I had my three dogs in the car, headed to the park, when we spotted a tan dog standing in the middle of the road.
This wasn’t a busy road. It was a wooded cut-through with no houses, just abandoned mattresses and trash dumped along the roadside.
I pulled over and offered him treats, but my dogs started barking furiously, scaring him into the woods.
What do you do?
I rushed my dogs home, grabbed some chicken and headed back.
He was still there, frightened and painfully thin. You could see every rib, and his ears were scarred from flies. He growled whenever I approached.
I tossed him pieces of chicken, which he quickly devoured. When I ran out, I headed to the grocery store for dog food and more chicken.
When I returned, he was waiting on a pile of dirt beside the road.
I poured him water and crinkled the bag of dog food. His tail started wagging!
Progress! Or so I thought.
He ate quickly but remained wary, keeping his head low as I tossed chicken closer and closer.
I wasn’t in a hurry so I sat in my car with the door open, reading emails and waiting.
I certainly wasn’t leaving him there to get hit by a car. I couldn’t believe how fast some cars sped past, even as I waved for them to slow down!
Then, suddenly, a cute little face appeared, resting on my leg.
Everything had changed.
His tail was wagging, his body was wiggling, and his bright eyes were looking directly into mine.
I held up a leash. He popped his head through the opening and hopped into my back seat!
He just needed time.
Imagine being abandoned in 90-degree heat, without food, water or shelter. Imagine being so frightened that even someone offering food seems threatening.
I named him Eddie.
Within minutes, he was sound asleep in my back seat. I took him to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, where he could finally be safe.
And what a difference a day makes!
The next day, Eddie was participating in doggy playgroups. He was so happy that he wagged his tail hard enough against the kennel walls to injure the tip. We actually had to bandage it!
Eddie loves EVERYONE. He is affectionate, sweet and wants nothing more than to be close to people.
Just a day earlier, he was alone on a deserted road, frightened and growling at someone trying to save him.
He wasn’t a bad dog. He was a scared dog who needed someone to give him time.
Unfortunately, we’re seeing more dogs and puppies abandoned along roadsides and in wooded areas.
I wish people would put themselves in their paws.
Imagine being hungry, thirsty, frightened and completely alone, watching cars pass, hoping someone might stop.
If you’re struggling to care for your pet, please reach out before abandoning them. Our community has resources to help.
Eddie is now available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. We are hoping somewhere out there is a family waiting for this sweet, tail-wagging boy.
All he needed was someone to stop, someone to care and someone to give him a little time.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator