Prospect Park’s ‘Ghost Dog’ finally captured after four years of feral survival

NYP ^ | May 27, 2012 | SARA STEWART

[Daffynition]

’Tis no legend — the beast is real!

For four years, a hulking brown and black mastiff has been living on the lam in the woods of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, regularly glimpsed by visitors, but melting away whenever officials were called — earning him the nickname “Ghost Dog.”

Until now. Sean Casey, owner of a Kensington animal shelter, finally apprehended the gentle giant this month: “I think he was ready to come in,” he says, adding that Ghost Dog had been acting differently over the past two weeks, limping noticeably and lying down out in the open.

Until that point, the dog — an Italian breed of mastiff called a Cane Corso — had been a low priority.

[Daffynition]

Some happy news, for a change.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Daffynition]

Video by Arielle Apfel: a short documentary about the *Ghost Dog of Prospect Park*: "Roaming WIld "

[upchuck]

Cane Corso. A BIG dog!

They are known for a gentle disposition.

[libstripper]

A lot heavier than my Great Dane, just about as long, but nowhere nearly as tall. Looks like their dispositions are pretty similar.

[Spunky]

Yes they are, but they slobber all over everything. Not a good house dog.

[x]

"Ghost Dog"?

Forrest Whittaker has really come down in the world.

[Monkey Face]

This is the same breed that attacked the woman in San Fran, years ago.

However, I think, like most breeds, they are the animals they are trained to be.

I would take that dog in a heartbeat!

[Monkey Face]

Not a good house dog

Depends on your tolerance for doggy idiosyncrasies...

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

How much do they weigh?

[Tijeras_Slim]

You’re thinking of a Presa Canario, very similar looking.

[Kimmers]

Thank you for posting this sweet story with I think it is going to have a happy ending.....

[Jonty30]

I hope they find a good home for it.

[upchuck]

Around 100 pounds, females, 90 pounds.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

“Around 100 pounds, females, 90 pounds.”

Oh! That’s not so big! My Briard was 140. I’m 6’2” tall, and he would put his front paws on my shoulders, and look me straight in the eye! Wonderful breed!

[2111USMC]

For being “on the lam” for four years, he sure looks pretty healthy.

[2111USMC]

but they slobber all over everything.

LOL! Now that you mention it, look at the guy's pants leg in the photo!

[RegulatorCountry]

There is a Sheltie locally that was in a similar situation for years. Nicknamed “Shelley” because she was most frequently sighted at a Shell gas station on the edge of town, she had people putting food and water out for her all over. Nobody could catch her, not animal control nor animal loving private individuals. She “ turned herself in” after injuring a foot, just came right up to a person who had been leaving food one day. She ended up at a no kill shelter for rehabilitation and was adopted by one of her fans.

[Daffynition]

Thge Gothamist had a short story about him:

>>Ghost Dog had been allowed to stay in the park because he had never posed a threat to any parkgoers. “We realized early on that he wasn’t posing a threat to anyone, so what we’ve done for the past two years is track him,” Casey told the Post. “He was smart. He had a schedule. He had about 12 people a day feeding him.” He was also friendly with many of the other dogs who frequented the park, often coming out to play with them.<<

Seems he tried to *befriend* other dogs in the park....and appers that he wanted to be part of a pack....hope that comes to be and his forever owners will treat him well.

[Daffynition]