Not all lost dogs situations result in a happy reuniting. This one ended well. I want to publicly thank those who assisted. I am posting this as it was yet a second example of "It Takes A Village" here in Palmetto Bay. There is much more to this story than a simply lost and returned dog. We are following up and doing what we can. Please read on.
It started about noon on Sunday, May 6, 2018 when Code Enforcement
officer Alan White found Scooby wandering a gas station off Franjo Road and
180th Street. The dog was very friendly, had a collar, but no tag. Ofc White
indicated that the dog was very friendly and was even trying to jump into the
truck. We feared that the dog possibly
had been dumped.
After discussions, Ofc
White spoke with Carol at Paws 4 You Rescue to provide a safe temporary hold while we attempted to
locate the owner – including through my social media.
I posted the photos (also posted here) in an attempt to locate the
owner. I want to thank everyone who followed up on trying to locate the owner. Thank you Sue Erhardt who saw the post and responded with the names for both the pet (Scooby) and pet owner’s (Ann – she
will be identified solely by her first name) as well as the contact
number.
I contacted Ann to tell her where her dog was. Ann advised that she has no
transportation. She is living apart from
her dog due to her residing with a
friend in an apartment that does not allow pets. This has required her to
temporarily place Scooby with a friend here in Palmetto Bay.
I offered to go to Paws 4 You to pick up her dog and reunite everyone.
I picked Scooby up from Paws 4 You, and drove him to pick up Ann, the plan
being to return Scooby to his temporary home in Palmetto Bay. Was Scooby happy to see Ann! I also assisted Ann by placing the County
Tags on Scooby’s collar as well as trying to assist in further securing his accommodations
to prevent another wandering.
I want to thank Aubrey of Paws 4 You for taking great care of Scooby while
at the kennel (Paws 4 You Rescue has a Kennel for private owners in addition to
the Rescue operations). More on Paws 4 You at the bottom of this post.
Ann later told me that she is unable to have Scooby
micro chipped at this time. She is living apart from
her dog as she is looking for accommodations that will
allow her to remain with Scooby, her longtime companion. I have referred Ann to our commissioner and
they will work to see what can be accomplished for her.
I would like to see how we can get Scooby micro chipped. Palmetto Bay has hosted the location for
Miami-Dade County’s pet events. Our Dogs
of Summer Event of 2016 included free microchipping – I have not yet received confirmation
as to whether this service will be offered in June, 2018 (collars come off, but
properly registered microchips last for the life of your furry friend).
Thank you to:
Ofc. Alan White, Code Officer, Palmetto Bay
Everyone who participated in, including forwarding the Social Media search/posting
Sue Erhardt – who advised me of the name of Scooby, Ann
and her contact number
Carol Caridad, Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc.
Aubrey (last name – omitted) Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc.
Ann's friends who are providing a place for Scooby this interim place to live.
This is a good time to mention that I am excited to once again partner
with our County Commissioner on the 2018 Dogs of Summer event set for Coral
Reef Park next month (June 23, 2018, beginning at 10:00 AM).
Please see my prior post of Saturday, July 16 - 10 am - 2 pm -
Dogs Of Summer Training And Adoption Expo! Concerning the event I co-hosted, held
jointly with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Levine Cava, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay
and Palmetto Bay on Saturday, July 16 from 10 am - 2 pm
for the Dogs Of Summer Training And Adoption
Expo!
Once again, don’t miss this pawesome event and information workshop for you and
your pup!
Finally, about Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc:
Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer,
donor-subsidized animal rescue organization based in Miami, Florida. Our top priority is to save dogs from
euthanasia at Miami-Dade Animal Services, where more than 27,000 unwanted pets
end up each year.
Rescued animals vary from being sick, injured, homeless and surrendered
to simply lost. We give these animals a safe environment at our shelter,
professional medical care, hope and lots of love. Our animals are sterilized,
vaccinated and ID micro-chipped to prevent future loss.
Some require major surgery from a specialist to repair broken limbs
while others may need additional rehabilitation time and specific medical care
- ranging from respiratory illnesses and skin infections to cherry eyes and
heartworm treatments. Once Paws 4 You
Rescue commits to helping an animal, we seek the best quality treatment
available - taking no shortcuts.
Additionally, we believe in the value of education pertaining to the
importance of spaying and neutering. Pet
overpopulation is a serious problem in our county and by sterilizing your pet,
you help relieve the strain on Miami-Dade Animal Services and our community.
Paws 4 You Rescue, Inc. is located at:
8480 SW 146th St
Miami, FL 33158
Phone: (305) 796-1017
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Again, thank you to all that help in distributing the social media
posts, the identification of Scooby and owner Ann, making Scooby safe and being
on the lookout for the benefit of friends, neighbors and pets!. It really does take a village!
A wiser choice for your pet is for you to bring your pet inside the house and make sure that your special friend is safely tucked into a room with a television or radio on. It is recommended that if you are not staying home with your pet, make sure that their favorite hiding spot is available so they can run to a place in the house where they feel safe ---- this could be under the bed, in the closet or even their pet crate. If you are home, stay near them, speak to them and let them know that they are safe. 
