FKSPCA: RESCUE TAILS / “THE HOUND DOG IN THE MANGROVES”

BY TAMMY FOX-ROYER
Executive Director Florida Keys SPCA

Florida Keys SPCA Animal Control recently received a report of a dog stranded on a mangrove island in the Cow Key Chanel that needed help. A Good Samaritan who heard the dog barking in distress offered to take two officers out to the island in his small boat. Officers Royer and Thompson were able to locate the animal, hearing the distinctive howl of a hound dog coming from the small island.

Officer Royer got into the water in an attempt to catch the dog, but the closer Officer Royer got, the further the dog moved away. Officer Thompson then jumped into the water on the other side of the mangrove and attempted to corral the animal from both sides.

After an hour and a half of trying desperately to catch the scared dog, Officer Royer was able to get close enough to get a leash around his neck. Officers Royer and Thompson and the hound dog got back on the boat safely – all three soaking wet from their chase around the island. We brought the dog back to the shelter and immediately gave him a bath since he was covered with salt water. His ears were red and sore and covered in bug bites. The dog was not neutered nor did he have a chip or tag to identify him.

Fortunately, a few hours later, the owner came into the FKSPCA to see if her dog was there. She told us that the dog had gotten out of their yard early in the morning and ran off. She had been looking for him for hours and had no idea how her dog had managed to get to a mangrove island.

The owner and her dog had a joyful reunion and he will quickly recover from the drama of his mangrove island experience. We sent them both home – with a stern warning about keeping their gate closed – and strong encouragement to get the dog neutered and chipped.

If you’d like to help create more happy reunions, please contact me at tammy@fkspca.org. If you’d like to help even more animals, please donate to our new shelter building fund on our website at fkspca.org.

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