Well it’s over a month since we got skinny mini “Chupakabra”. Named because he was a strange little animal that shouldn’t really exist ! I’ll share his sad story with a happy ending.
The first time I really noticed him, it was a Monday evening he was tied to the neighbors fence. It was pouring down icy rain, and the temps were to drop to 27 degrees by morning. He was bones with no body fat. It was getting dark, and colder, I went next door 3 times and begged them to give him shelter or at least untie him so he could get under the house. In the morning I woke up and he was still tied to that fence! From that moment I knew that this dog was going to be mine!
Starting that night I would sneak out wearing a black hoodie and dark pants, armed with hot dogs and biscuits to feed him and their other dog through the fence. Anytime the house was empty, I snuck back and fed them.
It literally was driving me crazy seeing these thirsty unfed dogs tied so tightly. When the neighbor finally got the dog a house, it was either put too far away or pushed up against the fence- both ways were useless.
I sent a few letters next door- no help for the dogs. I brought them sweatshirts, and old towels for warmth. I reported them to the Humane Society- twice! The second time they tied the dogs up way over on the other side of the yard. I could no longer feed them. I was at wits end.
Curt and I already had 4 rescue dogs and 2 rescue cats, and we had agreed no more pets… so it took me about 3 days to ask him if I could try to get the dog. He pretended to be reluctant, and agreed wholeheartedly.
One of my pet friendly neighbors was teaching the neighborhood kids about pet care. She told me the family was moving, so that night I asked the son for the dog. He told me to call his Dad, si I called and asked him if I could have the dog. He said he’d think about it. That night I went to bed anxious.
My phone rang just after the kids left for school- “Come get the dog!” We were over within minutes. Dad walked him into our yard and let go of the collar… The dog ran under the house….
… to be continued
