LUCKY LYSTER writes:
It is not often in today’s world that one hears a story of hope, warmth and the way in which a community can come together.
It was somewhere around the long weekend in August when the residents in and around Lyster Street, Croydon, met their newest resident. A beautiful black male Labrador had taken up residence outside some of the houses on Lyster Street.
It was obvious that the dog had either escaped from or been abandoned by his owners and was now fending for himself. He was lonely and sleeping outside the houses where there were other dogs in order to have some company.
Also read:
• Family dog found safe at SPCA
• It is a dog’s life for Kay at 70
• Police assist with dog being run over
Despite numerous attempts by many of the residents it was simply impossible to capture the dog. Maltreatment by his previous owners had left him scared and very wary of strangers. There was no way for anyone to even get close to him, let alone to put a leash on him.
So the residents of Croydon chose to open their hearts to the furry, handsome stranger and we began feeding him and giving him water every day. This carried on for weeks and he became a source of concern and conversation for the local residents, many of whom stopped to speak to me and expressed their concern every time they saw me feeding him.
Some of us seemed to be making progress with him and he gradually seemed to be warming up to us. It seemed like I was earning his trust and, after he allowed me to pet him on the morning of August 28, I was sure I would be able to befriend him and slip a collar on him.
I got home that evening and he was gone from his usual spot. I drove all around the area but he was nowhere to be found. The next day I searched the neighbourhood again and then checked with the local SPCAs. I was so relieved to find him at Kempton Park SPCA and despite wanting to take him home straight away, the friendly staff convinced me to go through the proper legal channels and adopt him properly.
I used the opportunity to visit ‘Lucky’ every morning at the SPCA, I took him food and took him for a walk. Every day he seemed happier to see me and sadder to see me go and our bond grew stronger and stronger.
I am happy to say that I brought this beautiful boy to our home on Friday, September 4. He has fitted into our family so well, it seems like he has always been here. He has such a good and loving temperament and gets along so well with our other dogs. My four-year-old daughter has developed a special bond with him too and I’m sure they are going to be lifelong friends.
So this is an enormous thank you to the residents in and around Lyster Street for coming together and looking out for this wonderful dog. We are so grateful to all of you for looking after Lucky and I want you to know that he has found a loving home where he will always be cared for.
It is heart-warming to know that there are still so many people out there who care so much for God’s creatures.
