Outlander: JD's Story

Kindly sponsored by Gary Smith and by
Joan and Dent Williamson in loving memory of Max

On a bitter February day, NCCR received a call about a dog who was reportedly living in a dump pile behind an area business. Brenda Luce, NCCR's co-director and dog control officer for Westfield, immediately investigated.

It was apparent that the dog was indeed living in the dump. There were dog prints everywhere in the snow and a partially-eaten deer carcass, which was an obvious food supply, was partially buried near by. Brenda left a bowl of food near the dump pile and waited a day before returning. Sure enough, the food was gone and Brenda got a glimpse of who had eaten it. Sleeping in a tight ball lay a thin, large mixed breed dog. When the dog noticed Brenda, he immediately jumped up and ran away as fast as he could, his tail tucked tightly between his legs. This one was not going to be easy to catch!

With the help of her husband, Brenda set up a dog trap near the dump. They checked the trap several times that day, but were not able to catch the dog. They left the trap door open at night so he wouldn't be trapped through the cold night, and left food so the dog could become accustomed to the trap's presence. The strategy worked: after leaving food the next morning, they had successfully captured the dog by 4:30 that afternoon.

JD's home in the dump. (shown with arrow)

Brenda and her husband cautiously approached the cage and could see that the dog was terrified, thin and dirty. They loaded the cage in the truck and transported him to NCCR's shelter. The dog was afraid, but he was not growling or barking at anyone, which was a good sign.

The first week or so, the dog who became known as JD was afraid of everything. He was even afraid to go alone outside to relieve himself and had to be coaxed into and out of his kennel. He would lick everyone's hand when he met them, but was still very afraid of everyone and everything.

All the NCCR volunteers have been working with JD and he has made remarkable progress so far. He now loves to go outside and romp in the yard, play ball and play with his pal Shibby (another NCCR resident). He has learned how to walk on a leash, too! Volunteers are now helping JD become accustomed to noises so he is not frightened by strange sounds. He's a remarkable dog and very affectionate. We feel in time, he will make a wonderful companion. It's sad to think that this poor dog was dumped as a young puppy who had to fend for himself during one of the coldest winters we've had in years. He has made so much progress so quickly, though, and is a trusting, loving dog who deserves the very best that life has to offer.

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