Doggy Dundee

Lost Dog Found Again – “Shadows” Always Follow Us 

Regular readers of Doggy Dundee know about stray dog “Shadow,” a shephard-mix with the wandering spirit who has been a regular “find” of Doggy Dundee on the streets of Talent, Oregon, day and night, over the last several years; also, often “found” by other residents, too. Seems like the only ones not able to get a hold on this dog is the owner(s), who have earned the dishonorable title of “Doltish Doggy Owners.” They’re nice, mature people, and they seem to really love their dog, but “don’t have a clue,” apparently, when it comes to controlling Shadow.

So, Shadow was wandering along the dark Wagner Creek Road in downtown Talent about 11 p.m. the other night again, and this time, rather than just come over to me (as normal) he was intent on teasing us, coming within inches but then running in circles or up and down and across the street, etc. Cars had to stop. Chase (who I had tied to a fence post) and Shadow had a grand time with this bounding game, and I finally sat down on some grass and reconciled myself to letting Shadow “play it out” and he finally came over (20 long minutes later) and nudged my arm.  I leashed him (remember that all good doggy dundees carry an extra leash for saving stray dogs), and we walked him to our home.

After receiving my call, the wife owner of Shadow drove over to pick up her lost dog. “How’d this happen again,” I wondered? Seems she’d taken Shadow out after dinner, he looked up at her, she instantly sensed his “spirit” was up, but before she could do anything, Shadow had raced off. Now, three things are off-kilter about this excuse: First, Shadow obviously wasn’t leashed and when you have a dog with a wandering spirit, leash him before you open the door! Second, “after dinner” time was, what?, three, four, maybe five hours earlier? And were they out looking for Shadow? Obviously not – again. Third, this stray dog act has been going on for years – Get a clue.

Well, Shadow, you can count on us! Doggy Dundee is always grateful to be in the right place at the right time for finding stray dogs – especially our doggy pals who are momentarily lost dogs.

Separation Anxiety: Report Lost Dogs To County Animal Shelters!

The two gorgeous Husky-mix lost dogs pictured on this post were renamed “Silver” and “Juno” by the Jackson County Animal Shelter. They were found together and brought in together, both dogs were obviously “house-mates” and best friends with each other. However, no lost dog report was filed with the shelter, there was no ID on either dog, and no response to the usual “found” listing the animal shelter placed in the Mail Tribune newspaper for several days. Finally, the staff placed both very well-trained dogs in adoption.

Two Reasons This Dog Story Is So Sad

First, Juno was adopted, but, unfortunately, the people did not also adopt Silver. We know Silver (the lighter-colored of the two, who seems to be a Husky-x, and Doggy Dundee is guessing some American Eskimo, too) misses Juno, and also is not very happy about being in the animal shelter versus a home. Silver is a beautiful, joyful, and obedient dog who’d obviously been well-loved and cared for.

Second, several days after Juno’s adoption, someone spotted a Craig’s List “lost dog” ad with those two dogs pictured. “Why didn’t they call us?” the staff wondered, and the staff immediately pulled Silver out of the adoption area, and tried contacting the “lost dog seekers” using the contact information provided via the Craig’s List ad. They tried several times. No owner response. For days. Finally, Silver was returned to the adoption area this week, where she is, as of this date, still awaiting a home.

This tragedy of separation could have been avoided and resulted in a happy ending for both dogs if the owners had:

• Reported their lost dogs to the county animal shelter
• Licensed, or ID tagged, and/or a Micro-chipped on each dog
• Placed “lost dog” ads in the local newspapers (shelter staff will often check those).
• Not assumed that everyone would check a specific (or any) internet site to locate owners of a dog they’d found.

It’s the responsibility of owners to “get the word out” – not the responsibility of stray dog finders to scour the earth for the owner of stray dogs! Your dog will love you for it! Meanwhile, if you’re interested in possibly adopting Silver, contact the Jackson County Animal Shelter on Hwy. 99 in Phoenix, Oregon (Case #K0487). Phone number is 541-774-6654.

Chase Knows Where There Are Counters, There Must Be Doggy Treats

Chase never met a counter she didn’t like; That’s because she makes friends with every human, and they give her dog treats galore! You’ve already seen photos of Chase poking her body through the WhistleStop Coffee Shop window during our Doggy Dundee walks to receive her morning doggy treats.

Now enjoy these photos of Chase making “withdrawals” from the Umpqua Bank  in Talent, Oregon. Of course, these aren’t the only counters onto which she leaps for dog treats. Basically, if there’s a counter (or a desk), Chase will ingratiate herself with the staff very quickly. One day I’ll get photos to post of Chase leaping with joy onto the counters of the Talent City Hall, the Talent Best Friend’s Animal Hospital, the Jackson County Animal Shelter, the Grange Co-op, etc. She’s given Doggy Dundee quite a reputation!

Uh-Oh, What’s This So Sad Chase Photo (Below) About?

One teller decided to tease Chase, and not deliver a treat “on command.” Chase looks sadder in this photo than I’ve ever seen her! No fair teasing good doggies!

No Treats?

America’s Got Talent Producer Films Chase!

G’day, Mates! Doggy Dundee is mighty happy and the two of us are having quite a laugh. Chase is really a “stand out,” so it’s no surprise that when the crew of the TV show, America’s Got Talent came to Talent, Oregon to audition acts, that, somehow, Chase would catch their eye.

Turns out Robert McCloud, Sr. Producer of America’s Got Talent, was on a walking tour of Talent with city representative, Amanda Springer. They were enjoying coffee inside the WhistleStop Coffee Shop, when Chase did her usual morning leap onto the outside bench, pawed at the window, and stuck her head inside the shop for treats once the window opened.  McCloud got up, whipped out a digital, and photographed Chase, who hammed it up for a full minute, while pal, Amanda, explained, “This is Chase. Every morning on her walk Chase jumps through the coffee house window to get her treats, and then she has a regular ’round’ of stopping at my desk, onto the bank for treats, maybe the Vet, too, and, if she times it right, she gets Tri Tip slices from Picasso’s Pantry restaurant!”

Cross your fingers! Every doggy mom hopes their pooch becomes a star, and I’m hoping the TV show includes a few seconds of Chase whenever this regional “Best Talent” airs. Talented doggy, Chase, is a star in my book (and my heart) no matter what! Don’t you agree?