I've just got back late from lunch because of 'stray' white staffie was running around in the (busy!) road, causing cars to stop and swerve. No one but me stopped to get out of their car to calm the dog down and try and find its owner.
I pulled over, hopped out the car and ran up to where it was - at this point running into the roundabout. I got down on my knees, held out my hands and called him over. He ran over, and rolled over to let me tickle his tummy so I tied my scarf around his neck. We got back to my car, where he hopped in nicely. I called the local vet and nipped over to see if he was chipped. He was, and half an hour later his owners came rushing into the vets to get him - in tears!
What bothers me is that no one else stopped?! This dog was clearly a bit frightened, overwhelmed and excited. He was healthy looking and friendly. To not have stopped would have potentially caused a car accident or worse, hurt or killed the dog. Stopping to me seemed completely natural, I didn't think once he might be 'dangerous' and it was fairly obvious he'd recently escaped from his home. Turns out the postman had left the gate open.
Would you have stopped? Casper is now safely reunited with his humans because I did.
Yes and have done frequently, as I have dogs myself there is always a lead in my car and depending on my plans normally one in my handbag too.
Well done and glad casper is back home unhurt because of you xx
Islay, this is the second time I've ended up at the vets with an escaped dog! After the first I always had a spare lead in my car, but took it out just last week! My scarf made a handy alternative (and actually looked quite nice on his too!)
I would always stop for animals and do what you did. I'm not so good with people though in those situations and might shy away and let someone else do it.
Pixie, I thought about this but was in a bit of a hurry so figured I was best heading to the vets to see if he was chipped, and he was! If I'd have had a proper lead (and not my scarf, which suited him actually) I'd have stayed put and wandered around with him a bit. Thing is, he was also heading in the direction of a big park - so I assume he was more bothered about heading to where he's normally walked and having a great time that heading home!
Yes :-). I should have added "eventually " lol. One cavalier took me to a house that her owners had recently moved from, but the new people were able to give me the right address. I would have gone to the vets to check for a microchip otherwise, but often they are out of date too.
Right you are Pixie, the first dog I took to the vets still had the breeders details, but luckily the breeder had the owners details. This time the dog had the right information!
If it was a case of hitting a pedestrian or an animal Anthrow, I'm afraid if it could not be avoided the dog would have to go, I've been in that position I'm afraid.