On the morning of New Year’s Day I was out on a run with my own fur-covered ball of canine energy when I spotted these two dogs sitting near the bridge between Poplar Circle and Shadowmoor. They were leashless and collarless, but I thought that since they were so well behaved their owner must be nearby. I began to wonder, however, when I ran by again a half-hour later, and the dogs were still there. So I took my dog home and went back to investigate later.

It turned out that several neighbors had noticed them. Someone contacted DeKalb Animal Control, who came by and picked them up. But Winnona Park resident Erin Johnson and a few others were already on the case, contacting rescue organizations and trying to find a foster home for these sweet, slightly shy but very polite pups, a male (the black one) and a female.

It took some doing, but in less than a week the dogs have found salvation . . . temporarily. They have been taken out of Animal Control. The white one is going to Friends of DeKalb Animals and the son of Winnona Park resident Wardell Castles has agreed to foster the black one. The dogs still need permanent homes.

To sweeten the pot, neighborhood residents have pledged generously toward their care — funds to help with vet bills, spaying and neutering, etc. All of this was coordinated straight out of the grassroots, over the Winnona Park listserv.

Animal rescuers are angels on earth.

Can you open your home and heart to one or a couple of sweethearts? Or could you contribute to their care fund?

To inquire about adopting the white female dog, please contact Friends of DeKalb Animals ().  PLEASE NOTE: it has been reported that the white female has some aggression issues, so any home accepting her should be equipped and prepared to support a dog that will need some extra love and training.

To inquire about adopting the black male dog, please contact Wardell Castles at .

And please remember to support our wonderful local rescue organizations, such as Ruffus Rescue, PAWS, the Lifeline Animal Project, Friends of DeKalb Animals, Animal Action Rescue, and others. There is a great list of worthy, hardworking groups here!