Dougie - Reunited 12/19/24

✔️✔️ WE GOT DOUGIE! ✔️✔️

Working with experienced and passionate individuals always makes a rescue smoother, and that’s exactly what happened when we teamed up with two remarkable fosters from Lucky Pup Rescue SC. (To clarify, while these amazing fosters volunteer for Lucky Pup, this particular rescue effort wasn’t under their organization—it was just two dedicated people stepping up to help!)

Earlier this week, we were contacted about a little tan-nosed Chihuahua mix who had taken up residence near the Clemson baseball stadium. Dougie, as he came to be known, had charmed construction workers, campus employees, and walkers alike. Well-fed and clearly adored, he was the unofficial mascot of his territory—but it was time for this sweet boy to find a real home.

That evening, I drove an hour to Anderson County to meet the fosters who had fallen in love with him. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail were incredible—they took in every bit of guidance without me needing to repeat a thing. It was clear they were naturals at this, and their dedication made the entire process so much easier.

But Dougie wasn’t going to make it simple. By the next day, he was proving to be quite the challenge. Spoiled by the variety of treats he’d been given around campus, Dougie wasn’t impressed by our bait food. To make matters trickier, he had a “dumpster diver” buddy who snuck in and stole every piece of bait the night before!

One of the fosters, who Dougie trusted completely, suggested his favorite breakfast—bacon. 🥓 We decided to give it a try, along with a new tactic: letting Dougie see her put the food in the trap. Trust was key, and this little guy was more comfortable with her than anyone else.

By day two, Dougie was hungry, and we knew it was now or never. His favorite foster baited the trap and waited patiently. Dougie hesitated—thinking hard about his next move—but his growling belly finally won out. He stepped in, further and further, until… click! The plate tripped, the door shut, and Dougie was finally safe.

After weeks of sleeping in marshes and roaming campus, Dougie has a bed of his own for the first time. No more chilly nights or foraging for scraps. This sweet boy is finally heading home—just in time for Christmas. 🎄🐾

Welcome to your new chapter, Dougie. You’ve got a warm bed, a loving home, and a future filled with belly rubs and bacon! ❤️