Having finished the final pass at Maggie on Thursday, I took the weekend off to play Satisfactory, an old favorite game. I had my phone on silent while playing. I walked away to get some evening decaff and when I came back, I saw Kid 2 called. I checked the family group chat.
Kid 2 is in grey and Kid 1 is in green.
Something Bad™ happened.
How it started:
How it was going:
How it ended up:
Jeaniene, if you are reading this, no, we did not keep the puppy. Stop laughing.
The backstory: Kid 2 went to a gas station. It was very cold by Texas standards and as she exited the car, a young dog ran up to her. He was very thin and very friendly. Given that she has two giant German Shepherds, she wasn’t sure what to do, so she went to buy some dog food at the gas station.
She bought the food, then realized that she didn’t have a can opener. She went to her car to get her knife with a can opener out, and the puppy, who by that point figured her out, jumped into the car.
The puppy was taken home, fed, watered, and his portrait was posted on every local Lost and Found Dog page and group. He is actually a puppy – he still has milk teeth. Kid 2 quickly found out that this guy is a part of a larger litter, that was had by a feral mama dog at the junkyard. During New Year fireworks, some puppies got scared and scattered, and not all of them were able to find their way back.
Notice how interesting he looks? Seems a little odd. No forehead ridge – an eyebrow muscle seems to be missing. This one is still a puppy, but you can see how his head is about as wide as his chest. And his ears are trying to stand up.
That is an American Dingo.
Dingos are typically associated with Australia, but US has them too, specifically in the South. They are often called Carolina Dogs, and they are genetically distinct from the common domestic dog breeds. American kennel clubs recognize them as a rare ancient breed. They are typically found feral in the wild. One of this guy’s siblings had been caught and taken to the vet, where his origin was confirmed.
Some fun facts about American Dingos:
- Excellent diggers
- Webbed feet
- Very pack-oriented
- Very good hunters
- Incredibly sweet
- Cute eyeliner of black skin around the eyes
- Fish-hook tail
I’ve never seen one caught running wild that was so on point for the breed. They are not common to our area, so his mother might have been someone’s pet. When this little guy grows into his big paws, he will look like this.
This guy was adorable, but because of the two shepherds, Kid 2 had to find a home ASAP, and one of her neighbors, a very nice lady named Debby about my age, took him home. He is out of the cold, fed, watered, and I have a feeling he will be very loved. Many thanks to Debby.
Kid 2 has notified animal control of the junkyard location, so if you are in Austin area and are looking to add a dingo to your household, keep an eye on San Marcos Animal Shelter.
To learn more about Carolina Dogs, click here.
If Kid 2 finds another one, I am taking it. I need that much canine love in my life. That’s all there is to it.
One thing my supervisor told me about Carolina dogs back in the 70s was that they are typically found near large – really large, like thousands of acres – undeveloped tracts of land, such as backcountry portions of large military bases. The dogs tended to go unnoticed because they are so generic-looking. Nowadays there’s a lot more awareness of dogs in need of rescue in general, and rare breeds in particular, due to the internet.
I so wish I could have got one. I lost my Rottie several months ago. But unfortunately I live in Canada. Beautiful puppers. I am very glad the little one got a good home.
My daughter rescued a puppy when she lived in Grand Cayman, he looks exactly like the puppy!! I would add a photo if I could, he lost his eye through infection but is living his best life!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. Love that you all are animal lovers. Makes me love y’all that much more. (fellow Texan, so I can call you y’all 🙂 lol) We took in 2 dogs as well during this cold from a shelter nearby that had outdoor dogs. We have 5 of our own currently. So glad Kid2 did such a good thing, even though it was not easy. Way to go – a life saved!
Such a great looking dog, glad he rescued himself!
FYI this organization helps rescue dogs, lost or strays, in case animal control doesn’t have the resources to look for them – goggle TRAPRS and they are also on FB.
Bless Debbie for taking the pup. You have raised two wonderful kids who look out for those in need. You must be proud of them! We often hear people complaining about the “young people of today” (as they have every generation),there are so many young people today who are absolutely wonderful and should be cherished.
I agree, you need a pup like this. Right before Thanksgiving my neighbor was fostering an adorable 4 year husky who was running wild for her last 3 years. Of course she had to join my family. She is the sweetest, most gentle, and well behaved dog. Her and my son are frequently in cahoots. Please give your daughter a hug for being a great dog rescuer.
I’m a cat person, but that is a very cute dog.
BTW, my new(ish) cat Isaak, although not looking like Olasard otherwise, has witchy eyes. It took me a while to figure out why. His irises are a very dark gold and from many angles, especially in low light, they often look totally black, and they are very reflective. It can be disconcerting.
I don/t know where to find an e-moji on my computer but if Icould you’d have a series of hearts….
I actually just heard about this breed a few months ago. I wish I could have a dog. I would definitely be interested. I hope they all find homes.
So much cutes.
Your kids rock.
So much cutes.
What will his name be? Inquiring minds.
Also, thank you for posting.
the local street rescue keeps having puppies that need fostering. I am absolutely not in a wellness place to foster puppies, but the cute in the messages I get as a supporter burns.
kudos to kid 2 for helping and knowing her limits, especially when blindsided by that much adorable floof!
We got a puppy from a litter that was rescued in TX 9 years ago, and she has the same eyeliner, face, and huge ears! People have always said she looks like a dingo, and I didn’t know that was a real thing! When people ask her breed, I always say “Texas brown dog.”
You should have called Patricia Briggs! I’m sure Mercy and Adam would take him in ;). Or the Marrock.
Such cuteness! I believe there is a special not so nice place ( maybe Roman can help) for those who abandon/abuse pets. The love they give is so unconditional and makes the world a little big brighter
I’ve been reading/loving this thread. So many have been insightful and interesting and loving. I have only one thing to add:
many people (ignorant) think abandoning unwanted cats or dogs near a ranch or farmhouse is better than taking them to a shelter. They think its SURE to be welcome but…it often isn’t. Pets require vet care, shots, special food, and a welcome home. PLEASE if you hear anyone planning this tell them unwanted pets are better off in a shelter, not abandoned.
I think we have one! Our dog looks just like that. We adopted him from a shelter and they told us he was a German shepherd / Golden Retriever mix. But he looks exactly like those pictures. He is a great dog and so, so, so good with the grandkids. However, he wants to eat our chickens and the neighbor’s cat!
that’s the story on the breed at shelters. since they are bred on.the coasts, the middle don’t know them..
mine looked just like the ones in this breeders picture
https://www.californiacarolinadogs.com/
The tail looks a little like a Shiba Inu. The coat looks like a shepherd texture and the color but not the markings look like a yellow lab. So interesting, all new to me. That puppy looks like someone’s wonderful companion someday
Dingos have always looked like normal dogs to me even though I know they are a wild dog species native to Australia. My comparison is coyotes and wolves and you can visually tell the difference from a regular house dog. They just look like big house dogs to me, or a mutt! This little guy is so cute and so glad your kid got him to a nice loving home.
It’s an indication how smart and adaptable the breed (sometimes the term used for a breed native to an area with no stud book or documents is “landrace”) is that a puppy that young survived for three weeks or thereabouts on its own. Glad to see that they’re still surviving and carrying on! And kudos to Kid2 and her friend—you raised her right.
You know grendal might need a dog companion….to also follow Conlin around. Just in case american dingos showed up in KD series….or maybe Hugh’s dog is part dingo.
I had no idea America had it’s own Dingo.
I wish I could upload. may go to Facebook. I rescued a brother and sister Carolina dog years ago. still 2 of my favorites out of a long list of dog companions. stubborn smart and sweet. protective but friendly. I had them for about a year before someone told me what they were
what’s amazing is the range of looks in the breed.