Riggs - Reunited on 9/2/24

WE GOT RIGGS!

For three long weeks, a kindhearted resident of Easley tried everything to find help for a stray dog. This medium-sized Airedale Terrier mix had been wandering near her street and across the busy road to a neighboring yard, playing near children but keeping his distance from people. It was clear he was yearning for affection—he just wasn’t sure if he could trust anyone yet.

After weeks of searching for a foster, we finally got the call: someone had stepped up! It was go time. Even though the day was packed with church and errands, we knew the situation was urgent. With the dog crossing a busy road daily, we couldn’t wait. So there I was, in my Sunday best and sandals, meeting the foster that evening to set up the trap. A storm was rolling in, and we wanted to ensure everything was ready. That night, we kept it as a "dead trap" (inactive), and sure enough, Riggs began investigating right away, coming back for a late-night snack.

The next day, it was time to go live. At 4:00 in the afternoon, our team—foster, resident, and Anakin's Trails member Lisa—gathered at the house. As we waited in the kitchen, chatting, we all froze when the foster spotted him crossing the road. This was it—his last time wandering alone.

The trap door closed, and just like that, Riggs’ life changed forever. Lisa and I were amazed when we got our first close-up look at this sweet terrier mix. He was gentle, calm, and much larger than we expected. It was hard to imagine someone abandoning such a wonderful dog. But then we saw it—the tight collar around his neck. It had likely been put on when he was a puppy and never adjusted. It was so tight, we couldn’t even slip a fingernail underneath. His skin underneath was raw and sore from the constant pressure.

With care and teamwork, we removed the collar and replaced it with a comfortable slip lead before gently moving him into his crate. Despite everything he’d been through, Riggs remained calm, as if he knew this was the start of something better.

No more running across busy streets or playing in strangers’ yards. Riggs, you’re finally going to have your very own yard, your very own ball, and most importantly, your very own family. (Psst... we hear his foster might be a foster fail!)

Here’s to new beginnings, Riggs—you’re safe now! 💙