Last year, on the street I live on, a small dog showed up. He was in bad shape. Had a horrible case of mange, and looked like he hadn't eat in a while. He was very friendly, and no doubt whoever owned him, didn't want to take the time to deal with the problems he had, so they sit him out in our community. I and a neighbor of mine thought maybe we could help him out. People round here use sulphur and motor oil on mange on dogs,and it almost always works, so we thought we'd give it a try. We made up the mixture, I donned rubber gloves and went to it. I put the medicine everywhere I could find sore spots, even over his eyes. Boy, he smelled bad, but we thought it was worth a try. He looked all greasy for a couple of weeks, but the mange was going away, and did completely in a short time. After that, I took him to a lady who does trimming and had him bathed, dipped, cut and dried. SHe cut his hair down to the skin almost to let it grow back out right. We fed him every day and made sure he was getting well. In a short time his hair came back out and he was fine. Just imagine the dog Benji with black hair. THat's what he looks like. We named him Hobo cause he was always going everywhere and making friends and getting free food. A local woman came by one day and he followed her home. She came by the next day and asked if he was our dog. We told her not really, he's just a neighborhood dog that everyone takes care of. From that day on, she has taken care of him, and he follows her everywhere. Only thing is, when he comes by our house, he always comes on the porch to see us, get petted and get some treats, and then heads on with his owner. He even knows my truck, and when I pass by, he always turns around and stares at it, and I blow the horn. This may sound sappy, but every day I see Hobo, I feel proud that we got together and saved this little pooch. He's healthy and energetic, and enjoys his life now. I sometimes wonder what the previous owner would say about him now.
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Design 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
Maybe he was not abandoned but lost. I lost a dog because of a thunderstorm. He got scared and ran. I could not find him. He was a smart dog and I miss him. Or the owner may of got sick and passed on. My Mother had a dog that was lost for three months. He had his tags on and finally he was found five miles away. The people called and brought him home. He had lost a lot of weight and was very tired. He recovered and lived another 5 years. Just something to think about. And you did the right thing.
------------------ Debbie Delzell
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
John, thank you for sharing this heartwarming story. I appreciate your kindness and compassion. I'd like to follow your example by treating the downtrodden and outcast of the human element more in the manner you expressed toward the dog. Again, thanks.
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
John....that is a great story! I think you can judge people by how they treat animals just as well as how they treat people.
------------------ surf or MoJo on mirc Cheryl J Nordby Signs by Cheryl Seattle WA.....! signsbycheryl@hotmail.com
Cool story John.. No lie about the brew?That @#$%'s gotta smell nasty? I have a Shar-Pei...he gets mange all the time..all in his wrinkles..around his lil eyes.... We get shots..but they's purdy pricey!
change this to a cat story...we got 3 of our own...and this "oldman" orange and white with a stub of a tail....shows up here..so we been feedin it..musta been badly abused will not let you touch him...maybe a pet now and then thats all.....hes had ahard life....so i just feed him and hes gettin to feel better about hangin round....
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posted by Rob Larkham (Member # 2105) on :
John- I have a tear in my eye. I had a stray I took in when I was much younger. I also named him Hobo. I had him for years. He was hit by a car and was in rough shape. We were forced to put him down. He was and always will be one of my favorites. Thanks for the memories.
------------------ "Paint with Passion"
Rob Larkham The Bershire Brush RL Graphic D-Sign Chester, MA rldsigns@aol.com 413-354-0287
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
Got me all glassy eyed over here too John. But I'm sure glad I read this post.
Wherever that dog came from, he's better for having crossed your path. And ... vica versa eh?
Thanks for the heart twangs! Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
I have 6 dogs and 3 cats all of the dogs but 1 were strays that were put out near my house and 2 of the cats. I trade the vet signs for vet bills. just got through doing a $900.00 sign for the new animal hospital. 1 of the dogs needs some surgery. the more I am around people the better I like animals. I have spent almost $1000.00 for chain link fences and dog houses. the long haired Chihuahua, small terrier and the long haired dachshund live in the house with my wife and I.
------------------ Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 164 Poplar Rd. Commerce, Ga 30529 706-335-2348 Fax 706-335-3378 icq#11718273
Posted by John Deaton (Member # 925) on :
I've got a bassett hound (Gabe), and a cocker spaniel (copper). Love em both, and they have the whole yard to do their thing. Hobo, the dog in the above story, is a friend of the family now,and his new owner really cares for him. He follows her everywhere. He's very smart, and hardly ever barks at anything. I feel very fortunate for getting to meet him. I felt very sorry for him when he first came here, but luckily things turned out good. Hope you guys don't think I did this for a pat on the back. I just love animals, and can't stand to see them suffer. And they shouldn't. I'm glad you all liked the story about Hobo. Can't get him to sit still long enough to get a picture, but one of these days I will.
------------------ John Deaton III Deaton Design 109 N. Cumberland Ave.,Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-573-9101
