Stray black lab mix story.
 

We've had a black lab mix stray in the neighborhood for what seems like at least a couple of years. There has never been a problem with this dog getting into trash or bothering us when we walk our dogs. She has always kept her distance from anybody who gets remotely close to her.

Around Thanksgiving when we had a freeze, I looked out the kitchen window and saw her and felt badly for her so I opened a can of dog food and took it down to the sidewalk with a bowl of water and whistled to her. She perked up her ears and sat up and as I walked back up to the house she headed across the vacant field where she often sits, stopped at the curb and looked both ways before crossing and coming over to eat. After a car or two went by and startled her a little, she picked up the paper bowl and again looked both ways before taking it back across to the lot and up the little embankment to finish the remaining food.

Since that day, I look out in the mornings on weekends and when I get home on work days and if I see her I feed and water her. She won't get closer than about 50 feet or so to me, but I talk to her when I'm walking over to put out the food.

We have two dogs, both adopted from Arlington, TX Animal Services - Rockie http://www.nozero.org/friends.htm#Rockie and Zoe http://www.nozero.org/friends.htm#Zoe. Rockie was the most recent addition to our family and when we got him I got a follow up call from the volunteer at the shelter who use to walk him. Over time, we exchanged a few calls and emails and became friendly. Once while we were at the vet, a lady was there and just by listening to her, I thought it may be her so I asked and it was. She turned around and loved on Rocky and we introduced ourselves in person for the first time. Since she lives not far from me quite often takes in strays, I decided to ask if she was familiar with this dog. She said she was and that she had set up a kennel with a tarp about a block away in the other direction, but had not seen the dog since last May and thought she had died. She was very glad to hear about her and when I mentioned the gray snout and chin, she was certain it was the same dog. She (Dianne) said she and her husband had nicknamed the dog Oprah.

Apparently, Oprah has been evading capture by Arlington Animal Services for quite some time now. Dianne asked if there was a place on the empty lot to put the kennel so Oprah would have a place to go out of the rain and wind. At one time the lot had a double-wide trailer on it that housed a Church/Day Care facility and I guess it went belly up since they closed down and eventually the trailer was towed away. Now there is a sign up for another church and based on the images on the sign it will be another trailer type set up. Since I don't know when they will be starting construction and since the lot is frequented by kids from the junior high school about a block away, I suggested that we put the kennel in our front yard or maybe on the front porch. I'm waiting for Dianne to call me to work out the details. I'd love to gain this dogs trust and adopt her, but since about a year ago when we had an incident with a neighbor's dog breaking it's tether and attacking Zoe. Rockie promptly put a end to the attack by engulfing the offending dogs head in his mouth. Rockie has since become very dog aggressive toward all dogs other than Zoe. We did eventually get the dog loose from Rockies jaws and the little fart bit me in the process. He had a couple of bite marks, but he was not badly injured.

I fed and watered Oprah this morning and am now waiting to hear from Dianne on the Kennel/tarp. It's 32 degrees outside right now and raining on and off. While it's not yet freezing on the street, we've got little icicles hanging on the tree branches in the front yard. I'm hoping Oprah is someplace dry if not warm and dry...

Thanks for reading and sorry for my verbosity, but one thing led to another and so on... Any kind thoughts you can send Oprah's way would be deeply appreciated.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

As a huge dog lover I can only hope that what is best for Oprah happens. If that's with you that's great! First order of business is a name change! :D

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thanks and I hear ya on that!

:)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Hey, take a photo and post it if you can. We will make her the honorary CA mascot (as long as the 11 approve) till she has a home.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I'll try to get a pic to post either way. I just get so excited when I see her, glad to see she's still OK day by day. Then I get in a hurry to get food and water out to her and I forget about getting a pic.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great story and :tu for helping out a dog in need. I hope Oprah takes to the kennel and allows you to start caring for her. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

The kennel and tarp are in place along with a bowl of fresh water. I've not seen her since this morning, but Dianne saw her around noon before bringing the kennel over. I'll check tomorrow morning and put out food (near or in the kennel) tomorrow after work. Hoping for the best for her...

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Good luck with the humanatarian effort for this stray dog........

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Fed her last night and once again she carried the bowl back across the street to the empty lot to eat... Sorry, I have yet to get a pic but will keep trying.

Looked for her after work today but so far no sign of her, so we put food and water out by the kennel in case she stops by later tonight.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

We've been feeding he once to twice a day. Well, we know she gets most of the food because we watch her eat through the blinds on the windows. We assume she's eating the food we leave out otherwise, but we do have a neighbor who lets their Chihuahua out and... She still won't get closer than fifteen feet or so from me. Each time I open the door to try to get a pic, she head to the other side of the street. :-(

Yesterday when I looked out, she was doing donuts in the lot across the street chasing her tail then running full speed one way then the other. Seemed like she was in good spirits. Still hoping for the best for her. She's a very attractive dog.

Thanks to all for reading and for the kinds words and bumps.
:-)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

My wife and I have rescued three dogs now. We are also huge dog lovers. It's a good feeling being able to take in a stray like that. I've done it in my past as well. Good luck finding a safe home for her.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Finally got a pic! It's through the blinds, window and screen but it'still a pic!

http://nozero.org/images/Shadow.jpg

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Good one on you for helping one of God's creatures, Michael! :)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thanks. When I get home from work, I let my dogs out to the back yard. Then go check mail and look for her. If I see her, I make sure there is fresh water in her bowl and go get her food ready and take it back out. If she's lying down, I whistle and if she does not hear that, I tap the metal food bowl with a fork or spoon then she perks up.

Last night our street was rather busy with traffic so I took the bowl across the street to her and she wagged her tail, though only twice, when she saw me coming. I got about ten feet from her before she backed up a step. Perhaps some day I'll have the pleasure of petting her and bringing her into our home. It may be a hassle with Rockie at first, but I think he'd get used to her after a bit. I just gotta figure out where I'd put another kennel in the house. We already have two in our living room for Rockie and Zoe... Then I'd have to convince my wife and that may be difficult.

Dogs are still the best examples of unconditional love I have ever experienced.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

you're making progress, 10 feet is better then 15 feet and it can take time to win her trust. Keep doing the good work.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

It's still heartbreaking to me.Thanks for being there for her Michael :)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thank you for your kindness; Oprah the Dog is now in my prayers.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

A friend came by my house yesterday, saw her and put some just cooked pot roast in her bowl. Bet she loved that!

I just put her food out for tonight even though we've not seen her today. I've got the front door open with the glass storm door closed and Zoe, Rockie and I are watching for her.
:-)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Still feed her everyday I see her and even leave food when I don't. Just fed her and met her out in the middle of the lot across the street with a few treats. Still can't get more than 6-10 fee from her, but now she wags her tail and looks happy to see me each time I try.

Still hoping for the best.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Me too Bro.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Still making progress, Michael. Continued well wishes on your effort to help.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Thank you Sir, much appreciated!
:)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

And thanks to you Sir as well!

Thanks to all for the kind words. I'm just doing what feels right.

Over the last week, I had some heat pump problems because my unit lost all the freon, then the compressor failed so I've been home a few times from work. I've seen 3-4 maybe 5 people approach her, she lets me get closer than anybody else and it give me a very nice warm feeling. But, I'd do what I do, even if that were not the case.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

All I have to say is your of hell of a person, thank you for caring so much about animals. :salute:

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Still feeding her and giving her fresh water daily and sharing some of our dogs butcher bones with her. The animal control truck chased her across the lot yesterday and nearly into heavy traffic. They should know by now that they can't catch her.

Everytime somebody or somebodies vehicle chases her, she gets harder to get close to for a few days and it's "just like starting over".

There are now 2-4 other folks feeding her from time to time, so she's well fed, that's for sure!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

She sniffed my hand!

I looked out for her just now and she was waiting in the front yard again. I went back in and got a bone and some dry food. Put the food and the bone in the bowl and she was jumping around like crazy, I put out my hand and sat down on the ground and she very cautiously came over and sniffed my hand. I didn't try to pet her, just talked to her. It made me feel so good!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

More progress! I just got her to take a piece of hotdog from my hand!

There are still 3-4 others feeding her regularly, so she is getting finicky about what she'll eat and when. She still shys away from those "strangers" who stop by and try to feed her or get close to her.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

So cool of you!
I hope she gets a good home soon.

cheers, Michael! your a good person.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Your patience is paying off... :D

Any more pics?

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great persistance, Michael. Looks like it's paying off. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great news!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

None yet, I'll try to get some today or tomorrow.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Jeez. You must have the patience of a Saint.
I love reading this thread.

Cheers,
Michael

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Nice work Michael:tu. I'm glad the animal services guy can't catch her. They would have to put her down for sure. In tough economic times animal services operations get swamped, and a pooch like Oprah that's not accustomed to human contact would not stand a chance.

I got a knot in my throat when you wrote about her chasing her tail and darting around by herself :)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Another of "Oprah's friends" brought her two dog toys about a week ago, a pink tug-of-war and a neon green Kong TM dumbbell. Oprah took the pink one across the street to her hill.

When I fed her this morning, I took the green one and squeezed it and squeaked it toward her then tossed it to her. She snatched it up and danced around tossing it up in the air and sometimes catching it.

She came to me twice this morning and sniffed my hand again and then retreated to her "safe distance". I just sat in our yard talking to her until I started getting bit by ants, then I got up and walked over to her, she just sat there and let me approach. I offered my hand and she let me touch her chin briefly.

As I think I've mentioned, there are others who feed her as well. One in particular, the one who brought the dog toys, used to do volunteer work for Arlington Animal Services. She has contacts and has already found a potential home for Oprah. I'd love to take her in, but our "Rockie" is dog agressive and I don't think it would work out. Plus, we don't really have room for another dog. Our youngest son has said he'd take her, but he'd be violating his lease agreement at his apartment complex if he did and he's already in violation, since has a boxer and three cats.

Thanks again for all your kind comments in this thread.:tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Another breakthrough!

I just went out and took Oprah some water since she'd been in the lot in the sun most of the day, I took it across the street to her. After I came back to the house, I looked out and she was in the front yard, so I went out and sat in the yard and she came close and sniffed me again, then went and laid down about 8-10 feet away. I got up and went over to her and she just laid there so I bent over and she let me pet her head. I got to scratch behind her ears and her neck too. It was amazing!

Got this picture earlier today too.
http://nozero.org/images/PrettyGirl1.jpg

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Sweet. :tu

She looks like a sweetheart. To teach her about a friendly hand after what she probably went through is amazingly cool. Continued success with reaching into her heart. :)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Is that Animal Control in the background there :D;)

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

You are doing an incredible job with her... reminds me of Kevin Costner in "Dances with Wolves." :D

Thanks for the picture - looks like a sweet old girl. :ss

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Great story so far. This is a very cool thing you've been doing.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

No sir, that's one of Arlington's Police vehicles. I've had very good luck with them and find them to be very professional. I even submitted a compliment to the Police Department via the Arlington City web site, when I got my last speeding ticket. I've had less than professional treatment by police officers in the past, so I appreciate the professionals. He called me sir, explained why he stopped me, the speed limit as well as the speed he clocked me at and told me if I were stopped again from the far left lane, that I should stop on the left hand shoulder. I told him that I had always stopped in the far right shoulder because it give me more room to stay away from the other traffic. Here in Texas, when you pass any emergency vehicle, you are supposed to either move over one lane or if you pass in the lane next to them, you reduce your speed by 20 mph. There were idiots flying by him, I'm sure hitting 70 mph or better.

Anyway, I received a return email with a thank you. Turns out, they don't often get commendations from persons who received tickets.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I've become quite concerned about Oprah regarding what will happen to her after I catch her, as I'm quite certain I could capture her now. I worry that the Arlington Animal Services would put her down because she's older and so timid. A lot of people don't want the dog that sits in the corner of the pen at the shelter, which I think she would. Really, I'd keep her if there were any chance of her and Rockie getting along and if I could convince Debbie (my wife) too.

Debbie suggested last night that if I were to see some of the other people that feed Oprah today, that I should inquire to see if they'd be interested in adopting her. Well this morning after I'd been out to take Oprah her morning biscuit and fresh water and decided to go out for a cigar on the front lawn. While I was gathering up my chair, phones, laptop, coffee, lighter, cutter and cigar. I looked across the street and saw one of Oprah's friends. So I crossed the street to talk to her and introduced myself telling her I lived across the street and asked if she was interested in adopting Oprah or if she was just feeding her to be kind. She may have been a little leery of me, I have that effect on some people. She clearly stated that she would be interested! So I gave her my phone numbers and suggested that she call me and give me her number, so I could contact her if I was able to catch Oprah, if she was comfortable with that. Oprah would not go to her but, as she was driving away, I went to Oprah and she again let me pet her.

As I sit typing this now, another of Oprah's friends is across the lot and petting her! I'd be very happy if somebody who cares for her gave her a home! I just walked over and talked to this lady too. Turns out, both of these ladies are named Jan. This one already has two dogs, but she knows the other Jan and said she knew the other Jan wanted to adopt Oprah and make her an indoor dog. She said today was the first time Oprah let her pet her and I could tell it made her feel as good as it did when I petted her for the first time.

Some idiot just hollered at Oprah from the other side of the painted fence next to the alley on the back side of the lot. Oprah ran across the lot, headed toward Green Oaks Blvd and by the time I stood up to see what was going on, I could not see who it was or where they were. I don't see Oprah in the lot now, but have strong hopes that she'll return later today or this evening.

Still hoping for the best! :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Michael,

This is friggin AWESOME!

I wish you could keep her and I bet she does as well.

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

I find this hard to believe, Michael. You sound like one hell of a nice guy. Anyone who writes a thank you note to the cops after getting a ticket is basically a saint :D:ss

I'm really enjoying this thread.

Go Oprah! ...never thought I'd say that

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

have enjoyed keeping track of this thread.... hope everything works out!

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

thanks for your kindness..good luck

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

i hope every thing works out for her weather she stays with you or not

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Best of luck with your efforts to befriend Oprah and find her a good home. :tu

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Any updates? My wife is curious too :D

Re: Stray black lab mix story.
 

Well, the lady that is interested in adopting Oprah called me back yesterday. I need to call her and ask her if she wants me to attempt to capture her or if she is going to get the other lady who's been feeding her to try.

We really don't have room, we have a small house 1368 SQFT and we already have two large dogs. I don't want to capture her then have to keep her for long since Rockie is dog agressive. It would be difficult to cycle them outdoors and indoors. Plus, Oprah is in very bad need of a bath. My hands get black when I pet her back or scratch her belly.

I went out and sat with and petted Oprah again last just after 8 PM. Had to work today so I put her fresh water and biscuit out before I left. Another friend was going to feed her this morning. I've not seen her yet tonight.

I'll keep posting any changes.

Thanks ya'll!