Skip Dickstein, Times Union
When the rescue dog ran away, Ralph and Shelley Rataul feared the worst for the family pet. Shelley posted an $800 reward, which consisted of their money, donations and a contribution from the Veterinary hospital, reports Albany's Times Union.
The 4-year-old dog was found when a couple discovered her in their backyard and recognized her from a story that appeared in the Times Union the previous week. They called the hospital after the frightened dog refused to go into their house.
The couple who found Luna refused both the money and recognition for their good deed. They said they'd like the reward to go to charity instead.
Rataul told the Times Union that half of the money will be donated to the ASPCA and the other half to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in the name of the couple who found Luna.
While it took a while for Luna to recognize Rataul when he came to the couple's backyard, once she realized it was him, the pooch leaped into the arms of her joyful owner.
"She's not an outdoors dog, not a hunting dog, but some instinctual stuff must have kicked in," Rataul told the Times Union about his dog's survival. Vets said Luna lost about 12 pounds during her nine-day flee.
Luna's escape didn't just affect her worried family. When word got around town that Luna disappeared from the hospital, 200 volunteers devoted their lunch breaks and after work hours to searching for her in woods, parks and even via Facebook.
Dee Deen's Tavern, a nearby eatery, left prime rib outside when they heard about the missing dog, reports the Times Union.
Security footage in the hospital revealed that Luna pushed open her crate and made it past three doors. Ken Wolfe, assistant director of the hospital told the Times Union it was the first time a dog has ever walked out the hospital door before. Wolfe says the hospital has now changed their locks.
As for Luna, the wandering dog will now sport her very own dog GPS.
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I love stories with happy endings--especially when those stories involve animals.
BTW, when the hell is AOL gonna get those damned spammers off these boards?
I loved this story. It's nice knowing there are a few good people left. I also agree with you Susan, when is AOL going to stop these spammers from listing all of this **s**t. I'm getting real tired of it!!!!
SUSAN,I DON'T LIKE THOSE SPAMMERS AS WELL.DO AS I DO,REPORT THEM,I JUST DID.JUST CLEAK ON " ! " AT TOP RIGHT HAND SIDE..
I'm so glad that this dog was found!!! And it's so sweet that the community joined in to get her back home!
(BTW, Susan, I, too, am sick of these blasted spammers, and I report
every single one of them too!)
Lois i totally agree that you agree with susan and i hope every one agrees with me that i agree with them, agreed? It is so cool that you someone cried tears of joy and i agree with that. i agree that there are alot of sad stories about dog, and its sad and i agree with that and you should get people to agree with you that you agree with me about the agreement. I hope you guys agree with what i agree about.
It is a great story period, when an animal is found, and the person refuses any type of reward. Shows there are good people out there too.
Cool happy article. Some folks believe they are programmed for failure, yet actually designed for success.
What a nice story! I'm so happy to hear that there are kind people in this world who look out for others. I'm a dog lover and adopted a rescued dog too and am happy to Luna is home with his owners.
I just read the story about Luna. What a wonderful ending. I am not surprised about the town coming together. Most people will when there is tragedy. God Bless all involved and Luna, have a virtual biscuit on me.
This story really touched my heart. I adopted a rescue Sheltie who had been dropped into a drop box and was in very bad shape.. I have had her for 2 years now and she is so wonderful. She had been abused and is still afraid of anything being moved suddenly. She is a beautiful loving sweetheart, extremely intelligent, loyal and loving. I am so glad Luna was found. Isn't God good?.
I have a 14 year old dog that...in his prime, looked like Luna, only all black. He was a stray and is also deaf. He is the best dog ever and although he gets a little skiddish about things sometimes, he really has no problem. We walk everyday and the neighbors and all the children love him. Nothing is better than dogs!
nothing except cats!
What a great story. Am Bulldogs are one of the breeds that have a knack for escaping! I worked at a kennel where one went over the 6 foot chain link. He was found as well, so I'm glad your baby was found. Being a deaf bully breed would've spelled disaster if you hadn't publicized his escape so much. Thank GOD the couple was aware of who he was and were not afraid of him. They are definately Heros{Guardian Angels}. Whichever they prefer. BIG HUG!!!!!!=)))))))
I am so glad that the pup is home. What a horrible feeling knowing your pup is not only gone. But deaf and not familiar with the outdoors.
Hooray on the GPS. Sounds like the right idea for this cutie pie.
Love it love it!! Luna is home-the people that found her were awesome. The money got donated to charity.I want to live in this town-I want these people for my neighbors. Luna stay home-no more outdoor adventures.
OOPS! Sorry Luna. She.... Her....Girl=))))
Great ending, but that's not a bull dog. It looks like a cute Pit Bull to me.
She is an american bulldog mix, but she looks just like an american bulldog!
DogBuddy is right - that's a pit bull. :-) I know the article said American Bulldog, but if it has any American Bulldog in it at all, it's like 1%. My friend adopted a Pit from an animal shelter a few years ago, and that dog was labeled a `Boston Terrier mix.'
Most Pit Bulls are great dogs, and it's a great breed overall, but because of their reputation among people who don't know better, I've noticed that people seem to try to avoid using the name.
I have three rescue pit bulls and I can say this is definitely a pit bull. So sad that
when something bad happens the media calls the breed by name but a good
story about a pit bull and it becomes an "american bull dog".
really!?