We have an amazing community. Each day residents of our wonderful county
prove themselves repeatedly in their unselfish support of the many animals who
reside within their boundaries.
A few weeks ago, in an area where many do not tread, a
rancher happened upon a dog sitting alone under the meager shade of one of the
few trees present. The area devoid of
either food or water, offered little in the way of sustenance to the lone dog.
Though his own animals needed tending, over a period of days
the rancher made sure the dog had what was required while keeping his solitary
vigil.
One day the rancher stopped folks hiking up the dry, barren,
dusty trail and asked if they knew who might own the thinning dog. Unfortunately, they did not, but in kindness offered
to help.
This solitary dog, unbeknownst to him, had started a
community rallying. Word spread like
wildfire. Did anyone know the dog? Was the dog all right, he had not been seen? Had the owners been found?
Animal control went to look for him. Strangers during lunch hours, after work,
morning, noon, and night took turns searching for the dog. Word of his plight continued to spread,
concerned individuals numbering in the hundreds waited for news about him. The heat during the days was increasing and
to all, time was running out.
Finally, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. A family, who assured all that the animal
would be well taken care of, had found the dog.
We may never know the names of all those involved: from the
initial rancher who saw the animal and supplied the first helping hand; to the
many who networked and spread the story ; to those who donated
precious time and resources searching; and ultimately to the family who
opened not only their home but their hearts.
Though we do not know the names, we do know that our amazing
community rallied together, not for notoriety but out of concern and
unbelievable compassion for one dog alone.
