Sometimes, we need to be tuned into what’s happening around us and think bigger than ourselves…sometimes, we need to help those who can’t help themselves…and sometimes, we need to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves—to help say thank you and spread the word of a good outcome to all those who took an interest and helped, but who may wonder, “Whatever happened…?”
As Dena Taylor recalls, they showed up sometime around summer 2024 in the Kroger parking lot in Willis—two adult dogs…some thought of as Huskies, others thought “wolf dogs.” People asked around, but no one seemed to know any history or where they came from. What did seem obvious was the pair were mates…and very underfed and hungry. Several presumed they had been dumped at the location by some misguided soul who thought they might have a chance at a good outcome. I doubt anyone would envision the actual outcome that resulted because some people noticed…cared…and saw through an effort to provide a better life for the animals.
While Dena definitely has a heart for animals and had the desire to do whatever it took to help, she didn’t feel she could keep them herself, already having four dogs (including a rescue). Her first order of business was to get them fed. She (and others) began giving them some food. They took to the food more than to the people. Not trusting, but realizing they needed help from humans to eat, they began loitering around the parking lot. Their presence grew, as did their habit of making the rounds in hopes of obtaining scraps or a meal. They routinely included Tender Touch Nails salon on their wanderings (where the door was often left open), making a jaunt inside. They didn’t mind receiving food, but the pair just weren’t friendly or trusting enough to be caught.
As summer turned to fall and fall creeped up on winter, the story developed further. Through sleuth work, Dena had managed to determine the canine pair were staying in the woods behind the shopping center. The pair were given the names Hansel and Gretel, which seemed to fit with their home in the woods.
Interest in the dogs was growing. Dena now had a regular partner assisting her, Colleen, a friend she had met while helping the animals. While Coleen lived closer and had the ability in her schedule to show up frequently, she couldn’t support paying for all the necessary food. So, Dena (whose husband had begun wondering why she had to go to the grocery store so often) began making fewer trips, but was regularly supplying Coleen with food for Hansel and Gretel! During this time, Dena also made the acquaintance of Alan and Jacob, two homeless men who were also occupying the woods. They took an interest in Hansel and Gretel as well and regularly gave of their time and limited means to help.
Along with interest, other things were growing as well…like Gretel’s belly. It became obvious little ones were on the way. And, the growing residential development under construction behind the shopping center was well on its way to encroaching into the wooded area where the dogs made their home.
Soon, four pups arrived (and they grew, too)! They were given the names Breadcrumb, Biscuit, Beauty, and Bingo. According to Dena, “Gretel was such a good Mama! I was amazed at the nest she made in the trunk of a fallen tree.” In December, however, a really cold spell of weather hit. Dena feared for the health of the young pups. Efforts to catch the canine family intensified and included assistance from residents near the woods, people in the shopping center, and even personnel from the Conroe Animal Shelter. The rescue took many people and attempts, as the pups were large enough to be wandering about. Eventually, with several separate captures over time, the entire family was secured.
Editor’s Note: Dena made clear that the homeless men mentioned in this story were also aided…as much as they would accept…but these men, one of whom was a retired veteran, placed limits on what the concerned parties could help them with.
Initially, the canine family went to the Conroe Animal Shelter for a period of medical care. With assistance from ASVT, a local non-profit organization, the dogs were all successfully placed in foster care. Dena donated the adoption fees for Hansel and Gretel with the condition that they be adopted together. Hansel and Gretl ended up finding their forever home in…get this…NEW YORK, where another rescue organization paid to transport them for homing. They are enjoying being together, cooler weather, and being loved by husband-and-wife music artists. Colleen said, “It was truly worth the time and effort, because they all found great homes, I made a great friend, and we both met some great people.”
So…if you knew the Kroger Dogs from Willis, Texas and wondered, “Whatever happened…?” Bet you never thought they would end up living their best life in New York State. Happy endings happen when people decide to make a difference!
The Animal Shelter Volunteers of Texas (ASVT), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in 2010 to assist the Conroe Animal Shelter by coordinating the volunteer, foster, transport and rescue programs at the shelter. In 2016, ASVT severed the relationship with the Conroe Animal Shelter, but our primary missions remain the same.
For more information, visit asvtexas.org
Postcards Magazine
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