“They come running when they see his car and follow him inside.”
It’s not uncommon for Catey Hall to find her father dozing on the couch when she checks in on him. But Hall’s father is never alone while he sleeps; dogs from all around the neighborhood join him to form one huge cozy pile.
“On a regular basis, Dad sees, plays with, and naps with one or more of these dogs,” Hall told The Dodo. “When they see his automobile, they hurry inside and follow him.”
Lon Watson, Hall’s father, has always loved dogs and works with the local rescue Pound on the Hill to ensure that every animal receives the care they require.
“My dad has been rescuing stray dogs for as long as I can remember,” Hall added. “We always had a dog while I was growing up.” However, there was always space for a wanderer in need. There’s room for several now that he lives alone with his wife. They work with local organizations to find homes for the dogs in need; unfortunately, not all of them are re-homed, and they remain with dad indefinitely.”
Watson lives with four dogs, all of which he and his wife rescued and healed.
However, he is visited on a regular basis by Hooch, Fluffer-Nutter, and Rosie, all of whom reside nearby and have a unique bond with Watson.
The neighboring dogs are content to wait all day for a few minutes of one-on-one time with Watson.
“The neighborhood is located in an unincorporated area of semi-rural Alabama. “The houses are situated back from the street so the dogs may safely bounce from house to house,” Hall explained. “The dogs can generally hear my father’s truck approaching and will greet him in the driveway.”
Watson’s human neighbors, thankfully, don’t seem to mind that their dogs spend the majority of their time with Watson – and would never interfere with their special naptime.
Watson has an uncanny ability to connect with every dog he encounters. Even Hall’s two dogs want to join in the fun. “In fact, they attempt to leave with Dad when he comes to visit,” Hall explained.