It wasn’t so much that Liberty in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, adopted a new four-legged friend this fall; it’s more accurate to say that Penny auditioned the personnel at the State Street office in her search of a “fur-ever” home.
The playful puppy was first noticed in November, curious about the cars and people crossing the parking lot. A collie and chow mix, she would prance up to those walking to and from the building though she was still very wary of letting anyone get too close, raising a forepaw as if to say, “You may come this close, but no closer,” according to Tom Rosetti, Liberty Senior Engineer.
Penny – as the copper-colored pup was named by Liberty’s Customer Service staff – quickly charmed nearly everyone. Many employees began feeding Penny and filling a water dish for her. Eventually, she even allowed herself to be petted and scratched around the ears and under her chin.
But as temperatures began to drop at night, concern for Penny’s well-being grew. Misty Wall, a Customer Service Representative for Liberty, offered to take Penny home to live alongside her two other dogs. Penny remained cagey, however, showing no desire to be caught.
Staff contacted the local animal-control office, which set out a cage trap baited with food – the most humane way to catch strays.
Penny, however, was not your average stray. Staff arrived in the morning to find another dog caught in the cage, with Penny sitting next to it with a look of disapproval, as if to say, “I told you not to go in there!” Tony Penna, Vice President and General Manager of Liberty, offered to take care of getting Penny spayed, her shots, and first grooming, if only they could get her to agree to be taken in.
The breakthrough came on December 4, when Penny allowed Customer Care Specialist Alicia Crowley to pick her up. From there, Penny was “paws-itively” happy to be pampered and join Misty Wall’s pack at home.
A huge thanks to our Liberty water staff for helping Penny find a new home, where she is sure to have a “Merry Christmutts and a Yappy New Year!”