TEMPLE, Texas — Jody Machuca told 6 News that he has had his red heeler, Cash, for 10 years. When the COVID-19 virus began to spread, he made the decision to keep Cash safe. A decision he would later regret.
"I was concerned about my welfare and his welfare. I didn't know if I died in the house and no one came to check on me because of this shelter in place. I had crazy thoughts like that. I didn't know what would happen," Machuca said.
Machuca left Cash with a local grooming business with the intention of picking him up a few days later. The business couldn't keep Cash for multiple days, so they surrendered Cash to Temple Animal Services on March 24.
Machuca said he called Temple Animal Services the next day, but couldn't get anyone on the phone.
"There was an answering machine and it said due to COVID-1 and shelter in place they were not doing business," Machuca said.
Machuca said he called the grooming business back and was told by the business there were no adoptions happening at the time, so he would need to pick up Cash later. Unfortunately, according to the Temple Animal Services Website, this was only half true.
According to the City of Temple, adoptions are currently on hold, but it is still possible to surrender and reclaim animals by making an appointment. Furthermore, while the Temple Animal Services has adoptions to the public on hold, they are still working with rescue groups in the area.
According to a City of Temple spokesperson, a rescue group picked up Cash around the date of April 18. Machuca called again the next week, only for staff to tell him Cash wasn't there.
"I asked how I could get him and she said, 'You can't. You will have to file for an information release," Machuca said.
The City of Temple told 6 News that Animal Services will not release information on who adopts animals according to policy. Machuca made a public information request and the City of Temple is considering that request now.
Machuca hopes to be reunited with Cash, despite his decision.
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