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Rescuing Dash-9, An Orphaned Dog

--posted by rrgirl63 on Jan 24, 2010

I don't know how others will respond to my first story, but I do know that it was something I was compelled to do, regardless if the recipient was "only a dog".

I work for the railroad, which can be a very dangerous place.  It is also usually located in the poorest of neighborhoods.  Unfortunately, we often see homeless, hungry animals hanging around looking for scraps of food.  Often, they are large, scary-loooking dogs who end up at the pound.

For the last few weeks there has been a rather large, red dog who has been hanging around with an obvious leg injury.  He was scared and would not come near any of us.  Each day I came to work I would talk to him, toss him a bite to eat and go about my business.  After about two weeks of this, this wonderful creature saw me arrive at work one evening and bolted straight for me!!  I must admit I was a bit frightened at first, now knowing what his intentions were, but I was soon to find out.  He came straight up to me, lunged at me and began showing me his love and affection in the only way he knew how..........wonderful and powerful kisses (okay, licks...LOL).

All I had with me at the time were some cans of cat food in the back of my truck, but I felt it was better than nothing, so I opened them up and filled his tummy.  I also offered him some clean water, which from the looks of him I was pretty sure he hadn't had in a while.  Amazingly enough, this little act changed this dog in a way I could only imagine.  He followed me around the yard for the rest of the night, which was kind of scary, as it can be a dangerous place, as I said.  When I got up on the engine to work, he stayed on the ground looking up at me and howling like he had lost his best friend.  I finally had to go back down and take him to safety across the tracks.  I made him a cardboard bed and, believe it or not, he layed there like he knew what I had done for him.  And yes, he waited my entire shift for me to return.

Now, for my dilemma.  I knew this guy needed a home and medical treatment.  However, I have 5 cats, two dogs and a 3 yr old grandson.  Not knowing this dog, personally, how could I risk the safety of my family at home for a stray?  I knew I could not, but it was breaking my heart to leave him there.  Call it my "mom" instincts but I knew this guy really would make a good companion for someone, I just wasn't sure it would be me.

By the end of the next day, several of my co-workers came to me and were flabbergasted that I had "made friends" with this dog.  Not only that, but he was also beginning to trust the guys I worked with and was showing to be very loving and playful.  They were amazed.  And even more amazing, there were more than one of them who were willing to take this wonderful dog we had labeled as "Dash-9" (it's a type of locomotive) into their hearts and homes. 

I am happy to say that "Dash" is now being treated for his injured leg and being lovingly nurtured and nursed back to health.  And I know that he will "pay it forward" by being a devoted and loving pet in his new home.

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