Photos: Twitter Nation Works to Prevent Dog From Freezing to Death

Today's brutally cold weather prompted a perfect example of social media's power. In a matter of minutes, a single photo of a dog curled up outside a metro-area home mobilized media throughout the city, as well as the Denver Police Department. Here's the story. See also: Ten Things That Could...

By Michael Roberts

November 12, 2014

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Today's brutally cold weather prompted a perfect example of social media's power. In a matter of minutes, a single photo of a dog curled up outside a metro-area home mobilized media throughout the city, as well as the Denver Police Department. Here's the story.

Here's the photo in question, as tweeted by Tonee Lawrence:

As of 20ish mins ago, he was still outside. My friend left for wrk but others R keeping me U2D on situation #cowx pic.twitter.com/ANB7JxkLle
— Tonee Lawrence (@toneelawrence) November 12, 2014

In short order, the Denver Police Department followed up with a tweet....

UPDATE: Denver Animal Control has been notified about the dog left outside. The address is near DIA expect a delay
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) November 12, 2014

...and this update, which seems intended to calm those upset by the situation.

UPDATE - DOG OUTSIDE- Animal control advises they are aware of the dog (husky) and address. Dog has shelter avail - chooses outside (breed)
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) November 12, 2014

The message initially did the trick for 7News producer Kirsten Boyd....

@rboulding @daylecedars @toneelawrence @denverchannel DPD says the dog does have shelter available and chooses this. More powerful than us!
— Kirsten Boyd (@Kirsten__Boyd) November 12, 2014

...but not Lawrence....

REGARDLESS, it's TOO cold for animals and children to be out in 5 degree temps. Take care of your animals! They are your family! #cowx
— Tonee Lawrence (@toneelawrence) November 12, 2014

...or Twitter user Romina Herrera, who wasn't buying the whole dog-chooses-not-to-use-shelter line:

@DenverPolice upside down dog house how is it shelter?? Dog can access it?? pic.twitter.com/BvvnWdoT08
— Romina Herrera (@romisXo) November 12, 2014

In addition, Lawrence tweeted this:

30 minutes ago another neighbor went by, lady answered door and "didn't know dog was outside" That is a direct quote.
— Tonee Lawrence (@toneelawrence) November 12, 2014

Lawrence's persistence appears to have resulted in a happy ending. Around the time both CBS4 and Fox31 were joining 7News on the story, the DPD tweeted:

UPDATE- DOG OUTSIDE animal control advises they spoke to homeowner who brought dog inside
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) November 12, 2014

Her response?

Green Valley Ranch is such a loving and caring community. It was a group effort to get that dog inside. #GVR #cowx #LOVEGVR
— Tonee Lawrence (@toneelawrence) November 12, 2014

Thus far, the dog hasn't tweeted his thanks. But we figure it's only a matter of time.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

Follow:

Facebook: 111180895657427

Twitter: @mikerobertscolo