Just days before the Labor Day weekend an Australian Shepherd mix and German shepherd were found wondering the grounds of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior. The Arboretum’s staff, particularly Maintenance Foreman Chris Spencer and Horticulture Specialist Rick Byrd, did what any Good Samaritans would do as they delved into caring for the two lost dogs as they searched for possible owners or adopters.
Paul Wolterbeek of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum began outreach to animal welfare organizations in the area yet all were full. Fortunately, Gold Canyon Dog Owners Group was able to help through their PAW Alert, an Amber Alert for dogs and while the response received through social media was overwhelming—offers for food/medical donations from as far away as Canada started pouring in—no one came forward for the pair, one of whom was in need of medical care.
As the multi-agency effort’s continued, Willow Raven of the Humane Society of Southern Gila County picked the dogs up and transported the duo to AHS’ Second Chance Animal Hospital for medical care. AHS veterinarians found that the shy female mix, fittingly named Boyce, was in good health; however, Thompson, the German shepherd, was limping badly on his back leg. X-rays showed that while his leg was not fractured there did appear to be birdshot pellets present as well as lacerations and abrasions which are being treated though antibiotics and pain medication. However, Thompson’s continuing care will require at least two weeks of foster care with Boyce right by his side.
We will most likely never know how 1-year-old Boyce and 2-year-old Thompson made their way to the arboretum, whether their friendship was years in the making or forged along the way, but those involved are committed to seeing to it that these two buddies remain together through AHS’ Best Buddies program, an adoption program requiring the two be adopted together, but for the price of one. The two extremely wellmannered, yet somewhat shy, sweethearts already have a potential adopter and will soon be homeward bound.
For more information on the Arizona Humane Society, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Gold Canyon Dog Owners Group or Humane Society of Southern Gila County (HSSGC), please visit www.azhumane.org, http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA/, www.goldcanyondog.org or call (480) 202-5400 (HSSGC).
