The couple first see her in the morning, a loose dog on her own, near the intersection of Pacific Ave. and Dundas West which is in a mixed city neighbourhood known as The Junction.
Later that evening, the husband stumbles across her again while walking his own dog, this time in High Park, a large city green space with a very popular off-leash dog area. This is about 1 km south of where the dog was in the morning. He feeds her some dog treats but is unable to capture her. He says she is very timid and afraid to go near people.
They send an e-mail to Toronto Animal Services to let them know about the stray.
Several days pass and there is no sign of her and no one has called in about a missing dog matching her description.
Then in the second week, there is a call from someone living near Harbord St. and Shaw St. which would be just a bit north of Little Italy and about 5 km east of High Park. The person reports there is a dog in the backyard. TAS sends out an Animal Control Officer and the dog is caught and brought back to the shelter.
Now here she is, our little runaway - or was she kicked out ? - not too much worse for the wear.
She is a meek dog but very affectionate once she gets to know you. Loud noises and sudden moves make her freeze and then she looks to you for reassurance before she'll continue. In fact, while walking with her, her preferred location is either right beside me against my leg or walking between my feet, which is obviously a bit of a trip hazard.
She really enjoys the company of other dogs, though, so maybe the ideal home for her would have a confident dog who could show her that things out there in the world aren't all scary.
For adoption information on this dog and other dogs (and cats and other animals), please visit Toronto Animal Services.
She is so sweet looking. I think a confident big brother would be just the ticket. Hope someone falls for her soon.
So I moments ago did a google image search for 'Australian cattle dog'. In the first page a dog pops up who bears a striking resemblance to my girl! I was, obviously, unable to resist clicking the link and looking at the source site.
Turns out, that that indeed IS my dog! And while I kept her name (now laycee), and she's gained a couple pounds living the high life, she still has those sweet eyes.
I adopted her at Toronto animal services in June 2011, and after meeting and visiting her for walks during the week, it was clear beyond her shy exterior we had a bond. Though skidish and suffering from urinary incontinence (which I later learned was likely a result of her recent spay) taking her home was a decision I can never regret. Incontinence now under control with meds, and training (and snuggles!) she has come a long way.
Three years later and, she plays dead like a pro, adores morning tummy rubs, games of tug, and ordering around her human slave.
It took a long time to ease her nervousness with people, and we still work on it especially with strangers. But for a dog with so much fear, who wouldn't take a bone or toy in the early days, I am immensely proud of her.
I just wanted to thank anyone involved with her coming into my life, and that she met such nice people when she was caught.
Laycee (or Lacie :) ) gets along marvellously with my family's dogs and loves going for visits at my parents place in the country, as well as visiting high park - though now, she always has her human servant to keep track of her and bring her home :) and spoil her rotten
I'm not sure if anyone running the site will see this but I wanted to thank you and let you know how much better she has become, and how lucky I am to have laycee in my life.
Morgan
Thank Morgan for the great update. It's wonderful to hear Laycee is in a fantastic home. I'll pass your note along to the staff at TAS. They'll definitely appreciate it.