Who said dogs can't have nine lives, too? One lucky beagle in Lakewood Ranch was rescued not once, but twice, thanks to the kindness of strangers. Now she needs a home – and a name.
But we're getting ahead of the story. It all started Wednesday night, when Manya Paru, executive director of the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, issued .
One of her charges – a young, homeless beagle in a new pink harness – saw the chance to run away from the no-kill shelter and "took off like greased lightning," as frantic workers tried to retrieve her.
Just when it seemed that this stray beagle would get a chance for adoption, she was back on the streets, and no one could find her.
The friendly little beagle recently had been brought to the shelter when she was found wandering around another neighborhood in Lakewood Ranch, apparently lost and confused.
The Humane Society had just put her up for adoption, when this little Houdini slipped away. "She is a darling, sweet dog, and thank God she was found," Paru said Friday morning.
A good Samaritan spotted the pup roaming through the Lakewood Ranch Professional Park, off Interstate 75. She was hot, thirsty and probably famished. But she also was OK.
The good Samaritan pulled over, opened his car door, and the little dog jumped right in.
The good Samaritan knew he had a lost pup on his hands because he had seen the beagle's photo on Facebook Thursday, when the Humane Society asked the public for help. He had kept an eye out for her, since the shelter also is located in the sprawling business park.
Lost twice. Rescued twice. Perhaps all this attention will be the good luck charm this wayward girl needs to find a forever home.
With that kind of kharma, Paru is now hoping this little beagle – who is less than a year old – will not only be adopted, but that the public will help name her. Perhaps she will be called "Lucky," or "Bolt," after the Olympic sprinter.
Paru could not help put in a plug for this very lucky dog.
Unlike many beagles, she said the dog has been so quiet that she had asked a vet to check out her vocal cords to make sure she was OK. Sure enough, this shy beagle is just not as talkative as some other canines of her breed.
"She is adorable and loving and cuddly," Paru noted.
For more information
Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch
7334 Trade Court
Sarasota, FL 34240
(941) 361-1071
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
And they are industrious escape artists. I had to fasten 2 X 6 lumber all around the fencing to keep mine from digging out. Still she would escape once a week. Even after going blind.