This is Houdini, an 18-month old sharpei dog that became famous in my small town recently, for his street smarts.
1) He was spotted daily running between a 5-8 mile radius but was not catchable, as his fear of humans made it too difficult to put a collar, leash, or secure him in a fenced yard or crate. He jumped over high fences, escaped underneath chain link fences, and evaded all individual efforts to rescue him.
2) Leveraging the power of community and technology, I organized our town’s efforts, creating a Google Maps with pins identifying his usual route, started a Facebook messenger group where folks could provide live updates and photos when & where they saw him, and set out Amazon Blink cameras and crates in locations he was known to frequent. A group of early morning dog walkers and commuters also greatly assisted with providing intel.
3) Over an 18-day period, I responded daily to sightings by walking or driving to where he was spotted, and offering him food and friendship. He began coming to a specific location daily at 6am for breakfast. We tried desensitizing him to human touch, crate training, luring him into yards (he escaped), and introducing him to neighborhood dogs to make friends. Through this combination, we got lucky last Saturday 6/29 and were able to finally bring this guy indoors.
4) We discovered he had some medical issues, including needing double eye surgery. It’s incredible to think how this dog kept himself alive on the streets while also fighting hunger, fear, an eye defect, and the rugged rains & summer humidity & sunshine of a tropical climate. He was spotted at all hours of the day and night, foraging for food and running from perceived or actual threats.
Again leveraging technology and community, we have established a GoFundMe and he also has a Facebook page to continue to update his neighborhood community, as he has become a bit of a local celebrity - everybody knows Houdini! Links below:
https://lnkd.in/gcHRjPAW
https://lnkd.in/g8WNtBzJ
I love sharing this story because of the impact of community, technology, and the drive to survive inherent in all living beings. I feel lucky to have been able to contribute my skills in technology and leadership to bring this special dog to safety alongside other volunteers. It makes me remember that impossible things become accessible as we apply tools, make adjustments, and never give up on anything worthwhile.
Delivering promises to 30 million homes and businesses in the UK.
2moWe’re proud of the part we play delivering Father’s Day for Moonpig. Great partnership.