Ten-year-old rescues lost dog

A few weeks ago, local community Facebook pages reported a dog that was running loose throughout Talamore. Residents kept reporting on the whereabouts of the dog for days but the dog could not be caught. She was reported in the fields and was sighted more than once in the middle of the road. Residents tried to call for it, but the dog was not responding to the pleas.

Carol Johnson, Sun City resident, had a plan and a 10-year-old granddaughter, Lily Chrzanowski. They took charge and got the job done.

Johnson said, “We saw the dog in the middle of sidewalk and Lily wanted to get the dog to safety. Everyone had been trying to catch the dog, but nothing worked.”

How did Lily manage to get the dog to come to her?

“Grandma told me to sit down, and crawl slowly to the dog. I moved slowly and the dog didn’t come to me but it wasn’t moving away either. I came closer and I had some food, that Grandma had suggested we use. And the dog loved it! He took the food, and eventually even rolled over, happy and trusting,” she said.

What did she give the dog?

Johnson said, “I suggested the sausage that comes in the loop. We had a bag of treats also. We ripped the bag and put in on the plate, shaking it. It took two hours. I knew we needed meat to entice the dog.”

The dog truly seemed to trust the girl.

Lily said, “I think it trusted me. I was just petting my dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, before I came out and it might have smelled my dog on me and trusted me.”

Johnson said, “It was the sweetest dog, we called Animal Control and it took another ½ hour to get the dog to safe place.”

Lily said, “We got it caught on a leash and I held onto the leash. She wouldn’t move. They put a blanket over the dog and then they were able to catch it. She growled and was not happy about it.”

Tracie Chrzanowski, Lily’s mother, said, “The dog didn’t have a chip on it when it was caught. She is listed with McHenry County Animal Control and they are holding on to her until owners are found.”

Kerry Novak, one of the members of The New Huntley Facebook page wrote, “Thanks to all who shared sightings. It’s those sightings that helped build a pattern of movement. Yet, in the end a special thanks goes out to the little girl this pup couldn’t resist and got belly rubs from making it possible for someone to get there.”

Does Lily have any advice for dog owners?

“Don’t lose your dog, but if you do, I just might be able to help,” she said.

---