Helping Dogs in Cochise County

I've noticed a new trend on our local social media pages over the last week. Something I'm calling "Community Dog Rescues". 

Can Anyone Help This Dog?

It started when someone noticed a German Shepherd making its way around the Walmart area unattended. Contributor Mary wrote in Chit Chat Sierra Vista that she'd noticed a large dog walking around the CAL Ranch, Ross and even the Lawley car lot and Native Wild Wings area. You've probably figured out this means the dog has been crossing the busy road near the intersection of Highway 90 and Fry Boulevard.

Several group members suggested this dog may belong to a homeless person in the area, but no one has seen evidence of the dog and this person together.

An Intervention

User Stefani reported she and her husband had made an attempt to round the dog up and take her to safety, but when they got too close, the skittish canine ran away. Mary suggested radical action: what if several of the group members in Chit Chat got together and tried to lure the dog to safety with some tasty roast chicken? Several users said they were open to helping, and a meet up has been arranged. No word yet on whether the group was successful, but we'll keep you posted.

With freezing temperatures hitting our area, seeing animals outside alone to fend for themselves is rough. A user in a different local Facebook group posted photos of a black border collie mix in Carr Canyon walking past a snowy field. A later note mentioned a happy outcome; this pooch has been brought to safety, but there was no owner tag or chip, so a family reunion may not happen.

Before You Assemble a Rescue Crew

If you or anyone you know is planning a dog rescue, for the safety of the animals and the people, please consider calling the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center at (520) 458-4151 or the Cochise County Animal Control Division at (520) 803-3550 before doing anything.

The Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center is currently full, as are some of the other Cochise County shelters, which are at or near full capacity. The county shelters understand how difficult things are right now, with factors like the economy causing hardship on many area families.

They are emphasizing that they're here to help, even if you can't continue to care for your animal. They have assistance programs if needed, plus they have regular low-cost spay and neuter clinics, with vouchers as low as $20 each. The vouchers are first come, first served, so be sure to listen Val in the Morning for weekly updates on how you can get yours.

Help is Available

The teams at our shelters want you to know they have programs in place if you absolutely cannot continue to provide for your pet. Please give them a call at (520) 458-4151 to schedule an appointment or to ask how they can help. If you've got some extra time, extra cash, or extra pet supplies or pet food you'd like to donate, get in touch with the shelter to see how you can help.