HUNTINGTON – A formerly homeless puppy, whose situation caused a wave of concern on social media, is now on the path to a forever home.
The dog, which appears to be a purebred German shepherd, came to the attention of Huntington Dog Officer Jim Helems in November. It was sighted in the vicinity of Norwich Lake by numerous people, causing a stir and concern for its wellbeing on Facebook.
Helems said the dog would sleep in the same place, but would flee whenever it was approached. He then enlisted Missing Dogs Massachusetts to capture the dog, as the nonprofit has traps it uses for this purpose.
“We’re an all-volunteer organization,” said Mitzie Smalley, who volunteers with Missing Dogs Massachusetts.
The organization works with owners and animal control officers to find lost pets, and help locate the owners of found pets.
Within 24 hours of one of the traps being set up, the dog was captured, and Helems and Missing Dogs Massachusetts were alerted to it quickly because cameras were set up.
“As soon as he went in we knew,” Helems said.
Helems said that typically when a photo of a dog goes up on Facebook, the dog’s owners swiftly come forward to claim it. However, he said that was not the case with this German shepherd. Helems said that this is unusual as only three dogs he’s had in his care have gone unclaimed in his 3-½ years as the town’s dog officer.
Helems said he believes the shepherd was dumped by someone.
Smalley said the dog kept returning to the same tree, where it may have been waiting for the person who dumped him to return.
Helems said there were a number of offers to adopt the dog from the public, however, the dog is not comfortable around people, so he wasn’t comfortable releasing it to just anyone.
Helems used Facebook to find a good match, and eventually found some dog trainers in Maine who were willing to take and train him.
“They’re currently working with him,” he said.
Helems said the dog is currently in a foster home as he prepares for a permanent home.
The shepherd was with Helems for about a week, staying in a town-owned kennel, and during that time he said they bonded together, with the dog allowing Helems to leash him and feed him treats.
“He just needed some time,” Helems said.
Those interested in getting involved with Missing Dogs Massachusetts can visit the organization’s website at www.missingdogsmass.com.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.