Driver leaves behind stray Labrador eager to board doggy daycare bus — but dog’s frantic reaction to him driving away moves everyone to tears
In Franklin County, Georgia, a stray dog’s unexpected chase after a doggy daycare bus captured the attention of many. What started as an unusual encounter turned into a heartwarming story of determination and kindness. The stray dog, later known as Waylon, had an unlikely path ahead of him, and it all began with his pursuit of the bus.
As reported by Dog Time, Tyson Cash, owner of Keller Creek Boarding and Grooming, was going about his usual morning rounds on July 16, 2024, when something unexpected happened. While picking up his regular clients, Cash noticed a Labrador Retriever running after his daycare bus. The dog was persistent, desperate to board the bus with the other dogs. Cash recalled to the Washington Post, “He was doing everything he could to get on with the other dogs.” However, despite the dog’s obvious desire to join the group, Cash couldn't allow him to board, worried about the dog’s health status and the safety of his other passengers. “Didn’t want to jeopardize all the other dogs," he explained.
Earlier that day, Cash noticed his regular dog, Motley, waiting on the porch with a second Labrador. Puzzled, Cash reached out to Motley’s owners to confirm whether they had adopted another dog. They assured him they hadn’t, but mentioned a stray dog that had been wandering the area, cared for by neighbors. As the morning went on, Cash had to decide whether to let the stray on the bus. Due to concerns over vaccinations and flea and tick prevention, he left the dog behind. However, before driving off, he asked his wife to post the dog’s picture on their daycare’s Facebook page in hopes of finding his owner.
What followed was something Cash never expected. As Cash drove away, the stray chased the bus, determined to keep up with his new canine friend. Cash was moved by the sight, saying he “felt horrible” about leaving the dog behind. He even posted a video of the chase on Facebook, explaining his concerns and adding, “I was concerned about him,” and that he would be willing to give him a home if no one came forward. His post did not go unnoticed.
Sadie Peace, one of Cash's clients, saw the post and immediately reached out. Peace, who had a yellow Labrador named Nellie, had been considering adopting another dog for a while. She contacted the woman who had been housing the stray, learning that she had named him Waylon but could no longer keep him. Waylon had been living on the streets for weeks, underfed and neglected, and "you could just tell he had not been taken care of very well," she said. But Peace was determined to offer him a better life.
After taking Waylon to the vet, Peace learned he had a microchip, though it offered no owner details. Despite his rough condition, ribs showing, covered in fleas and ticks, Peace adopted Waylon and brought him into her home. Waylon and Nellie quickly became inseparable, “Both sleep in bed with us every single night. They follow each other around everywhere,” according to Peace. Waylon’s journey didn’t end there. The dog who had once chased a bus later became a regular participant in Cash’s daycare program, fully vaccinated and healthy.