The Story of Joni and Johnny

As told to Conni Marshall by Debbie and John Schumacher

 June, 2017

Houdini is known for his almost human-like compassion and one of our favorite stories is the one of him helping his friends, Joni and Johnny.

 On a hot day in June of 2017 two dogs were trying to cross a road that was between Friendship Park and Burkburnett High School.  Cars had stopped giving them time to get across because it was obvious that one of the dogs was have a hard time walking.  She finally collapsed in the road.  Those observing were surprised to see Houdini appear and seemed to nudge and encourage the dogs.  They did get up and follow him into the park.  At this point Debbie and John, wanting to help, followed to see where Houdini was leading them.  They ended up near a pergola where a young man had been regularly leaving food and water for Houdini.  The couple were amazed to see Houdini lead them to the food and water and then stand back as they ate and drank.  When they were finished and laid down, Houdini picked up the bowl in his teeth and moved it and then ate some himself. 

At this point Bobby, who lived across the road, came to see if he could help and offered to take the two injured dogs and let them stay in his yard until a plan could be worked out.   As the helpers approached the dogs to catch them, the female got up to leave.  Everyone watched as Houdini got up and guided her back to them, seeming to tell her she needed to trust them.  They were able to take them to Bobby’s house and start examining them. 

The two dogs were weak and emaciated.  They were infested with ticks and fleas and suffering from skin infections.  Their paw pads were bloody and raw.  Joni was so weak she couldn’t stand for long.  They were very sick but they accepted help even though they were a bit frightened by all the attention.  After several days of care, they were much stronger and walking around the yard.  They loved the attention that Bobby gave them. 

Another amazing story happened after the dogs had been with Bobby a few weeks and were much stronger.  Bobby called me, quite upset, because the dogs were gone.  He didn’t see any way they could have escaped, and they had never shown any desire to leave.  We alerted animal control and started looking.  Later that afternoon Bobby called to tell me they had come back on their own and were in the yard.  It was such a mystery although he did see a place they may have scooted under the fence.  They were back and we were so relieved.  Then a few days later Bobby called again and said the mystery was solved and the dogs were gone again.  He had looked out to see Houdini at the fence and the dogs going under and then they all headed to the post office area with Houdini in the lead.  I jumped in my car and drove there to see them in the yard of an abandoned house.  As I watched, Houdini sailed over the fence like it was not there.  I was able to herd the escapees into my car and get them back to Bobby’s house.  Houdini had decided he wanted to take his buddies on an adventure!

At this point we realized the dogs were strong enough to keep escaping and were placed with other fosters.  They did great and were able to socialize and get their vetting completed so that they could make the trip with Underdog Express to find hew homes in Syracuse, New York.  Both were adopted by wonderful people.  Sadly, Johnny passed away after several months from an autoimmune disease.  We are so happy that he was shown love and compassion in his new home for the time that he had left.  Joni was adopted also and is still living with her sweet mom and doing great.  She greets her mom’s customers and her business and is much loved.  We still get updates from them and I was able to visit Helping Hounds where Joni and her mom came to see us.   

There is no doubt that Houdini was so very special.  His compassion for other dogs evidenced itself when he was adopted and was fiercely protective and loving to his doggie siblings.  He went on daily walk to Friendship Park with his new family and always was happy to meet new friends.