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MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL\/KMSS<\/a>) \u2014 There is nothing quite like a smart dog. They can keep life interesting in unexpected ways. Gray at the Marshall Pet Adoption Center<\/a> was reminded of that firsthand when he met Willow.<\/p>\n Gray went on a call about a feral stray in the Jasper Heights area of Marshall. A \u201cferal stray\u201d is a dog who has not been socialized with people in any way.<\/p>\n That call led to Willow.<\/p>\n Radio\u2019s journey: From bad paw to finding a forever home in Marshall <\/a><\/p>\n Willow was extremely shy and refused to approach Gray, even when he offered food.<\/p>\n Not wanting to push her too far, Gray told his contact that they could continue to try to socialize her but there was nothing else he could do that day.<\/p>\n A month later, a call came in from over a mile away about a dog sleeping in someone\u2019s bushes. That dog was Willow.<\/p>\n Gray and a coworker tried to catch Willow to no avail at first, she is extremely intelligent and one of the hardest to catch dogs they have ever encountered.<\/p>\n Bulletproof Koe: When bad things happen to good dogs <\/a><\/p>\n Traps did not work. On two different occasions, Willow would enter the trap and eat all of the food without setting it off, then exit the trap.<\/p>\n The resolved to try to corner her, but even that proved difficult.<\/p>\n Willow expertly positioned herself. Every time animal control officers closed in, she found ways to angle in between them.<\/p>\n For three hours.<\/p>\n For a mile and a half.<\/p>\n Mossy\u2019s Odyssey: Adopt the dog who refuses to die at MPAC <\/a><\/p>\n Willow escaped capture and took officers on a loop throughout the Jasper Heights area all the way back to the back yard of the same house they started out at.<\/p>\n In the four months since, Willow has come out of her shell, interacting with people and other dogs in play groups, but she is still not the most interactive dog.<\/p>\n Once she trusts someone, she prefers cuddling, watching everything going on around her, and just existing together.<\/p>\n If a brilliant, independent, sweet dog would complete your family, you can visit the Marshall Pet Adoption Center at\u00a02502 E. Travis Street<\/a>\u00a0in Marshall, Texas. You can reach them by phone at\u00a0(903) 935-4530<\/span>. To volunteer, visit the\u00a0MPAC Volunteer site<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n