Dyersburg's most famous dog ready for adoption

The Highway 51 Bypass dog, now named Tag, sits at the command of his adopted mother, Ann Ramsey. She took him in so he could be socialized in order to be adopted. The dog endured the elements for many months as he lived in the area of Highway 51 Bypass and South Main Avenue.

The dog affectionately referred to as the "Highway 51 Bypass dog" is ready to be adopted.

The male black Labrador mix became quite the celebrity, as he was seen by almost anyone traveling down Highway 51 Bypass and South Main Avenue during the early part of this year.

Tag stands over his favorite toy, a red Kong ball. The 1-year-old canine has been socialized by Ann Ramsey over the past five months and is ready for his 'forever home'. He gets along well with other animals, including cats. He is described as intelligent and would make a good guard dog. [Click to enlarge]

The dog would walk up and down the median or just merely sit in the grassy median, possibly waiting on its owner to show up.

From all observations the dog appeared healthy as if someone was feeding him. Many attempts by the humane society and area residents to capture the dog were in vain. Once when the humane society caught him in a trap someone released him. Finally, he was captured by the humane society, but was very shy and extremely leery of humans.

One Dyer County resident decided to take on the task of socializing him so he could be adopted.

Ann Ramsey has had "Tag", as she calls him, for the past five months, and estimates he is a little over 1 year old. She said she couldn't stand to see animals suffer so she took on the feat. She named him Tag after the back-and-forth trips she has made in trying to get the dog so he could be socialized.

"He's come a long way," said Ramsey. "I've enjoyed it and it's been a good experience. He's been living here as one of our family, but he's ready for his 'forever home'."

Although Ramsey said Tag has made improvements in being adjusted he still needs for whoever adopts him to work with him.

"It's going to have to be somebody with patience and to take things kind of slow," said Ramsey.

She said he has learned to walk on a leash, sit and even lets people pet him.

"He's very, very intelligent," said Ramsey. "He reads people very well."

Tag's favorite toy is a red Kong ball. One of Ramsey's dogs will play with the ball and if it goes outside the fence the dog just looked at it. Tag will wait until the other dog leaves and then he will go over and try to rake the ball through the fence with his paw.

Ramsey said Tag would also make a good guard dog because he barks when people come up.

On top of allowing humans to pet him, Tag also gets along well with other animals. When Ramsey lets her cats out, Tag will rush over to playfully greet them.

Ramsey also wanted to remind those interested in adopting Tag, that he is still a puppy and likes to chew on things.

"He tears up most of his toys," said Ramsey.

Ramsey said people interested in adopting Tag should have a fenced-in yard. It would also be good if they had another dog so the two could play together. She would like for the people to keep him inside in the winter and have shade outside in the summertime.

There will be a screening process for those interested in adopting Tag. He will be adopted through the Dyersburg/Dyer County Humane Society so there will be a $50 fee. Tag is up to date on all of his shots, neutered, and is heartworm negative. Ramsey would also like for those interested in adopting Tag to call her to set up an appointment to visit him.

For more information on adopting Tag contact Ann Ramsey at 285-0039.