This heartwarming story shines a light on the innate kindness that dogs often display, even when they’re lost or living on the streets. Many stray dogs, despite their harsh circumstances, seem to hold out hope that a human will notice them, offer them kindness, and rescue them from their difficult lives.
In Houston, Texas, one such dog spent his days sitting outside an elementary school, quietly waiting for help. Caleb Schaffer, a teacher at the school, noticed the dog every morning at the entrance. The dog, curious and friendly, wagged his tail at the sight of Schaffer, but each day, the teacher passed him by, uncertain of what to do. “He was sitting right outside the main door, and his tail started thumping when he saw me,” Schaffer later told The Dodo. Although the dog seemed to be asking for help, Schaffer had to start his day of teaching and couldn’t stop.
Throughout the day, Schaffer couldn’t stop thinking about the dog. But when class ended and he returned to check on him, the dog was gone. It turned out that local animal shelter staff had attempted to catch him, scaring him off. However, the very next morning, the dog was back at his spot by the entrance, wagging his tail once again.
This time, Schaffer took a closer look at the poor pup. He noticed that the dog’s skin was in terrible condition, and he was extremely thin. Schaffer made a mental note to help him the next time he appeared. When the dog returned on the third day, Schaffer knew it was time to act. He gently coaxed the dog into his car and brought him home, asking his wife to keep the dog company while he finished his day at school.
After work, Schaffer made a series of calls to local rescue organizations, hoping to find someone who could help the dog. Unfortunately, all the shelters in Texas were overcrowded. But Schaffer wasn’t ready to give up. He brought the dog, now named Clive, to a local animal shelter to receive basic medical care and a much-needed bath. “I figured some basic vet care at the shelter was better than nothing. He was really suffering,” Schaffer recalled.
Clive’s story quickly spread after Schaffer shared it on Facebook. It wasn’t long before Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption took notice and arranged for Clive to enter foster care. The once-stray dog was now in the hands of people who cared for him, ensuring he was safe, healthy, and loved.
Although some time has passed since Clive’s rescue, and it’s unclear whether he has been adopted, Schaffer continues to talk about the experience with his students. He uses Clive’s story to teach them about the importance of helping stray animals, as well as the need for spaying, neutering, and heartworm prevention. In his words, “There are so many strays everywhere here. It’s given me an opportunity to talk about spaying, neutering, heartworm prevention, and the reality of shelters.”
Clive, a sweet and gentle dog, may not have found his forever home yet, but one thing is certain—he is safe, happy, and well-cared for, all thanks to Schaffer’s compassion. Clive’s quiet persistence and polite ask for help finally paid off, and now he has a chance to live the life every dog deserves.
4o