The roar of traffic on the highways near Lehigh Acres, Florida, gives way to a sound considerably more agreeable on Friday nights, shortly before sunset: the joyous chorus of happy dogs on the go.
It’s at this time that a dog train appears on the streets as if on cue, to brighten the lives of its furry passengers.
After years of running an animal rescue shelter in Costa Rica, Alice Johnston and her husband, Paul, relocated to Lehigh Acres around eight years ago. They didn’t, however, migrate on their own. They also took over a dozen dogs under their care, all of which had been rescued from the streets, with them.
The Johnstons decided to be inventive now that they were in the suburbs.
“We have so many dogs, of course, we couldn’t walk them all or put them in the car to take them for a ride,” Alice Johnston told. “So, my husband build a train so that we could take them out, drive around the community. He pulls the train with a lawnmower, and I ride a little scooter behind him to keep an eye on things, to make sure they’re safe.”
The happy gang is a sight to behold.
A Texas guy who built a dog train for his own rescue dogs came up with the concept for the Wonderland Express. It’s also a hit with the Johnstons’ dogs.
“The dogs are ecstatic. They just adore it. “They are ecstatic,” Johnston added. “They are more aware of the fact that it is Friday than we are.” It’s incredible how well they know.”
But the dogs aren’t the only ones who enjoy their weekly excursions.
“We have people who wait for us every week [to pass by on the street],” Johnston said. “Some people come out and give the dogs treats. They really enjoy it.”
The Johnstons have put all that attention the train gets to some very good use.
Johnston said, “My husband has placards all over the train urging people to adopt rather than purchase.” “There are a lot of homeless dogs, and they’re great pets.” We’ll gladly do all we can to persuade folks to give these pets a chance.”
The Johnstons don’t want to make a big deal out of their Wonderland Express dog train, though they are pleased that others are interested in seeing it. It’s all about their dogs’ happiness — and spreading the word about the joys of adoption — for them.
“Knowing that pets are receiving a second chance brings us so much joy,” Johnston added. “It brings us great pleasure to know that we are providing a decent life for our pets.”
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