We oftentimes feed stray dogs and provide them water, we have tried to contain a stray dog and welcomed them at our home but just like us hoomans – there are stray dogs who’d rather remain ‘adventurous’ rather than caged within the corners of a gated house.
On a fateful Friday, we found a black furry stray dog comforted by our garage tree. As I checked on him, his eyes were glaring back at me. A look asking for help and comfort yet curled and terrified.
I knew I had to do something.
Thankfully, our house is just a few meters away from a grooming shop we’ve grown to love. The staff’s big heart towards the animals they serve is outstanding. Our dog, Lucky, always looks forward to having himself groomed and enjoys every bath compared to other shops wherein you’ll hear dogs growling or howling, refusing to get bathed.
As I walked my way and explained to the team of Pet Patrol, they didn’t bat an eyelash and willingly walked with me. We had dog treats and a cage. Thanks to Netflix’ Life in the Doghouse, I learned and we were able to lure the dog without pressuring it or making it feel fearful.
And, it worked. I hope it’ll also help you, too.
Don’t rescue a dog without a Cage
At the end of the day, it’s still a stray dog. You don’t know its history and the trauma the street life treated it. Make sure you’ve got a cage ready to lure it to come inside within its own will.
Position the cage strategically and make sure you also have someone who’ll help you redirect the dog to where it should go. Don’t come near it right away, allow the dog to settle.
Introduce yourself and give it a snack
In order to successfully corner the dog and leave it with no choice but to settle in; give the dog time and slowly introduce yourself. It may have trust issues hence you wouldn’t know how it’ll react once you come near it.
See how it’ll react when you throw in a snack, it may refuse but once curiosity strikes, you already know you have an opportunity and gained the dog’s confidence or attention.
If it didn’t behave violently, slowly introduce the snack with you closer to the dog but also speak to the dog on who you are and what your intention is. If it responds nicely, give it time for the dog to gain confidence and trust you.
A FRIENDLY PAT BUT BE WARY
Dogs can feel your energy. If you’re comfortable and careful, it’ll feel the same way and know if you’re a good person trying to rescue him or be a friend of it. When you pat it, carefully brush his back and when you’re confident, you may carry the dog to the cage.
But, there’s also a way of carrying it to protect you if it rejects from being carried which may possibly bite you. The best way really is to attach a nozzle.
Even a friendly dog can and will bite when they are stressed, afraid or in pain. All of these conditions are likely to be present when you encounter a stray dog so take precautions. Remember if the muzzle closes the dog’s mouth completely or partially to make sure to take the muzzle off ASAP as it restricts the already stressed dog’s ability to breathe and sweat and can be very dangerous and cause a dog to overheat and die. In an ideal setting, you would never use a muzzle that restricts the dog’s mouth opening fully.
In our case, the dog was friendly. We captured it like a cat, held it by the neck and its body supporting it with limited mobility as we placed the dog carefully inside the cage.
Once the dog is in, give it time to settle. Don’t carry the cage right away. Hand over a snack, the same snack you gave while you were introducing yourself. This way, the dog won’t feel threatened.
Pet Patrol was kind enough to observe the dog and was able to make the dog feel comfortable. We gave him food and water while it’s still in the cage, earned full trust with its surroundings and after a few hours, took the dog out of the cage.
It was fortunate that the dog felt at home. He was given a gentle bath and was checked by a vet; we found out that the dog is a he and a healthy mixed-breed dog who only needs nourishment and some vaccinations after being astray and neglected for some time.
Thank you, Pet Patrol!
I hope you’ll be able to find in your heart to treat the stray dogs with respect and give them equal love. Not all dogs may respond to being or getting rescued but you can always try.
You may also call the Philippine Animal Welfare Society for help and assistance if you don’t have a readily available cage, dog treats or someone who can help you rescue. The Non-profit organization is also accepting donations or foster homes to help those animals in their shelter.
PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC)
Aurora Blvd. Katipunan Valley,
Loyola Heights, Quezon City,
Philippines 1108
Tel. (02) 8475-1688
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