Runaway Rainbow

EDITORIAL BY: ALICIA ROSE WILLIAMS Founder, Eunoia Rescue

About a year and a half ago I was “tricked” into adopting one of my foster dogs named Rainbow. Rainbow came to Eunoia Rescue from Lancaster County completely terrified. After finding out some more information about her past, it seems that she was separated from another dog she was bonded with and also experienced some type of neglect before coming to the shelter. As soon as Rainbow crossed the threshold to my house, I knew she wasn’t just a foster – but she was mine.

For months (yes, months) Rainbow either hid within the house or lived outside. She seemed most content outside, no matter the weather. (I made it as comfy as possible for her so that she would understand that she is now “safe.”) It took several weeks for Rainbow to not bark at me when she saw me. It took even longer for her to allow me to pet her. It was obvious that Rainbow wanted to trust me but she just couldn’t. Finally, the phone call came through. Rainbow “catch” Rainbow. She thought we were playing

Fortunately, Rainbow started to make progress over time. Finally, she started to come inside on her own. She still stayed underneath my bed when inside; but she would poke out and say hello from time to time.

Fast forward to present day, and although Rainbow doesn’t seem to have improved to to control their pet.” I am wrong to think this especially when dealing with animals that have most; I know she has made leaps and bounds since she first arrived. I’m thinking – “wow, Rainbow really trusts me. She most definitely loves me. She would never try to escape.” Boy was I wrong.

Just like any human teenager, Rainbow tested her limits and escaped from my back yard. I only saved her from the horrid shelter and she decides to leave me - a perfectly safe haven where she’s cared for and loved. (Can you feel my sarcasm?)

For a solid 24 hours, I was worried sick. I had contacted the local animal shelter, called the local veterinarians, posted on social media; people with diverse backgrounds stepped up to nobody had seen her. Due to Rainbow’s past, I knew she would be hard to catch. I knew she wouldn’t seek help from just anyone, but would rather hide away from the world.

I felt awful. The “rescuer,” not being able to keep up with her own dog. I preach all the time about how to be a responsible dog owner and here I am doing the exact opposite. In most editorials, I express my distaste for humans – but in this instance I definitely have to give them praise. There wasn’t one harsh comment. Instead, people spread the word about Rainbow. They listened to her story and realized that she was a special case. Complete strangers were coming out to help me search for her. I received phone calls from people with extremely helpful “leads”. One gentleman even walked me through directions of where he saw her while I was in my vehicle. I was truly touched and impressed by my community.

Finally, the phone call came through. Rainbow had actually been spotted a few blocks away from my place. The woman who saw her stayed with her until I could get there – and then she even stayed with me while I was trying to catch her. (Naturally, it took another 45 minutes to “catch” Rainbow. She thought we were playing a fun game of chase.) Rainbow is home safe.

So what exactly am I rambling about? My point is that animal rescue can leave us pretty jaded and our minds go directly to the worst case scenario. When I see a dog running loose, I think “wow what an idiot human for not being able way. The fact of the matter is – animals will be animals. It doesn’t matter how much you think you know them or the safety measures you take; some of them will accept the challenge and try to defy you anyways. It happens and we need to take into account that no pet owner is perfect, an unknown past. Instead of judging, let’s try and help an animal get home safe.

Lastly, I would personally like to thank the community of Park Circle located in North Charleston, SC. They banded together and helped with Rainbow’s safe return. A variety of people with diverse backgrounds stepped up to help me – a complete stranger. In a time of such craziness, I appreciate that people I didn’t even know helped me and my precious pup Rainbow. We need more of this. ■