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Stray Dog Rounds the Bases at Citi Field

This story from the Daily News makes me visualized a comic fast motion scene of dog vs. dog catcher. It’s probably closer to the truth that “Jackie” was super scared, but at least she has a chance of getting a good home now.

Dog is caught stealing a run at Citi Field

BY LISA L. COLANGELO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, January 8th 2009, 9:39 AM

A swift, four-legged Mets fan didn’t wait for opening day to check out the new Citi Field.

A stray dog led animal control officers on a rainy romp through the stadium Wednesday after construction workers said she spent several days sniffing around the Mets’ new digs.

The nimble pooch was finally snagged near the Jackie Robinson Rotunda after running the bases and racing up and down the aisles. Her rescuers have dubbed her Jackie.

“She was around home plate, ran up the first base line and ducked into the stands,” said Mike Pastore, head of field operations for New York City Animal Care & Control. “We were going to set up a trap behind home plate.”

Instead, Jackie ran into an enclosed area, and workers closed a gate behind her.

Pastore, Jackie and Animal Control Officer Eli Velazquez – all rain-soaked and exhausted – emerged from the stadium about 11 a.m.

“She was shaking and jumping around. This was probably her first time on a leash,” Pastore said. “But once she calmed down, I was able to pet her.”

The pooch, a brown-and-cream shepherd mix weighing about 40 pounds, seemed scared and hungry. She was brought to Animal Care & Control’s Manhattan shelter for evaluation.

The pup – estimated to be about a year old – could be up for adoption as early as Saturday if she’s healthy and doesn’t have an owner.

Citi Field, the new Mets home, is still under construction, while demolition crews continue to dismantle Shea Stadium just next door.

Stray dogs are a common sight at the numerous junkyards and auto body shops next to the stadium.

“Several of the construction workers were concerned about what was going to happen to her and some even offered to adopt her,” Pastore said. “She’s a cute dog.”

I hope she does get adopted. I’ll be scouring the CACC website for the next few days and if I see her up there, I’ll let you know.

Does this foretell yet another “dog” of a season for the Mets? Go Yankees!! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

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