When I got home from the Lugnuts game on Saturday night, I took Kika and Gregory House outside for a potty break. Out of the night air, a quickly approaching figure was running toward us. I immediately picked up Kika and House, waiting for what was apparently a dog to descend on us. Before I knew it, a golden beauty of a dog was sniffing me, Kiks and House and begging for love. House started spitting piss and vinegar, and scratched me up in the process of getting away. I took both him and Kiks inside, then returned to the front sidewalk where this stray dog had remained, waiting for me to come back.
After determining she was friendly and that she had no collar or tags on her, I got out Shabbi's old collar and leash and took this mystery dog for a walk around the neighborhood. I figured someone, despite the late hour, might be out looking for their lost dog, and I might be able to find them. After 45 minutes of walking, however, I had no luck and we returned to the house. Since I had no history on the dog, I didn't dare bring her inside that first night; instead, I put some blankets, water and food into the garage and played NPR to calm her down. There were still neighborhood assholes exploding their fireworks, which made mystery dog, in addition to Kika and House, quite frantic. Once she settled down, I left her in the garage and went to bed. I was quite overwhelmed, especially by the fact that I seem to find stray animals whenever Adam is away. It never fails that they come to me when they know I'm alone and have no help in taking care of them
The next day, Sunday, Emily came over and helped me give mystery dog (also known as "Little No Name") a bath. Then we took her for a 2-hour long walk around the outskirts of the neighborhood, hoping we'd find someone who'd recognize her, or at least "Lost Dog" fliers hung up. Nothing. But she did really well on the leash. At least once that day I told her that I wouldn't let just any dog use Shabbi-girl's collar. I think my Shabbi is panting with happiness somewhere, though, knowing that her mum is continuing to give love to doggies.
Sunday night I decided Little No Name should come inside because the garage is getting hotter as the days go on. I set her up in the basement, where she cried and whimpered for a few minutes before settling down. She is so GOOD. She sits, lies down, stays, and shakes on command. She won't disobey you and she hardly ever barks. The only thing she doesn't do is tell me her name. Little No Name is cute for now, but it would be nice to be able to call her by a proper name.
Today was the test. Emily and I called all of the shelters and humane societies in town but they were closed yesterday and today, meaning that Little No Name would have to be left in the house all day long while I was at work. I didn't want to keep her holed up in the basement where she couldn't really move around, so I decided to give her the run of the house. But that meant that Kika had to be put away (Kiks has been snipping at her so I didn't want them together without supervision) and House ended up in the basement since his litter box is down there. I didn't want him hissing or clawing at Little No Name. Gotta keep 'em separated, ya know.
Got home today after a long, hard, wet (got torrentially rained on) day at work, and was in no mood for trouble. Luckily, there was none. Little No Name had not moved a hair in the house, had not destroyed anything or had any accidents. She was just very very excited to see me, which was sweet. This evening was the official introduction of the three kids to each other. It was stressful at first, but now, several hours later, they are in a respectfully distant peacefulness from each other and I'm happy about that. Tomorrow I'll put out some more notices (newspaper, shelters) to try to find her owner. She looks at every single person she passes on our walks, so I know that she is keeping a watchful eye out for her human family and I really really want to find them for her. I'm sure they are devastated to have lost such a wonderful girl and I hope to bring them a little joy very soon.
Adam claims I'm becoming the crazy animal lady and that I'd better not save any more strays. I say that if the animals are choosing me, then I must have something to offer them. And if they happen to stick around for awhile, then there's plenty of love to go around.
Woof, meow, bark, g'night
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