A once elusive yellow Labrador retriever, who roamed the streets in Omaha near Eppley Airfield, has an interesting story to tell, and from what we know now about Piper’s past life, the road forward is looking fine.
So let’s look back at Piper’s former life as a stray; for years she refused to be captured. Even though friendly dog lovers fed the stray near the airfield, absolutely no one could get close enough to leash her. Animal advocates had called the Nebraska Humane Society several times after spotting the dog – once even watching Piper carrying a bag of food from a local fast food drive thru. The moment the animal control officers would arrive with their truck, however Piper took off. Many believe Piper recognized the white truck, and said to herself ” No Way”.
Piper had lots of social media followers, and Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue repeatedly tried to nab her, but again Piper had her own agenda. During the dog’s tenure on the streets, she had been hit by a car and argued with a feisty raccoon who messed up her face.
Then on May 4, 2022, a couple from Lincoln spotted the dog late at night as they had been leaving the airport. This time, Piper wasn’t her usual elusive self – she was lying alone in a ditch and was practically drowning when the couple found her.
Alone, sad, cold, and broken-hearted is the unhappy start of the story of Piper, (b. 5/2014) an adorable Lab. This sweet girl spent years as a stray near Eppley Airfield in Omaha, NE. Many tried to catch her, but her distrust for people made her run, until one day when the sky roared and rain poured down, gentle Piper didn’t have the strength to fight anymore. She lay in a ditch, rain pouring on her until her savior came. Upon getting into the car, Piper was rushed to the vet. Piper was heartworm positive and faced a long painful road to recovery and good health. Six months later, Piper is a new dog, ready to find a calm loving home to spend her golden years.
The kind people took Piper home that night, cleaned her up and posted her photos and story on the Lost Pets of Omaha Area Facebook page. They then took her to the Capital Humane Society. Ironically, one of the women who had been feeding Piper near the airfield, recognized Piper and called Muddy Paws to ask for help.
Fast forward nine months, and the once runaway pooch who refused to be caught, has gained confidence in humans and has been treated for her health problems as well as a case of heartworms. She had to have teeth extracted, is estimated to be about eight years old and has arthritis. She remains quite sensitive to strangers, but loves treats and a soft pat on the head. She needs a nice, quiet home with a patient and loving family now.
If interested in meeting Piper, please click here or call 402.515.2570.
Photos via Muddy Paws Facebook
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