Whenever Catey Hall visits her father, it’s a common sight to see him dozing off on the sofa. However, her dad is never alone in his slumber; dogs from the nearby neighborhood gather around him, creating a cozy and large pile of comfort.
“Dad sees, plays with and naps with one or more of these dogs on a daily basis,” Hall told The Dodo. “They come running when they see his car and follow him inside.”
Lon Watson, Hall’s father, has harbored a deep affection for dogs since forever. He actively collaborates with the local Pound on the Hill rescue organization to ensure that every animal receives the necessary assistance they require.
“For as long as I can remember, my dad has rescued stray dogs,” Hall said. “Growing up, we always had a dog. But there was always room for a stray in need. Now that he lives alone with his wife, there’s room for several. They work with rescues in the area to find homes for the dogs in need; however, not all of them are re-homed, and they stay with dad forever.”
Watson shares his home with four permanent canine residents, all of whom he and his wife have taken in, nurtured, and brought back to health.
Additionally, he enjoys the company of Hooch, Fluffer-Nutter, and Rosie on a daily basis. These three dogs live nearby and share a unique bond with Watson.
The local dogs are content to patiently wait throughout the day, eagerly anticipating even a brief moment of one-on-one interaction with Watson.
“The neighborhood is an unincorporated section of semi-rural Alabama. The houses are set far back from the street, so the dogs can bounce from house to house safely,” Hall said. “The dogs can usually hear my dad’s truck coming, and they will meet him in the driveway.”
Fortunately, Watson’s human neighbors don’t appear to have any objections to their dogs spending the majority of their time with him. They respect the dogs’ close bond with Watson and would never interfere, especially during their cherished nap periods.
Watson simply possesses a natural affinity for every dog he encounters. This connection extends even to Hall’s two dogs, who make an effort to join in on the interaction. Hall mentioned, “As a matter of fact, they try to leave with Dad when he’s here visiting,”