Bogey finds a home with Putnam golf pro

MAHOPAC, NY – A stray dog found at Putnam County Golf Course in July was adopted by its in-house golf professional Jim Woods through Putnam Humane Society.

Staff at the golf course found the 35-pound Beagle-Labrador mix wandering around the course and then by the carts. After catching the dog swimming in the pond, Putnam Humane Society was called. With no identification tags found on him, the nonprofit decided to name him Bogey a golf term meaning one-over par, to recognize where he was found.

“Everyone at the golf course hoped that his owners were going to be able to find him,” said Woods. “But we kept an eye on him through the humane society’s website.”

Jim Quinn, the shop manager at the golf course, wanted to take him but already had two dogs that he did not think would get along with Bogey. Woods, who lives in Stormville, contemplated it, but kept his consideration to himself.

About two weeks later, Woods approached his wife Lisa about the possibility of adopting Bogey.

“She would take every dog in the pound if she could,” said Woods. “We are already parents to Bunker and I was the one who needed to ready to take on another dog.”

Bunker is a 14-year-old Labrador. Bogey is believed to be 8 or 9 years old.

On Monday, July 31, the Woods went to Putnam Humane Society to spend some time with Bogey. Then after deciding together that he was meant to join their family, came back on Saturday with Bunker.

“They hit is off from the start and by Saturday night we took Bogey home with us,” Woods said.

Michele Dugan, president of Putnam Humane Society, is pleased whenever a match can be made.

“We are very happy that Bogey was able to find a new home,” Dugan said. “All of the dogs that come in are assessed by a trainer so we can identify the right family for each one. Bogey is an amazing dog and Jim and Lisa are great people.”

Bogey was almost adopted by someone else.

“We did have a volunteer approved to adopt Bogey, but she was going on vacation and was not going to be able to take him until afterwards,” Dugan said. “When she found out that someone else was willing to adopt the dog earlier she was willing to let him go.”

Woods thinks it was meant to be.

“I thought that it was cool that he was found on the golf course and I always wanted a dog that wanted to come to the dog course because Bunker is scared of people,” Woods said. “And I would have named him Bogey.”

When filling out the application to adopt Bogey, one of Woods’ reference contacts was Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, who could not have been happier to throw her support toward the union.

“I am a supporter of Putnam Humane Society and all of the work that they do,” said Odell. “There are so many rescued pets that need homes that it is always a joy when you can help a family come together. I know that Jim, Lisa, Bunker and Bogey will all bring each other a new sense of fulfillment by being together.”

While Bogey is still adapting to his new home, Woods is already looking forward to bringing him back around the course.

“I will bring him around in the fall, when he understands that I am his master and there are less people around,” Woods said.