Lost dog - found dog - saved dog?

We knew we would need to walk before the rain came today.

It was already misty-ish. The cloud cover would hide the sunrise. We walked along in the dim light - 5 wanderers whose steps rustled in the fallen leaves. The red and Shumard and Bur oaks have shed their big leaves leaving (now I understand that word) a river of red and brown at the edges of the streets/sidewalks/yards.

The park was empty as we peered into the distant soccer fields for deer. I convinced DH to walk a little further and we headed down the dirt track to the still grass-filled meadows. Usually by now the fields have been bailed, but the grass still stands shoulder-high throughout.

The dogs caught a scent. They pulled hard - all the way to where the road dead ends into the fence surrounding what we think was the old golf course. The scent must have been fresh. The dogs were excited and unwilling to give it up. But give it up they were forced to do as we turned around.

As we reached the meadow nearest the intersection of dirt road and park entrance we noticed something we had not noticed before - a deer stand nestled into the tree line. Why would there be a tree stand in the city limits on property yards from a public park? We debated how to report the stand. And then, as we drew near one deer ran out of the meadow, crossed the road (running behind the stand). It was closely followed by two more. They were all small does. The dogs pulled harder as the deer disappeared into the woods.

This was just the first of the distractions to follow.

A scrawny hound came out of nowhere and came towards us. While there was no growling, I stay clear of strange dogs - for my safety and that of the pups.

At the same time we discovered a police cruiser parked on the park road - where it meets the dirt one. Oh, we wondered, had someone already reported the deer stand? Had someone reported the stray dog? Had someone reported US?

We talked briefly to the officer - he was checking his email and catching up on paperwork. He had seen the dog and was planning to take the stray to the station once finished.

So, we saved our story and continued our walk home. As we turned out of the park we notice the dog had disappeared. We continued on our way - watching for places where we had to be responsible dog owners. [We forgot our hundetoilette bags when we started the walk. Recovering some at the station in the park, we cleaned up after ourselves...all the way home...over and over...these dogs are a menace...] And the stray reappeared behind us. No ghost, he had cut through the small piece of woods to catch up with us on our street.

He followed at a distance until the second runner passed moving towards the park. The dog turned and joined the man. And we went home.

After fixing DH's breakfast, I gathered a container of dog food, a bottle of water and a spare collar and leash. I could not abide the thought of that poor dog - hungry and cold, prey to bigger/stronger animals or distracted drivers.

This time in the car - not knowing how much area I would cover - I headed toward the park. One block from the park I found the runner and the dog. "Is this your dog?" he called as I got out of the car. "Nope!" I replied as I juggled my load of dog stuff. "But I will get him to the shelter today."

The dog was hungry, but would not eat. He bucked at the leash. The runner had started to leave, but came back to calm this poor baby and wait with me for the police. I know this man. He is a local doctor who raised boys the same ages as my children. He is a kind man - he said that he had cut his run short. Normally he would run into the country, but didn't want the dog to follow him and get lost out there.

White with black spots, the small, hound-like, gentle creature sat and rested. He began to lean - as if he was so tired he needed to lie down. We thought he was about to fall over when the officer arrived.

I cannot say enough about how kind and gentle the officer was with Spot (Yeah. I am probably going to go check on him. Don't judge me.). Before long the officer slipped the leash off, gathered the dog in his arms, and gently placed him in the cruiser.                                           

Dog saved. Maybe.

[Sorry there are no pictures. It was too dark when we started the walk. Then I was too loaded down with stuff when I headed back for the dog.]