
From My WindowIssue Date: November 11, 2020 Hoping for a Miracle
By Jane Thibodeau Martin,
I follow the web page of a small, independent central Wisconsin dog rescue group. This group does not have a shelter building, but relies on a network of "foster" homes for dogs it takes in until permanent homes are found. That allows this rescue to operate at much lower overhead with fewer volunteers. Truly a "grass roots" effort.
Unfortunately the group recently had a sad accident. Two brand new rescues, who had arrived from well out of state, escaped the foster home they had just arrived at. The dogs were disoriented, frightened and had just traveled in crates for nearly 20 hours. They did not recognize the foster placement as "home," nor the people here as their friends. They had come from a overwhelmed shelter where they were slated for euthanization, so their lives have been hell for a while. They fled, and it has now been more than ten days.
Sadly, one of the dogs, Roscoe, was found killed on a four lane highway. The other, Suki, has been sighted a few times, but flees people in terror. The rescue group is heartbroken, and I have shared their pain following their on-line search updates.
On Tuesday, election day, I was feeling tense and needed a project. The rescue was looking for searchers, so I gathered up binoculars, a leash, a dog food dish with dog food in it to rattle, treats, and a can of canned cat food. Canned cat food is incredibly stinky, therefore, dogs love it. I also made up a dozen lost dog posters to supplement what the rescue team had already posted, and a staple gun.
I contacted the rescue for the location of the last sighting, 48 hours old, and set off to it, knowing it was a needle in a haystack effort. At least it would keep me occupied and doing something helpful.
Luckily the dog is quite distinctive - a 50 pound tri-color cattle dog mix. She would not be mistaken for a wolf or coyote and is big enough to be able to protect herself from most hazards. Cattle dogs are a hardy breed with high intelligence.
I was warned not to chase the dog - she'd already run from several people who saw her. They were hoping to re-establish her location and set one of the large box traps they'd borrowed from various animal rescue groups.
As I got close to the last sighting area, I noticed a road grader pulled over on the left shoulder of the gravel road and then something caught my eye, moving to the right. There was the dog. She was fleeing to a thicket around a pond. I hopped out of the truck and the grader operator said, "You one of them dog ladies? I think that dog is eating this deer!" and pointed to the ditch. Ah, yes, she'd found herself some food. There was water in the pond, and good cover. I didn't have much hope I could approach her either, but I decided to walk across the open field between us, ratting the dog food in the dish. I said to the grader operator, "I hope I don't get shot for trespassing!" He winked and said, "Nah, I know that guy. HE'S okay."
Unfortunately, Suki immediately hid herself. I didn't want to chase her away from her spot, so I left the opened cat food, returned to the truck and contacted the rescue group. There was immediate relief the dog was alive, and apparently uninjured. They called for one of their box traps to set by the pond with renewed hope. Mike and I helped them set another live trap in a second spot on Friday, and I have placed an ad in the local "shopper" paper that goes to all mailboxes, hoping to reach the substantial local Amish community who do not follow social media. Later, Mike and I also hiked along the gravel road for a long way with our dogs on leashes, hoping the need for canine company might draw her out.
I don't know if this story will have a happy ending, regardless of how desperately I want it to. But there was hope for me in my time helping.
I met (from a safe social distance outdoors) an incredible group of women. They are determined, compassionate, resourceful and tough. Despite having families and jobs, they've found time to make dozens of phone calls to get permission to search on private property; borrowed traps and trail cams; enlisted searchers far and wide; persuaded drone operators to help; and are being advised by humane society resources and DNR personnel. On Tuesday, we collaborated, strategized and consoled the heartbroken foster who lost the dogs, and is wracked with guilt.
After exchanging first names, we worked as a team. We didn't ask who was a Trump supporter or who was a Democrat. We were just like-minded people trying to help a single dog.
To some this must seem foolish. There are millions of homeless companion animals and hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs being euthanized in the United States every year. Yet the group models the famous story of thousands of starfish stranded on a beach and a single child throwing the live ones back in the water. When told he could not save them all, he said "but I can save this one."
I hope the dog is recovered alive. I also hope, and pray, that our nation looks and acts more like this team in the months and years to come.
Song I am delighted to have stuck in my head - "Let it Rain," originally recorded by Eric Clapton, now freshly covered by the Doobie Brothers and Peter Frampton. The guitar on the cover nearly lives up to the skills of Eric Clapton himself. Upbeat and awe-inspiring for guitar fans.
You can reach me for commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address: JanieTMartin@gmail.com.

Recent stories, opinions and photos
Issue Date |
Department |
Headline |
04-21-2021 | Front Page |
 Mayor George Bousley Retirement Marks End Of An Era For Niagara

|
04-21-2021 | Front Page |
 Peshtigo School Board Honors Girls Bowling Team

|
04-21-2021 | Front Page |
 Brigitte Schmidt Elected New City Council President

|
04-21-2021 | Front Page |
 Peshtigo Mayor Asks For Ok On Grant Applications

|
04-21-2021 | Front Page |
 Mask Mandate Ends April 26 For Coleman School District

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman Legion Flags For Sale, Meet May 4

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman School Cancels Reunion for Classes 1943-65

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Zeitler Wins United Coop Scholarship

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Lena Lions Club Annual Fish Fry

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Lena School Board Officers Reelected

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Middle Inlet Recount Shows No Change In Supervisor Race

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Crivitz Library Book Sale Until May 13th

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 St. Mary's, Crivitz Resumes Rummage Sale

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 National Day of Prayer at Northwood's Church

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wagner Sportsmen Sponsor Roadside Cleanup On April 25th

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Lions 9-Pin Bowl Results

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 WBA Looking for Help for July 4th Celebration

|
04-21-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 SC Fire and Rescue Report Meeting Minutes

|
04-21-2021 | Sports |
 Coleman/Gillett/Suring Lead Girls Basketball All-Conference Selections

|
04-21-2021 | Sports |
 Stephanie Hauser Becomes WIAA Executive Director

|
04-21-2021 | Sports |
 Individuals, Doubles Duos Compete For WIAA Alternate Season Girls Tennis Titles

|
04-21-2021 | Sports |
 Hunt Safely During Spring Turkey Season

|
04-21-2021 | Sports |
 Take Steps to Avoid Potenial Conflicts With Black Bears

|
04-21-2021 | Perspectives |
 From My Window

|
04-21-2021 | Perspectives |
 From Our Readers...

|
04-21-2021 | Perspectives |
 Country Cousin

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 James L. Asplund

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Kelly A. Everson

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 John Gaertner

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Mary J. Gollakner

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Edward B. Kendziera

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Judith A. Lemirande

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Bernard J. Lesperance

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Elizabeth J. Linsmeier

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Ken L. Pickl, Sr.

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Robert Poisson

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 William T. Porter

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Mary Lee Racine

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Steven D. Sebero

|
04-21-2021 | Obituaries |
 Ronald L. Young

|
04-14-2021 | Front Page |
 Peshtigo City Finances Get Good Audit Report

|
04-14-2021 | Front Page |
 Recount April 15 For Middle Inlet Board

|
04-14-2021 | Front Page |
 Officers Detonate Live Blasting Caps

|
04-14-2021 | Front Page |
 DNR Extends Deadline For TOP PFAS Water Sampling

|
04-14-2021 | Front Page |
 Marinette City Council Okays Four Capital Outlay Projects

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Vegetable Garden Plans at Coleman

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman Legion Flags For Sale, Meet May 4

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 STEF Donation

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Crivitz Garden Needs Help

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Country Gospel Jam April 16th

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 St. Mary, Crivitz Rummage Sale

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Near North Municipal Court Sets $75 As Monthly Membership Fee

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Concert at Cornerstone Assembly

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Board To Set Graduation Plans

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Poppy Poster Contest Winners

|
04-14-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Middle/High School Lists Third Quarter Honor Rolls

|
04-14-2021 | Sports |
 Bulldogs, Blue Devils Picked for Packerland All-Conference

|
04-14-2021 | Sports |
 Panthers Whiting Tops Area NEC All-Conference Selections

|
04-14-2021 | Sports |
 Wisconsin State Park System Spring Operations Updates

|
04-14-2021 | Sports |
 2021 Youth Turkey Hunt April 17-18

|
04-14-2021 | Sports |
 Barbarians Hold Spring Organizational Meeting

|
04-14-2021 | Perspectives |
 From My Window

|
04-14-2021 | Perspectives |
 Country Cousin

|
04-14-2021 | Perspectives |
 From Our Readers...

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Gary S. Bugalski

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Daniel L. Hanson

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Helen J. Herson

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Harriet L. Kuchenbecker

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Beverly A. Lynd

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Stella Norton

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Elsie M. Neuens

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Irene E. Pell

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Dale A. Przewrocki

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Cletus V. Rouse

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Ronald J. Rynesh

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Irene I. Schlichting

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Geraldine Stodola

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Joan A. Stoeger

|
04-14-2021 | Obituaries |
 Mari Julane Wickman

|
04-07-2021 | Front Page |
 Tim Geltz Is Hero Who Saved Drowning Man

|
04-07-2021 | Front Page |
 Republican Elijah Behnke Wins The 89th District Assembly Seat

|
04-07-2021 | Front Page |
 Numerous New Faces On Local Governing Boards

|
04-07-2021 | Front Page |
 Referendums Fail In Peshtigo, Pass For Lena School District

|
04-07-2021 | Front Page |
 Criminal Interdiction Operation by Oconto Co. Sheriff Department

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman Board To View Audit May 12th

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman W&S Utility To View Phosphorus Issue

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Reunion for Classes 1943-65

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Crivitz Legion Auxiliary Minutes for March Meet

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 LNRB Meets On April 14th

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Country Gospel Jam April 16th

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Blood Drive is Monday, April 12th

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Blood Drive is Monday, April 12th

|
04-07-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Legion to Meet April 20th

|
04-07-2021 | Sports |
 DangleFest 3 on 3 Tourney Delights Local Hockey Fans

|
04-07-2021 | Sports |
 WIAA Conference Realignment Task Force Conducts Review of Plans

|
04-07-2021 | Sports |
 Evers Signs Emergency Order Relating To Elevated Fire Risk

|
04-07-2021 | Sports |
 PHS Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 16th

|
04-07-2021 | Sports |
 Wisconsin Spring Turkey Season Opens April 21st

|
04-07-2021 | Perspectives |
 From My Window

|
04-07-2021 | Perspectives |
 From Our Readers...

|
04-07-2021 | Perspectives |
 Country Cousin

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Kathleen A. Allen

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Arlene E. Berggren

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Bernadine Borkovec

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Dwayne Brendemihl

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 William D. Butterfield Jr.

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Marvin L. Davidson, Sr.

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Stephen L. Duenweg

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Deborah L. Gamelin

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Robert J. Johnson

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Harold E. Larsen

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Michael J. Madden

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Robert Nordquist

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Robert J. Picard

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Susan Presti

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Linda L. Schultz

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Richard C. Steinhaus, Sr.

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 William J. Swanson

|
04-07-2021 | Obituaries |
 Robert T. Wickham

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |


|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 Brick Tiles Still Available For Fish Viewing Platform

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 Oginski Honored For Life Saving Actions

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 Sentinel Structures Stops Production on March 31

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 City, Town, Village Electors Go To the Polls On April 6th

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 Dog Park Plan Change Gets Committee Okay

|
03-31-2021 | Front Page |
 Mudbrook Road Site Rejected For Placement Of Sex Offender

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Crivitz Hires New Officer, Makes 4th of July Plans

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Lena Staff Held Spaghetti Supper

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Lena Pathfinders Hold Food Drive

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman School Cancels Reunion for Classes 1943-65

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Coleman |
 Coleman Library To Meet April 12

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Crivitz |
 Crivitz Business Association Names Persons of the Year

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Wausaukee Blood Drive is Monday, April 12th

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Legion Post 66 to Elect Officers Apr. 3

|
03-31-2021 | Community - Wausaukee |
 Easter Egg Hunt Set for April 3

|
03-31-2021 | Sports |
 Area Basketball

|
03-31-2021 | Sports |
 Tony Strublic Wins Tom Lund Match Game Championship

|
03-31-2021 | Sports |
 DNR Adopts DHS Recommended Hazard Index Of Certain PFAS

|
03-31-2021 | Sports |
 40,000 Acres Of Private Land Will Open To Turkey Hunters

|
03-31-2021 | Sports |
 Reminder: Wildfire Season Underway

|
03-31-2021 | Perspectives |
 From My Window

|
03-31-2021 | Perspectives |
 Country Cousin

|
03-31-2021 | Perspectives |
 From Our Readers

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Juliana Bolosan

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Marie L. Belongia

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Donald J. Barstow

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Clark G. Casperson

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Warren R. Gamelin

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Richard G. Hass

|
03-31-2021 | Obituaries |
 Louise E. Hohol

|
|
|
| |


Peshtigo Times
WEB Poll!
Have you taken the time to go and enjoy the view from the Fish Viewing Platform by the Peshtigo River Dam?
|
|
Yes
No
Undecided

|
|
|
TO VOTE CLICK
YES, NO or UNDECIDED
Suggest a Question
|
|

FORECAST
|

841 Maple St
PO Box 187
Peshtigo, WI 54157
Phone: 715-582-4541
Email: News@ PeshtigoTimes.com

Fax: 715-582-4662
© 2000-2021
All right reserved
|

Powered by
Interactive COMMUNITY
WEB sites
|
|