Puppy Love at Wareing Sturgis Ford

Hi, this is Marsha, the receptionist at Wareing Sturgis Ford.

As receptionist, I spend a good part of my day answering the phone, directing traffic, and visiting with customers.

But I do get outside from time to time. One of my jobs is taking photos of vehicles for our website. The sunshine and fresh air are a nice change of pace. Horses whinny at the large animal clinic next door, and dogs of every shape and size enjoy our dog park.

I tell my coworkers it takes longer to take vehicle photos during the summer.

Our lineup of Ford Super Duty trucks sits closest to the dog park, and whenever I’m photographing vehicles in that area, I notice dog owners visiting on the bench while their four-legged friends romp and play.

Sometimes I’ve wondered if there’s more blooming in the dog park than dandelions.

Just imagine the conversations:

“I have no idea which of these tennis balls belongs to my dog. Do you mind if we sort them out?”

“You love dogs. I love dogs. I think we may be the paw-fect match.”

“You know, she really likes you. She doesn’t jump on everyone like that.”

If you ever hear about a wedding taking place in our dog park, you’ll know how it happened.

But that’s a story for another blog.

Back inside the showroom, I have a clear view of nearly every vehicle that drives onto the lot. During the dog days of summer, it’s common to see happy dogs riding in the back seat with their ears flapping in the wind.

Yesterday was a little different.

A large shuttle van pulled into the lot and headed toward the dog park.

A few minutes later, our Business Manager, Kristi Arambel, looked out the window and said, “Look at all the dogs in the dog park!”

There were indeed a lot of dogs.

I grabbed my notepad and headed outside to investigate.

That’s how I met Mark Newton and a group of furry travelers who quickly became the inspiration for this blog.

Mark is a retired Ford technician with decades of experience.

“I bring my tools with me,” he told me, pointing to the shuttle van. “Over 250,000 miles and still running great.”

He was thrilled to discover a Ford dealership with a dog park. While the dogs stretched their legs, Mark paid a visit to our Parts Department.

As it turns out, Mark is also the founder of Baja Street Dogs, an organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned dogs, providing medical care, and helping them find safe, loving homes.

What began as one man helping dogs on the side of the road has grown into a mission that includes spay and neuter services, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and adoption programs.

Mark Newton, Founder of Baja Street Dogs

Yesterday’s group of pups was working on social skills, and they were all eager to introduce themselves.

I met Rocket and Luna, who were found at a gas station in California when they were about six months old.

I met Tom, who was found alongside his friend Jerry on the side of a highway when they were only a month old. Jerry now lives on a beach in San Diego, and Tom was headed to his new South Dakota home the very next day.

I met Pancake and Waffles, who were found together in Mexico. Pancake had been carrying little Waffles in her mouth. Mark hopes they can be adopted together.

And then there was Hunter.

Hunter is a 14-year-old, 120-pound Labrador who recently lost his 80-year-old owner. He was both the oldest and newest member of the group.

It’s hard not to root for dogs like that.

Baja Street Dogs describes its beginning this way:

“What started as one man pulling over to help dogs on the side of the road grew into something far greater.”

That simple act of stopping has changed countless lives—both canine and human.

So there you have it.

What started as a typical summer afternoon in our dog park turned into a lesson about compassion, second chances, and a group of dogs finding their way home.

We’re glad Wareing Sturgis Ford could be a small part of that journey.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to bring your furry friend by for a visit sometime.

— Marsha