, and even though that didn't result in her being found, she was in the end :wink:
But I think we all learned a lesson today.. :D

[abker17]

I agree- you should not feel bad. And Nadooi made an excellent point, think of what you did do. Not many people would bother.

Some of you may remember this story; a while back one of my mom's co-workers was driving down the interstate when he saw a dog get hit. The person who hit it didn't stop. (Of course. :-? ) The dog was still alive, and the co-worker pulled over to help the poor thing. He made it across four lanes of busy traffic, picked up the dog, and as he was crossing the last lane he stepped out in front of a tractor trailer and was killed.

I will always remember this story and the selflessness of the guy who tried to save the dog- while other people simply passed by and did nothing. It is so unfair that this man died while doing such a heroic act.

Just always make sure to put your own safety first, I would hate to hear of another tragedy like this one.

[BuddysMom]

Thanks everybody!

Safety first, that is SO true. In this case I could have parked safely about a quarter mile up, then walked back toward the dog. That is what I wish I'd have tried. It's not an interstate but it is a 4 lane highway where there was a blind curve.

At the very least I should have thought to call her immediately yesterday and told her where I saw Lucy, when, and the direction she was headed. That didn't occur to me 'till this morning.

[courtnek]

Buddy, we cant save them all. yes, maybe you should have stopped, and maybe not....a four lane highway with a curve is dangerous to stop on.
I understand how you feel, but if something bad happens to you, who will take your place, and your love of animals, and do the good you do now?

we all make mistakes. if we're smart, we learn from them. dont be hard on yourself......I am really glad puppers is ok.

8)

[BuddysMom]

courtnek napisał(a):

Buddy, we cant save them all. yes, maybe you should have stopped, and maybe not....a four lane highway with a curve is dangerous to stop on.
I understand how you feel, but if something bad happens to you, who will take your place, and your love of animals, and do the good you do now?

we all make mistakes. if we're smart, we learn from them. dont be hard on yourself......I am really glad puppers is ok.

8)

Thank you (sniif!!) what a very nice thing to say. :angel:

I am still thanking dog Lucy is OK!

[AllAmericanPUP]

I've stopped a piced up a few dogs....2 samoyeds who's owners lost them when they were moving..a black lab mix who escaped from his yard...and a beagle mix that was dumped in the country..i transported her to a rescue in chicago and she got adopted by a really great family.

i dunno...all i know is if my dog got loose i sure hope someone would pick them up...

dont beat yourself up though...just be happy they did find her :)

[imported_Irena]

thats a lesson i learned alo ng time ago :( its not a nice one i agree
i'm happy the dog is ok :D