(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Editor's Notes by Christina Myer)

Anyone see the story this week out of Huntington, in which a dog at the Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter unlocked and emerged from his own cage and THEN unlocked the front door with his mouth, pushed the door open and escaped?

Security camera footage shows Dawson, who looks like a brindle mixed breed boy of decent size, performing an escape that had many people questioning reality. The shelter had to say “This is NOT AI, though we wish it was. This guy is much smarter than he looks. Not only did he get out of his locked kennel, he managed to UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR and leave!”

It looks to me as though Dawson must be smart enough that he observed how the humans operated those locks and then figured out how he could do it without thumbs.

As of this writing, he has not been found, which is a shame because, as the shelter put it, he is “a good boy,” who does not belong out on the streets.

The plan, then, is that once Dawson is found, the shelter will place him with a “seasoned” dog owner. That’s good. And I really hope they find him.

But in the meantime, I was sad to see what the shelter is dealing with now on social media, as 4 million people have viewed the video, 85,000 people have shared it … and 8,000 had commented as I’m writing this. A significant number of people seized the opportunity to insult the no-kill shelter, calling it overcrowded and in poor condition.

“We’re trying,” the shelter posted on social media. “We get thousands of strays and surrenders every year. Thousands.” Later, it posted “Imagine how much better things would be if even half of the people who shared the video donated just $1 … Yes, please keep sharing it. The more people who see the video, the better our chances of finding him. But, at the very least, more people will learn about how overcrowded animal shelters are, how underfunded, and how much need there is for their support.”

It was a stunning reminder of how quickly people can lose focus and turn nasty about ANYTHING when they can hide behind their keyboard on social media. But good for those at the shelter who are trying to make something positive come of it while they also search for Dawson. I hope he is found, and I hope he finds a home where his humans can keep him safe AND keep that brain of his working.

Meanwhile, last week, there was some pet sadness at home as I walked toward the tarantula’s shelf to let a holiday guest take a look at her. She was very still, but that happens sometimes when she’s decided she’d rather not be noticed.

But this time looked different. So I left her alone and decided later to check on her. Still in the same spot. I took to the internet and there were various explanations, none of which quite fit — except the last.

I think I’ve mentioned that I am the third of her caretakers, and the chain of handover/communication has left it unclear just how old she was when I got her. According to the internet — and if my guess was correct — she is likely at the tail end of the lifespan for her species in captivity.

I waited a day. Checked again. Same spot.

I finally admitted that my little eight-legged friend has moved on to the great terrarium in the sky. I did not expect to have an emotional reaction to that, but I did. She was the reason I stopped being automatically terrified of spiders. And it’s always strange to just stop having to take care of something. (On the other hand, the need for a cricket budget has now gone back to zero).

So, there’s an empty space on the shelf. I keep talking about Dawson’s adventure. And two people who know me very well have said “Do NOT go adopt another animal right now.” I won’t, for a while.

But if you’re inspired, either to help a local shelter (or the folks in Huntington), or to go find out whether your own new friend is waiting for you, I recommend it. There are ups and downs, but you won’t regret it.

Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com