On Sunday, April 19, staff from IDA’s Hope Animal Sanctuary were notified by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office that a dog had gotten his “rope or chain” hung and was trapped on the railroad tracks in Vaiden, Mississippi . These tracks have not been used in many years and are overgrown with brush and trees. Apparently, this poor dog had been roaming around the area for several days and some of the locals had tried unsuccessfully to remove the collar and chain.

The nearest access point to the railroad tracks was almost 1/2 mile from where we were told the dog was located. We began walking down the tracks and soon we heard the plaintive wail of a dog in distress. The wailing became louder and we knew we were getting close. Soon, we were able to see him as well as hear him. He was so happy to see someone coming and although he was a little concerned at first, he soon realized we were there to help.

The collar was so tight it had begun to grow into his neck, and there was swelling around his neck and face. Another week with this collar on, and he would have been in life threatening trouble. We had to cut the collar, which was attached to the chain- now wrapped many times around a sapling tree- in order to free this boy.

These tracks are now abandoned but back in the day when they were in use, the famous “City of New Orleans” train ran these tracks. We decided a fitting name for this boy would be “Arlo Guthrie” for the artist that made the song of the same name famous.

We are so grateful to Mr. Charles Jones for calling the sheriff’s office and asking for help for this dog and as always, we are grateful to Sheriff Jerry Carver and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department for their help and support.

This happy dog is now at Hope Animal Sanctuary where he will get the care and love he deserves.