The roar of traffic on the highways near Lehigh Acres, Florida, gives way to a sound considerably more appealing 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.
Alice Johnston and her husband, Paul, moved to Lehigh Acres about eight years ago, after years spent operating an animal rescue shelter in Costa Rica. But they didn’t relocate alone. They also brought along the more than a dozen dogs under their care there — all of whom had been saved from the streets.
Now in the suburbs, the Johnstons decided to get creative.
“We have so many dogs,” Alice Johnston told The Dodo, “that we couldn’t possibly walk them all or put them in the vehicle and take them on a ride.” “So my husband built a train for us to take them out and drive around the neighborhood in.” He pulls the train behind him with a lawnmower, and I ride after him on a little scooter to keep an eye on things and make sure they’re safe.”
It’s impossible not to smile when you see the cheerful gang.
The idea for the Wonderland Express, as its known, was inspired by a Texas man who built a dog train for his own rescue pups. And the Johnstons’ dogs love it just as much.
“The dogs get so excited. They just love it. They absolutely love it,” Johnston said. “They know it’s Friday better than we do. It’s amazing how they know.”
But the pups aren’t the only ones thrilled about their weekly trips.
“Every week, folks wait for us to pass by on the street,” Johnston explained. “Some folks come out and hand out snacks to the pets. They have a great time.”
The Johnstons have made excellent use of all the attention the train receives.
“My husband has signs all over the train encouraging people to adopt, and not shop,” Johnston said. “There are so many homeless dogs, and they make wonderful pets. Anything we can do to encourage people to give these dogs a chance, we are happy to do it.”
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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