Woke up this morning to walk my usual route near the parking lot behind the big box stores. Felt like a furnace out there already.
Spotting the Trouble
Heard this really sad, high-pitched crying sound coming from behind one of those huge metal dumpsters. Peeked around and damn, there she was. A little brown mutt, panting like crazy, all tied up with a super short rope to a fence post. Just pacing in tiny circles on scorching concrete. Water bowl? Bone dry. Shade? Absolutely none. You could see the heat waves coming off the pavement right around her.
My gut just sank. Poor thing looked completely worn out and miserable. Could tell she was in heat too. No tags, no collar except the rope, obviously dumped there.
Panic Time – What Now?
Stood there frozen for a minute, feeling useless. Tried talking calm to her, “Hey girl, it’s okay,” but she just whined louder. Reached slowly to see if I could get the rope untied but she flinched hard and backed off. Felt bad trying to force it. Needed help fast.
Started pulling my phone out like a madman. But who the heck do I even call? Police? Firefighters? My brain was scrambled eggs. Remembered seeing posts online about this stuff but couldn’t think straight. Searched “help abandoned dog near me hot weather” like my life depended on it. Finally pulled up Animal Control’s emergency dispatch number.
Making That Call
Heart pounding like a drum. Lady picked up quick. Tried explaining but words were all tumbling out:
- “Dog abandoned!”
- “Stuck behind dumpster!”
- “Paved lot by the old furniture place!”
- “Looks like she’s baking out here, in heat too!”
Dispatch lady stayed calm, asked clear questions – exact spot, dog description, my name and number. Told me to stay put if safe so they’d find it faster. Felt a little better knowing someone was coming.
The Wait (Felt Like Forever)
Sat down on a slightly less gross part of the curb far enough not to spook the dog. Stupid sun felt ten times hotter now just watching her. Every minute felt like ten. Checked my phone like a maniac. Saw a big white van finally pull in after maybe 20 minutes – longest 20 minutes ever.
Two Animal Control officers jumped out with those catch poles and a big crate. They moved quiet and calm. One slowly blocked the dumpster side while the other gently looped the pole. The dog yelped once but then… went kind of limp? Like she was too tired to fight anymore. Broke my heart but felt huge relief seeing them get her into the shaded crate with water almost instantly.
Got confirmation they’d check her over and try to find a rescue spot. Walked home dripping sweat, shaking a little, but so damn glad I made that call. Don’t ignore that sinking feeling in your gut.
