Dog on the run MELISSA L. GAFFNEY, Staff Writer,The Courier, July 10 Posted:07/12/08
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A feisty little firecracker got loose long before dusk on the Fourth of July.
That is, in the form of a five-pound runaway Chihuahua.
On Friday, July 4, a cream- and gold-colored Chihuahua stopped traffic intermittently over the course of about 20 minutes on Route 36 North in Keansburg.
First seen by a resident sitting on a street corner near Palmer Avenue, the dog proceeded to stop at least four cars exiting Route 36 on the Main Street ramp.
During that time, there were attempts by nearly a dozen residents and vehicle drivers to catch the dog — none of which were the Chihuahua's owner.
Futile tries at best, the Chihuahua evaded beckoning hands with snaps and bites; he continued his quest up Route 36.
Running from the Dollar Tree to the gas station, he zigzagged between vehicles and even tried to jump over the concrete highway median at one point.
He missed, crashing headfirst into the structure, but managed to stop all lanes of traffic and continue up the highway at top speed.
Two Keansburg policemen responded to the highway scene, including Ptl. Les Thompson.
A second police officer, also in pursuit, said he saw the Chihuahua run into the woods behind the gas station, followed by a man chasing after him.
That man, Troy Anthony, turned out to be the only one who could catch the frisky escapee.
After seemingly disappearing into the woods, Anthony was seen carrying the dog along the highway about 10 minutes later, a few lots down from the gas station.
"[The dog] ran through all the backyards," Anthony said. "He's scared."
The Chihuahua was scared, shaking in his fur.
Anthony said the dog did not try to bite him when captured.
The dog's owner could not be identified during that time and was taken by Anthony to his residence until the owner could come forward.
It turns out the Chihuahua had a little too much fun on the Fourth, as he managed to throw up a bit of lasagna while Anthony carried him away.
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