Sally in the lead

By Glen Atwell
CRANBOURNE resident Sally Johnson knew something was amiss the moment a distressed looking dog boarded the 6.11am city loop train at Merinda Park last Tuesday.
Charlie had escaped from his nearby home earlier in the morning and somehow found himself among the hustle and bustle of peak-hour public transport.
Following the crowd, the one-year-old German shepherd cross kelpie boarded the train and the incidental fare-evader was soon whimpering in fear.
Sally, 47, said after no-one else seemed concern for Charlie’s welfare, she sprung into action.
“Everyone was on their way to work and just pretended this poor little puppy didn’t even exist,” she said.
“He was sniffing everyone, whimpering and obviously looking for help.
“When he approached me, I just melted, I couldn’t look the other way.
“I ripped off my handbag strap and used it as a makeshift lead. Luckily, he settled down as soon as I tied it to his collar.”
Sally called her boss, who was aware of her animal-loving instincts, and declared herself late for work.
“Charlie and I then disembarked at Dandenong and got on the next train back to Cranbourne,” she said.
Sally then drove Charlie to the South Eastern Pound Services on Thompsons Road in Cranbourne only to be turned away.
“They weren’t allowed to take dogs found in the City of Casey, which seemed strange given that it was in Cranbourne,” she said.
“So the drama continued.”
Sally then phoned ABC Radio and gave her contact details on-air in the hope the owners were listening.
After no immediate response, Charlie was driven to Peninsula Animal Aid in Pearcedale where his escapades finally came to a conclusion.
Fortunately, he had been micro-chipped and the grateful owners were immediately contacted.
“I was so happy that the owners could be identified but if no-one had come forward I would have definitely adopted him,” Sally said.
Sally was more than half-a-day late for work but her boss was more than understanding.
“They know I’m an animal lover and everyone was glad the result was Charlie going back home,” she said.