For dogs who are lost or living on the streets, it’s not uncommon for them to seek help in the most gentle and hopeful way possible. Many of these dogs remain at a distance, patiently waiting for a human to notice them and offer a lifeline.
A Familiar Face at the School Gate
Photo Credit: Facebook
In this heartwarming story, we meet a dog who made the front of a school his daily hangout, silently pleading for someone to rescue him from his difficult life. Caleb Schaffer, an elementary school teacher in Houston, Texas, first noticed the dog one morning as he arrived at work. The dog, tail wagging and full of curiosity, seemed eager to connect. Despite feeling a tug at his heartstrings, Schaffer had to rush to his classroom, leaving the dog behind.
Reflecting on the encounter, Schaffer shared with The Dodo, “He was sitting right outside the main door, and his tail started thumping when he saw me.” Throughout the day, the dog stayed on his mind, and once his classes were done, Schaffer rushed outside, hoping the dog would still be there. But to his disappointment, the dog was gone. Later, he learned that animal shelter staff had attempted to catch the dog, inadvertently scaring him off.
Yet, the very next morning, there he was again—waiting at the school entrance as if nothing had happened. This time, Schaffer couldn’t ignore the dog’s worsening condition. He noticed the dog’s painfully thin frame and the poor state of his skin, and he resolved to help the next time they crossed paths.
A Determined Rescue
Photo Credit: Facebook
On the third day, Schaffer knew he couldn’t let this loyal dog slip away again. Determined, he led the dog to his car and took him home, asking his wife to keep the dog company until he returned from work. With all the local rescue organizations overwhelmed, Schaffer did the next best thing: he took the dog, now named Clive, to a local animal shelter where he could receive immediate 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 recounted.
Clive’s story soon spread on Facebook, catching the eye of Lucky Lab Rescue and Adoption. They quickly arranged for Clive to be placed in foster care, where he could begin the road to recovery.
Though time has passed, and it’s unclear whether Clive has found a permanent home, one thing remains certain—he is now a happy and well-cared-for dog, deserving of all the love in the world. Schaffer continues to share this story with his students, using it as an opportunity to discuss the importance of helping stray animals and the realities of pet overpopulation.
“There are so many strays everywhere here,” Schaffer told his students. “It’s given me an opportunity to talk about spaying, neutering, heartworm prevention, and the reality of shelters.”
Clive’s story serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can change lives, and that every dog deserves a chance at happiness.
