Campers on Goat Island in Lake Sinclair are very familiar with a beagle who was apparently stuck on Goat Island for several months. There have been calls and e-mails wanting someone to rescue the dog.

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, after three days, Alton Scott caught him in a trap borrowed from Greg Hill at Baldwin County Animal Control. Alton took the dog to Animal Hospital of Milledgeville. He then called for help to find a home for the dog his wife, Melanie, named Sinclair.

On Thursday, Animal Rescue Foundation, (ARF) took over the responsibility of caring for Sinclair, with financial assistance from Alton and Melanie Scott, long time supporters of ARF. Sinclair was tested for heartworms, and surprisingly, was negative after living on the island throughout the summer. He was then bathed, neutered and given his vaccinations and worming medicine. Sinclair is now at the ARF shelter where he is being socialized with humans.

Sinclair is a sad looking beagle weighing 26 pounds. He’s very shy and very gentle. Given the right set of circumstances, Sinclair will be a wonderful and loyal house pet. We hope that the right home will come along with people who have the patience, love and understanding to help him through the ordeal of humans turning their backs on him.

How did he get to Goat Island? Did he go over there when the lake was low enough for him to walk across? Did a camper or boater leave him there? Did someone abandon him to the island because he was gun-shy or because he was no longer wanted? We’ll probably never know.

Several people knew Sinclair was on Goat Island. Several people tried and failed to catch him but one man did. Alton did exactly what any person should do when they rescue an animal. He took responsibility for this dog and took him immediately to the veterinarian. Alton didn’t wait days or weeks to “do something,” then drop him off at a shelter. Compassion and reality go hand in hand when it comes to rescuing unknown animals. Thanks to Alton, Dr. Lee and Dr. Council and everyone at Animal Hospital who cared for him, Sinclair was treated with understanding and gentleness.

Sinclair is snug in a comfy bed at ARF, away from noisy dogs and people for a few days. ARF’s caregivers, volunteer dog trainers and other volunteers will pet Sinclair, talk softly to him to slowly gain his trust. Our wonderful caregivers and volunteers will do whatever they need to do for him every day. They will carry him outdoors for potty time until he is comfortable with walking on a leash. But, most of all, and most importantly, everyone at ARF will love him until the right home comes along.

ARF is accepting adoption applications for Sinclair now. He will go to the home best suited to fit his needs.

For more information about Sinclair and how to adopt him, or any of our wonderful companion animals, call ARF at (478) 454-1273 or e-mail us at info@animalrescuefoundation.org.