Volunteer Stories

The Rescue of Teddy Bear Written by Michael

A friend of mine and I take regular daily walks around the Clark County Government Center building, where we work. On one such walk we noticed a large, shaggy brown dog across the street, in an open field. On the particular June day that we first spotted the dog it was very hot and humid, and we couldn't help but feel sorry for the dog that looked either abandoned or lost. We went up to our office and got a bowl, some water, and some ham from a sandwich. We took our offerings out to the dog, which was extremely wary of us and backed away as we approached. As we watched him walk we noticed he was holding his right paw up in the air. We stopped and put down the food and water, and slowly backed away. The dog kept his distance. We went back to work, hoping the dog would drink the water and eat the food we left. Later in the afternoon we went back to check - the water and food were gone.

We began a daily ritual of bringing food and water. Another fellow animal lover from our building got involved so there were several of us caring for the pooch. Over the next few weeks, we tried to build some trust between the dog, and us hoping he would eventually realize we meant no harm and wanted to help him. Our plan was to get the dog into a no-kill shelter so the dog had a chance at a better life than living on the streets. One organization's attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful and he ran away. Fortunately he came back and we continued our regime of providing food and water.

We then heard about the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and called them. The next day, July 4th, Dorothy and Jimmy Ramos, two of their wonderful volunteers came to the Government Center and spent all day trying to gently coax the dog into their humane trap. He was not cooperating. The next day I cooked up some hamburgers and delivered "our" dog a hot breakfast. We all jumped with joy when he walked into the trap and the door closed.

We can't find words that express our great appreciation to Dorothy and Jim who spent two days on a hot holiday weekend rescuing this dog. The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society is an all-volunteer organization. Volunteers such as Jim and Dorothy receive no salary or benefit for their time. These people simply have so much love for animals they find their reward in helping them. Blessings to people like these who make such a difference in our world and help all those creatures that truly cannot help themselves. We are thrilled that this story had a very happy ending - the dog, who is now named "Teddy Bear" -Teddy for short, could not be in a more loving home.

Footnote to this story: Teddy Bear was adopted by one of the Government Center employees who first spotted him. Teddy Bear had been a victim of abuse and although he is still a bit shy and aloof he is making tremendous advances in regaining his trust of humans. Thank you Michael and Susan for giving this story a happy ending!