During the summer months in the Houston area, it’s always hot but the summer of 2023 was intensely hot with no rain for months. That is NOT the weather for Chow Chows! Several folks in the community had posted sightings of this dog in and around the neighborhood near the Barber’s house. Then late one night, Kris got a call from a neighbor a few streets away, who had managed to get her inside their gate and close her in. This scared dog now had 4-5 acres to roam and evade being caught. The problem was that the neighbor had dogs and didn’t want this dog in their yard.

Kris went to see what she could do and realized immediately this was going to be a tough rescue. This pup didn’t trust anyone and was incredibly hot. She had found a place to cool off in the bushes and she wasn’t going to let anyone remove her. After some finagling and treat lures, she was coerced outside the fence temporarily so the homeowner could let their dogs outside to go potty for the night. They had no issue leaving her in their enclosed yard, safe, for the night. Then came the task of getting her back in! With several volunteers, she was again lured with treats, back into their yard. She found a safe place in the bushes, to cool down and she was left for the night. Early the next morning, Kris was back to gain her trust. She was hungry so she allowed Kris close enough to feed her through the fence.

It was a slow process and hours of just trying to get close enough to drop a loop leash over her head. There were several failed attempts but just when it seemed hopeless – she stood still enough to take a treat while the loop was carefully dropped on her head. She fought for a second and then gave up and walked nicely out to Kris’ truck. The next goal was to see if she was microchipped; unfortunately she was not. Arrangements were made to get her vetted and get her into boarding. There was nowhere for her to go at the Barber house…yet.

Fancy was in boarding for about a week while Chuck and Hailey went to work building out a second room in the garage. There was a window available for an A/C unit and enough room for her to have space to roam around and stay cool on the concrete floor or snuggle up on her bed. She had settled in to her room, until she met her new (temporary) roommate, Mac.

Mac found his way back to his family after 6 weeks with the Barbers. He was displaced after hurricane Beryl, but is now happily back with his family and Fancy has her room to herself again – they’ve heard no complaints! LOL