Rescue Kit
by Janeen Sharpe
How many of you carry your own rescue kit in your cars? I
do. My sister started me on it many years ago. I’ve not really had to use it,
but I nearly did earlier this month. I was driving on a busy road when I saw a
stray dog cross the street. Luckily, drivers in many other cars saw her too. As
a matter of fact, four cars pulled off the road and the drivers tried to
capture the stray. It was a wonderful sight.
I always carry a first aid kit in my car, along with
blankets, collapsible water bowl, and a leash. That day I did not need to use
any of it, because one of the other drivers rescued the stray and was able to
give her to her owner. But the situation made me think. This stray had a
collar, was easy to grab, and was friendly; but other strays aren’t always
captured that easily. Was I prepared to help?
I found some suggestions to be better prepared. Now I keep
these items in my car:
●
a phone to look up
emergency vet clinics if needed
●
a cardboard box to
serve as a cat carrier
●
a strong leash for
dogs, preferably a slip leash that can also
serve as a collar
●
blankets, gloves, water bowls, and of course water
●
some “smelly” pet food,
like canned tuna or dried liver treats
●
an easily accessible
animal first-aid kit
When you see an animal running loose, keep in mind the
safety of the dog, your own safety and the safety of others. Then proceed with
caution. A frightened or injured animal is unpredictable. If you succeed in
getting close enough to capture a stray, there is a chance of being scratched
or bitten, so those blankets or heavy gloves may help you protect yourself.
Or, perhaps all you can do is sit safely in your car and
call animal control to help.
If you decide it’s safe to move towards an animal, speak
calmly and try enticing them to come to you with food. In one case, I opened my
car’s back door and called to an escaped dog. He came running and jumped into
my car! He was then inside and I was safely outside. The rescue group -- who he
had just escaped from -- was very grateful for his quick capture.
Another time, a very loving small pup who had escaped his
home was in a dangerous situation near a busy intersection. A neighbor easily
captured him and brought him to me. I had my ex-pen set up and he spent the
night here. In the morning, I called the city to see if we could identify the
owner from his dog tags. We could. And it turns out that this wasn’t his first
time escaping from his backyard.
My most unforgettable memory is of a
day on a Detroit expressway. The traffic was very heavy, and a pitbull was
strolling along the inside median. Much to my regret, it was too dangerous to
stop because I would have caused an accident. I have never forgotten him.
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