Posted on 07/10/2013 5:14:36 PM PDT by nickcarraway
These fare beaters are getting to be real animals.
Commuters headed toward the Staten Island Ferry got a break from the usual routine Wednesday morning when a large pit bull mix boarded the S94 on Richmond Avenue in Graniteville. The dog jumped on the bus at Deppe Place [MAP LINK] at about 7 a.m., trotted to the back of the bus, past a crowd of riders, took a seat and didn't pay the fare.
"It was an interesting day," said New York City Transit dispatcher Stuart Schenker, who was called to the scene by S94 driver Deborah Samuels.
The dog did not have a collar, but she appeared clean, well kept and well behaved, according to Schenker.
"She's a wonderful dog," Schenker said. "I'm sure somebody is missing her right now."
Most customers didn't even bat an eye as the dog rode the bus Wednesday morning, as one man sitting near the pup looked up from his newspaper, looked over at the dog and just went back to reading, Schenker said.
Eventually the bus driver called for backup, drawing a large emergency response.
The wayward dog displays some affection for S94 bus driver Deborah Samuels. (Photos courtesy of Stu Schenker)
"When I drove by -- I don't frighten easily -- but when I saw nine police cars, emergency Service Units and multiple MTA cars, I thought something serious was happening," said Annadale resident Phil Fox. "At first it wasn't so funny because it seemed serious. But apparently Staten Island has some animals who refuse to pay the fare."
superintendent in buses, road operations, approached residents in the area with a picture of the dog trying to locate its owner before it was taken to the [Charleston] animal shelter, said Judie Glave, an MTA spokeswoman.
"The dog appeared very friendly," Ms. Glave said. "We would love to see someone come forward to claim this dog."
The dog is now in possession of Staten Island Animal Care and Control, 3139 Veterans Road West, in the Staten Island community of Charleston. To claim the dog, call 718-967-3526.
Ping
“hey, it’s hot out there”
Nine police cars, emergency Service Units and multiple MTA cars. To deal with a big, friendly dog that was sitting peacefully on a bus.
I mean, really. WHAT THE HELL GOOD ARE NINE POLICE CARS GOING TO DO??
Your tax dollars at work.
I’m just happy they didn’t shot the dog.
..chizzeling freeloading dogs...
Sure, they’re “just like people” -but when the check comes- Where are they?
Not a pitbull mix. Mostly boxer.
Great story. Just wished he was able to ride the bus until he was ready to get off and perhaps follow the driver home.
“Sure, they’re “just like people” -but when the check comes- Where are they?”
Dogs are the only loveable democrats.
I hope she get home okay.
Someone identified her as an Olde English Bulldog, so that’s probably it.
Absolutely the best breed of dog ever. Smart, loving, mellow. And just a bit spoiled (Madam, is anyway)
Heck, I’d adopt her if no one else comes forward.
Wow. Do she like public transportation?
My first Golden used to try to get on the school bus on top of the mountain in Washington State where we lived. She was following the 5 kids from next door who pretended they didn’t know her. But, other kids on the bus ratted them out and the bus driver threw her off. I was very careful to keep her inside when it was time to go to school.
Looks mostly Bulldog. But since Pitbull an Bulldog both have Bull in them, all dogs are Pitbulls.
I get out of chair with her, walk to glass front door holding her and wait for the truck to turn around and come by the house to leave the townhouses. If the truck stops at the house, I have to put her down because she does a dance. The UPS guy loves her and takes her to hug her and she kisses him over and over.
If he doesn't have to stop here, he waves at us as he goes by. He knows Prissy, (dog's name), is nuts about that truck so he always looks for me holding her when he goes by and we wave at each other.
Prissy could do a commercial for UPS. They could have the truck stop outside and have someone inside the house filming her dance for the UPS truck.
She would go with the UPS guy and live in the truck and be happy.
Is anyone’s dog fixated on something in their environment? With Prissy, it's the UPS truck. What is your dog fixated on, if anything?
Never tried public transport, but Madam did like to try to get one the young one’s school bus.
One time the driver let her get on and say hi to all the kids.
And Madam does like to ride in cars. She’ll sit in the car for hours if she thinks she’ll get a ride out of it.
“Is anyone’s dog fixated on something in their environment? With Prissy, it’s the UPS truck. What is your dog fixated on, if anything? “
My dog had a fixation on the UPS truck/guy, too. She wanted to eat him because he (along with the mailman) was brazen enough to walk up to “her” house uninvited.
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