Two dogs were recently rescued after their owner abandoned them in their own back yard in Brownwood according to officials at the Brownwood Police Department and the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center.
The two dogs, both about 2-3 years-old, were left without food and water until Brownwood Police Animal Control officers Judy Williams and Tom Carroll received notice and did something about it.
According to Williams, the original call came in on January 15th, stating that a pit bulldog cross had been getting out of a yard in the 4200 block of Austin Avenue and was being aggressive toward neighbors and eventually police. Another dog, a large Rottweiler, was spotted running loose, but had jumped back into the backyard. Officer Williams stated that she was able to “sweet talk” the pit bulldog cross into letting her approach him and eventually capture him. The pit bulldog cross was then taken to the CTSAC for care until someone could claim him, according to police reports.
A few notes were left at the side gates and front door of the residence where the animals had escaped from for whoever was feeding them to call animal control by 4:00pm on January 22nd, the report states.
Animal control officers monitored the yard and brought food to the Rottweiler, who was without food or water and very “thin and hungry,” according to Williams. On January 22nd, the animal control officers had not been contacted and seized the animal, taking it to the CTSAC for care.
According to Amy Abernathy of CTSAC, the pit bulldog is a cross (most likely also part hound). Williams states he is very affectionate and now goes by the name “Gus.” He and Williams are pictured above. The Rottweiler is named “Tiny” although he is quite the opposite. Tiny has been fostered out to a Brownwood Police Department employee and hopes to have a permanent home, which will be offered if he can “get along with the chickens.” Tiny is pictured below with animal control officer Tom Carroll.
Williams explained that Tiny, the Rottweiler, was very thin but has been fed well and is looking healthy. Gus, the pit bulldog cross, she said, was not as thin, as he had probably been out foraging and eating other animals’ food.
“Both of these dogs are young and vibrant, giving lots to love. The pit bull doesn’t have anybody, but he is very affectionate,” said Judy. “They (pit bulldogs) are a very macho type of dog, I think they get a bad rap,” stated Williams. “They are probably the most common strays as there a lot of them (in the area). I’ve only seen one pit bull that I wouldn’t approach,” said Williams. She explained that pits are like most dogs, “as long as you take your time, they will come to you and eventually warm up to a person.”
Gus is still available for adoption and due to the special Valentine adoption event, will only cost $75. Adopted animals through the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center usually cost $150, so this is a great chance to get a pet for a discounted price. (Adoption fees at CTSAC include the $85 spay/neuter fee, $10 rabies vaccine, $15 heartworm test, $20 for the first set of boosters, microchip, a de-flea, and a de-worming.)
For more information about Gus, contact Amy Abernathy at 325-646-0617 or visit the CTSAC at 3016 Milam Drive in Brownwood.
Those who aren’t interested in adoption but would like to help animals like Gus can donate supplies or monetary gifts to CTSAC by visiting their
