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Discover Western Prince William
December 2025/January 2026
4
Typically, I write articles offering
tips on grooming or healthcare for
pets; however, this month, I have
a poignant story that deserves to
be shared.
As is our tradition, my husband
and I recently gathered with
friends to catch up on our busy
lives. Our conversations began,
as usual, with updates about our
jobs and children, but inevitably,
we found ourselves discussing
our pets. It was during one of
these discussions that I heard a
touching story.
A friend of mine has two small
dogs, affectionately dubbed the
"Turbo Two." Each of these
delight ful canines weighs
approximately 30 pounds and is a
mix of Terrier, Beagle, and possibly other
breeds. My friend rescued them and has
provided them with a loving home,
allowing them to roam freely and live
comfortably. However, their adventurous
spirits often lead them to wander beyond
their fully fenced property. So frequently
do they roam that neighbors have taken
to returning them to their yard.
Recognizing this challenge, my friend
decided to take proactive measures by
attaching GPS trackers to their collars.
On one of their escapades, the Turbo
Two ventured over a mile away from
home. When my friend realized they were
missing, she activated the tracking app
to locate them. She quickly set off in her
car, found and secured one of the dogs
and continued her search for the other.
As she drove along a busy four-lane road,
she noticed cars stopped on both sides,
with some people standing outside.
Consulting her app, she determined that
this was the location of her second dog.
Fearing the worst, she hastily exited her
vehicle and rushed toward the gathering.
To her immense relief, she found her dog
wandering across the street, with all the
halted cars having stopped to help
protect it. Overcome with emotion, my
friend was profoundly touched by the
kindness and humanity displayed by
strangers in that moment.
Throughout the years, I have witnessed
many individuals bring stray dogs into
shelters, but in the midst of processing
the found animals, I often neglected to
consider the significance of their actions.
Bringing a stray pet to safety is an act of
compassion. Stray animals face
numerous dangers, including traffic,
adverse weather, and the potential of
encountering wildlife. By taking them to a
local shelter, you provide a safe
environment where they can receive
food, shelter, and medical care.
Our center is equipped with resources to
check for microchips and identify owners,
significantly increasing the chances of
reuniting families with their beloved pets.
We also utilize social media to share
photos and information about pets that
have been brought in as strays.
If you encounter a stray dog, here are
some impor tant considerations:
Approach the situation with caution,
observing the dog's behavior from a safe
distance. Determine if it appears calm,
scared, or aggressive. Do not approach
if the dog seems fearful or aggressive;
instead, grant it space. If it appears safe,
check for a collar with tags that may
contain the owner's contact information.
If the dog seems friendly and you feel
secure, consider offering food or water,
but avoid forcing it to come closer. If the
dog appears distressed, contact animal
control for assistance. If you feel
comfortable and it is safe to do so, you
can take the dog to your local shelter.
Don't be afraid to let your humanity
show--just be careful in the process.
Gus, Debbie Haight's own pup
By Debra Haight
Communications Manager Prince William
County Animal Services Bureau
Dhaight1@pwcgov.org
703.792.5380
The Adventures of the "Turbo Two"