DOGGIE FOUND. BUT WHOSE DOG?
Got a call this afternoon. The lady said she had one of the flyers I had distributed in the neighborhood and thought she had found my dog. With great excitement I wrote down her address and headed over to her house. They were extremely nice people and were genuinely thrilled to be instrumental in our happy reunion. I hugged him tightly, offered a reward which they immediately refused, and took him home.
Now, I am not sure this is my dog. He is obviously a pomeranian/yorkie mix, just like my Bailey. He has strikingly similar colorations and facial features. But... The personality is not the same. There is not the same bubbly energy. This dog is cautious and far too calm. Of course, two weeks of trauma might work to change such behavior. His fur is more puffy, and head a lighter, almost bleached color. But, perhaps whoever has been caring for him decided to have him groomed in such fashion? My Bailey would stand at the patio door and bark; this dog whimpers. My dog liked his special toys, and places around the house. A friend came over, gave him a good eying, and said she did not think he was my dog. My son and I both have our doubts.
I so much want him to be my little dog that I find myself quick to excuse the differences. And, perhaps he is my dog, personality and appearance changed from two traumatic weeks away from home? Tomorrow we go to the vet. Perhaps she can clarify matters as to the age and medical history of this animal. He also seems to have some health problems, so maybe we can get those cared for.
I have felt very deeply the pain of losing my little dog. If someone else is missing this guy, I want them to find him as soon as possible. So I'll return to the neighborhood where he was found and put up some signs. That is, once I'm sure he is not my little fellow. Until then, he seems to like me. I think he'll sleep at the foot of my bed tonight.
Here are some photos, and a link to a short video.
LITTLE LOST DOGGIE VIDEO
03.06.08 (10:35 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
OldSchool (
reply)
post date:
03.06.08 (7:55 pm)
I hope this is your little Bailey. I really do.
posted by:
docsavage (
reply)
post date:
03.06.08 (9:21 pm)
All the best with the situation. If nothing else, a little dog that needed the care is getting lots of loving care.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
03.06.08 (11:40 pm)
oh, pd! how distressing...how could he not be your bailey??? to have doubt is so unsettleing..i think that you have the best solution, but like doc said, someone is getting loved and taken care of...xoxoxo
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (3:10 am)
Um Dave, isn't Bailey is black and white?
Kidding. Maybe you'll end up with two dogs.
posted by:
squirrelzone (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (6:05 am)
That's a good looking dog in need of some love and guidance.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (6:13 am)
Hmmm, I'm surprised you're not sure? I would think you'd know your own dog.
Regardless, this dog needs a good home. I would have the vet scan it for a micro chip, just incase it's the beloved family member to another family.
Was Baily micro chipped?
posted by:
Barbara (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (6:21 am)
I so hope this is Bailey. Maybe the vet can tell. Could you find any old hairs of the first Bailey that you could do a DNA test on this one? Or is that really expensive? Maybe you'll just have to wait for his mama to get home to get a real ID as to whether this is he or not. I hope it's him.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (6:50 am)
hmmmm. the Lord works in mysterious ways.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (7:01 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
I want it to be my dog, so very much. I find myself excusing and explaining the obvious differences. Now that I've spent a day with him, watched his mannerisms and personality, I'm pretty sure it is not my dog. He's a good dog, obviously accustomed to attention and love. Now my job is to find his owner! I know how to go about the process.
posted by:
intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (9:24 am)
I hope you find some answers soon.
posted by:
Cuz (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (11:52 am)
Maybe the Bailey with you now is on good behavior in hopes that he won't be sent away again. Keep loving on him, he needs it too. Poor little guy. If he isn't your Bailey, can you imagine how lost and confused he is probably feeling? Micro chipping is sounding more sensible than in the past. Like another suggested, this Bailey even if not yours, might already have a chip. Keep us posted.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
03.07.08 (7:28 pm)
Reply to: doeeyed
My cat is micro-chipped - which is fine except every few days she goes into this robo cat dance. She stands on her hind legs, moves her head from side to side with her tongue out, and stiffly waggles her front paws up and down. Then, once she knows she's scared me to death, she giggles derisively, shakes her head in disgust and wanders off into a corner someplace to plot my demise.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:39 am)
Reply to: OldSchool
Still looking. Still looking. I'll not give up hope. Thanks for the good wishes.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:40 am)
Reply to: docsavage
The little fellow had a comfortable night at my place, and was sure happy when his true family arrived to take him home.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:42 am)
Reply to: mimi
Just how many dogs could be wandering around, lost, in the same general area, fitting the description of my little lost friend? It's more than a bit distressing, but I'm glad to help someone else with a happy ending.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:44 am)
Reply to: surrogate
I have a black and white dog, Oreo. He is old, very old, and mostly bides his time with sleep. Well, he eats and farts. He and I have a good bit in common. And he would never wander off, for such would require the expending of effort.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:45 am)
Reply to: squirrelzone
He's a fine dog. He insisted upon sleeping in my room, and whimpering for most of the night. He is not my dog, so I'm glad to find his true home.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:50 am)
Reply to: doeeyed
It's a good question. I so wanted this to be my little friend. When the call came, I was so very excited and emotional. When I first saw the dog, he looked so very similar to Bailey. But he was a little bigger, and not nearly as energetic. Since I was so prepared for him to be my dog, I was readily able to account for the differences. Perhaps he had been fed table scraps for two weeks- that would account for the weight gain. Perhaps he had been groomed, and his hair even highlighted, accounting for the appearance change. But as he spent the night at my house, and as I considered his personality, the sad reality hit me- this is not my dog. That means my little fellow is still out there, somewhere. The good news is that I've been able to locate the rightful family for this little doggie.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:52 am)
Reply to: Barbara
DNA tests? I don't know about that. But I've discovered he is not my dog. Too bad. I'll keep searching....
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:54 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
Yes He does. This mysterious little episode was a means to a happy reconciliation, but not for me. Oh, well. Keep trying.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:55 am)
Reply to: intricategirl
Yes, answers would be comforting. I know somebody, somewhere, has my dog. He is probably enjoying his new little pet. But, it's MY DOG!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (5:57 am)
Reply to: Cuz
He was on somewhat good behavior. He had some rather disgusting habits that I will not further describe. I'm kind of glad he is not my dog.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (6:09 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
based on your responses, i gather this was not bailey, but thank heaven you found his rightful owners...now, that is weird that it was SO VERY similar and yet, not bailey...how long had this other one been lost? i still hold hope that you and bailey will be reunited! pd, you must take your own words to heart...keep the faith! xoxoxo
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (7:25 am)
prayers continue
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (8:07 am)
I continue to hope and pray that Bailey is safe
and will find his way back to you and your family!
((hugs))
posted by:
docsavage (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (8:23 am)
What a Doc Savage-esque adventure! I hope it helps a little that you were part of adding some joy to others. Although the emotion is lost on me, I understand that you mere mortals get something of a buzz from our altruistic actions.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
03.08.08 (3:43 pm)
I'm happy for Panda and his family. Now, I hope Bailey is found safe and sound. Hopefully she's warm and has a full tummy somewhere.
