Well-known stray finally captured in North Dallas

July 25, 2008

Story: Experienced animal handler captures well-known stray dog in North Dallas 3:07 PM CT

Experienced animal handler captures well-known stray dog in North Dallas 3:07 PM CT

03:38 PM CDT on Friday, July 25, 2008

By MICHAEL E. YOUNG / The Dallas Morning Newsmyoung

For almost a year, would-be rescuers tried and failed to capture dark and wary Tasha, a stray Lab-mix that roamed a busy North Dallas office district.

Last week, "Capp" Evans managed the job in three hours.

But then, Mr. Evans has trained, trapped and studied dogs for more than 20 years.

Passersby near Meadow Lane and Manderville Road noticed Tasha, her tan sister, Luci, and a small dog late last summer on the lot where an apartment building had been demolished.

Soon, people began bringing food, and when the weather got colder, several doctors with offices nearby bought a doghouse.

But the caregivers knew the dogs needed permanent homes and set out to rescue them.

The small dog was captured first, lured by a morsel of food. Luci was rounded up after eating a medicated treat that put her to sleep. She later was adopted.

Tasha proved more difficult.

Linda Kneipp, Sam Price and other volunteers tried every idea they had and came up empty.

But Mr. Evans, who catches animals for the city of Rockwall, spent a couple of hours studying Tasha and soon managed to grab her.

"I knew I'd have to catch her when she felt most comfortable," he said.

And she was very comfortable resting by the DART rail line, even when the trains blasted by.

Working carefully downwind so Tasha wouldn't pick up his scent, he waited for a train. Soon one rolled through, the noise covering his movements, and he dropped a net over her.

Shocked, Tasha jumped up, barking and snapping. But she soon settled down and now seems to be getting comfortable around people again.

Mr. Evans is glad to hear it.

"I wish her all the best," he said.