one more stray off the streets of jackson

there has been this stray in my neighborhood for over six months that we have been trying to capture. he is quite elusive. twice i have had him caught only to have him escape in 2.3 minutes flat.

he has obvious signs of abuse. he is fearful, yet hopeful. he will come very very close to you with a willing look in his eyes, but when you reach out to touch him, he leaps sideways and just out of your reach. he loves other dogs and will follow people walking their dogs in the neighborhood. it is the people who scare him.

many many people have been trying to catch him, all to no avail. there is one man in the neighborhood who somehow got through to him. he walks his dog at 5 a.m. and this dog would walk with them. the neighbor man finally (with food and treats) got the dog to let him pet him. yet even after a week of pets and cuddles, the dog still would hit the ground in a prone position when he raises his hand to pet him. the dog has been sleeping curled in this mans flowerbed this past week when we were having 20 degree nights. he would try to get him to sleep on a blanket on his porch but the poor guy wouldn't do it.

today, the man got him leashed up and brought him to me. i in turn took him to the vets office. he has gotten shots and will get neutered on monday.

while i had him in the crate in the vets office, i was petting him, rubbing his back and belly and speaking very softly to him. he was refusing to look at me, instead looking toward the top of the crate and appeared to be thinking: "if i try really really hard i can leave my body and won't be scared. if i try really really hard, i won't be here."

he is a young dog, probably under a year. he has some puppy play in him, i have seen him playing with other dogs in yards. he can be brought out of his fear, but it will take someone who has lots of patience and love.

posted by Elizabeth @ 10:20 AM