'Marsh' finds a home after months on the run

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

by: Katie Share

Flagler Humane Society

She had been on the run for over six months. She was tired, and she was hungry. Her name is Marsh.

Her past is unknown but is probably the same story as many stray dogs. Luckily for her, a kind beachside resident was determined that Marsh was not going to end up like so many others have. He notified Flagler Animal Services for assistance.

Officer Dawn Morton responded and set a dog trap for this dog and another that was running loose with her. The other dog, Chanel, was caught almost immediately and has since been adopted.

Dog traps are a useful resource for those dogs that are just not confident enough with people to be approached. But they are only helpful when the animal that needs to be caught is hungry. Unfortunately, some neighbors were unaware of the trap and were providing her food. This did not deter Morton; she was now just as determined as the beachside resident to catch her and make sure she was in a safe place.

Morton continued to set the trap and monitor the location. All her spare time was spent beachside trying to keep an eye on the dog’s progress.

Then, suddenly, after months of trying to trap her, the dog disappeared. There was no trace of her for at least two months.

Finally, she was seen living in the marsh by the beachside resident. This began another round of trying to trap her. Again, she did not take the bait, and Morton was unsuccessful in containing her. This went on for another two months.

Then the call came that the dog was contained in the beachside resident’s backyard. Morton and a helper responded to the location immediately.

The dog was very nervous and did not want to be caught. She did everything she could to try to get out of that yard. Teamwork between the beachside resident and his wife, Morton and assistant, “Marsh” was successfully caught and transported to the Flagler Humane Society.

“I am thrilled that we were able to catch this dog after so many months of trying," Morton said. "This makes everything we do worth it. It was worth all the time that was put into the case, and I’m very happy with the outcome."

“Marsh” is one of the lucky strays that already has a home waiting for her. The beachside resident will be visiting her while she is waiting to be spayed. He fell in love with her and couldn’t see her going to anyone else.

Persistence paid off in this case. Flagler Animal Services provides animal control services for the cities of Bunnell and Flagler Beach and unincorporated Flagler County. They currently have two hardworking officers that love what they do and are here to protect animals and the public.