Locals Band Together To Help Stray Dogs

    While it is impossible to determine the number of homeless animals in the United States, some estimates put it over 100 million. Animals stray or are abandoned in both urban and rural areas in large numbers every day, including in our small South Dakota towns like Britton. This winter, a couple of concerned local animal lovers decided to help out in a small way that made a big difference to a couple of dogs.
    Sometime last October, Lori Amerman who works at Southside Equipment in Britton, noticed a new resident on that side of town. It was a wandering black dog that appeared to be a black lab mix. Amerman was eventually able to snap a photo from afar of the dog. She noted it was seen eating garbage occasionally.
    The stray dog, which was later named Jackie, stayed in the area for the next few months. She appeared to be quite friendly but was skiddish. Area residents eventually became concerned about the animal and even began feeding her. One of these people was Colleen Vold. Jackie even began recognizing Vold’s vehicle when she would bring food at about the same time every day.
    “I hate to see an animal suffer,” emphasized Vold when asked about her efforts to help Jackie. “It bothers me until I have to do something.”
    Well, she and others continued to do something to the point they tried to catch Jackie. This took some thought and some tricks, but eventually, a trap of sorts was rigged up. Britton veterinarian Gary Fisher helped in the effort as well. A trailer near the ball fields on the south side of town was used to catch Jackie along with some tasty bait. The foray might not have been immediately successful, but soon Jackie was caught.
    Some generous pet lovers soon opened their home to Jackie. Even as she was getting settled, the amateur dog-catchers had to get back into business. Literally the next day after the first dog was caught, another small mixed breed dog appeared on the south side of town.
    Amerman and Vold and others once again fed the dog and made efforts to catch it. Squeaky, as the dog was eventually named, was wily and tough to grab, but the concerned animal-lovers persisted.
    “After a ham bone, many pieces of turkey, and some treats, we caught the little guy,” said Amerman.
    Squeaky too was placed in a loving home. The whole story stands as a testament to small town teamwork and the determination of those who love animals.
    “This was a complete community effort,” said Vold. “We have to thank everyone who fed the dogs and helped catch them, especially Dr. Fisher. And a special thanks to the adopting families.”
    Vold adds that as much as she loves animals, she hopes not to have to do this regularly. “I think this all is also a good reminder to have your pets chipped so they can be found if they stray,” stressed Vold.