Lost Dog Finds Help at Macedonia's Better Living Center

Community residents arriving at the weekly food distribution at Macedonia church’s Better Living Center (BLC) in Chester, Pa., were startled to walk past a large dog who had taken shelter under a bush on the front lawn. Better Living Center staff inquired with neighbors and found that the dog had been hanging around for several days.

The dog appeared frightened and had several bite wounds, so people were reluctant to approach the four-legged visitor, says volunteer and church member Steve Nazigian. He took a picture of the dog and posted it on a local Facebook page for lost pets. This prompted a group named “Justice Rescue” to dispatch two of their volunteers who quickly won the dog’s confidence with some burgers.

Before very long, the dog, whom they named Spartacus, was on his feet, wagging his tail and giving everyone kisses. Volunteers took him to a vet for treatment and he now has a foster home while people continue to search for his original owner.

BLC’s posting on Facebook has caught the attention of at least 16,000 online viewers, reports Nazigian. Blane Stoddart, BLC director, says that the story has “taken off” and built more awareness about the services they provide to 50-60 families a month that include the food pantry, a computer lab with free wifi and printing. The center also hosts a YMCA camp that brings 1,000 visitors to the camp in the summer.

“For some reason the dog showed up at the better living center and wouldn’t leave. [But] there is a larger story there,” says Stoddard. “The food pantry is good, but it also sends a message that you have a resource in your community to make your life better.”

Watch the video of Spartacus meeting a volunteer from Justice Rescue below.