Archive: Around Town

“There’s a black dog on the loose downtown!” The SPCA of Tompkins County Animal Control Officers received dozens of calls with the same message: a large black dog, clearly a stray, had been spotted by many downtown business owners and residents over a period of six or seven months throughout the cold winter and into early spring. Everyone wanted to help keep him safe, but he proved to be very elusive. He was on the run, like John Dillinger!

Animal Control Officers tried several times to coax the dog close enough to catch, but he preferred to keep his distance from all people. Eventually, with the special help of SPCA supporters, the SPCA purchased a new extra-large humane trap, big enough for an 80-90 pound dog. The trap was placed – and moved, and moved again – trying to follow the dog’s usual haunts. Finally, at the end of April, “Dillinger” as he was dubbed, was caught near Elm Street and brought to the shelter on Hanshaw Road.

In his first few days at the shelter, Dillinger stayed as far back in his kennel as possible, frightened of humans. Slowly, with lots of treats and dedicated staff, he began to recognize the people he was introduced to, one at a time. It was clear that Dillinger became a stray as a very young dog. He had grown into the black harness he was wearing; it had to be cut off by the SPCA veterinarian and the scars are still apparent. With good medical treatment, regular food, and lots of slow, patient work, Dillinger started wagging his tail and having play dates with the people he began to trust.

He graduated to taking walks with staff and volunteers and was found to be a very well-behaved walker. Dillinger headed to foster care for several weeks, learning to meet new people, experience different situations, and check out his foster family’s other pets. His foster mom, Heather, says that it is clear he had some training as a pup – he is housebroken and connects well with people now that his life is stable again. Heather says “he gets very wiggly when he gets to know you – he wags the whole back of his body!”

Being in a foster home “brought back Dillinger’s early training and socialization,” Heather reports. A handsome fellow who exudes charm, Dillinger is now available for adoption. After his ‘outlaw’ experience, he would do well in quieter home with adults. As noted, he is agreeable to other dogs and even cats!

----
v5i25