Why did the rooster cross the road? To get to the fire station, of course.
Picture where roosters typically are: a barn, a countryside, a chicken coop. The last place you’d think to find one is beside a Walmart and a fire station.
But that’s where you’ll find Dawg.
Dawg is a silver rooster with a loud crowing — loud enough to be heard over the sound of the fire station's alarms. While he may look lost and aimlessly wandering around, Dawg knows exactly where he is and what he’s doing.
He’s well-loved by locals in the area and is consistently fed and taken care of. The rooster can typically be found at or near Gainesville Fire Rescue Station Nine, sometimes cozied up on a pile of firefighter jackets.
Apparently, he loves to dine on watermelon.
Lately, countless Facebook posts have circulated about his adventures in the area. Many are initially concerned about Dawg and are try to identify the rooster’s owners. But fire station employees say he’s loved and spoiled rotten — and doesn’t need any help finding his way, as made clear by numerous replies in the comments clarifying who Dawg is.
Some have even tried to save Dawg, thinking he is in danger in the area or in need of aid. They’re promptly informed of the reality.
Bradley Slease, a 28-year-old technician, had seen the rooster beside the road while shopping at Walmart. As an animal lover with over 30 of his own chickens, he was concerned about Dawg’s safety. He attempted to bring Dawg home but was quickly stopped when he realized the rooster wasn’t a stray.
“I reached out and scooped him up real quick,” Slease said. “I ran back across the street to my truck, and by the time I made it to where my truck was parked, I heard ‘Hey, hey, put him back, put him back.’”
Dawg brings a much-needed boost of morale to the local community, bringing a very fun sense of enjoyment to those lucky enough to see him. His recognizability has only grown over time.
Valerie Lantigua, a 27-year-old UF laboratory technician, made a post on the “Gainesville Word of Mouth” Facebook group about the rooster on June 29.
Lantigua lost her own rooster, Bruno, and never got closure on his disappearance. She was compelled to prevent that from happening to someone else.
Her post blew up, amassing over 100 comments clarifying Dawg is cared for in the Butler Plaza area.
“I was gonna just drive by [Dawg],” she said. “And I’m like maybe he’ll figure [out where to go], but there’s a lot of traffic here, and I was just thinking maybe if I make a post, there’s a 1% chance this rooster belongs to somebody.”
Dawg has grown enough in fame to warrant his own Instagram account, which details some of the rooster’s hilariously cute moments. One post is a video of his cawing, with the caption “Wake up!” His sound reminds the community it’s time to start their day.
Dawg has dealt with quite a few rooster-napping attempts from people trying to steal him away as he wanders around. If you see Dawg, leave him be. He has people looking forward to seeing him around.
On top of that, don’t try to feed Dawg. Once again, he doesn’t need it. His large body, covered in beautifully white feathers, doesn’t come from nothing, and he is well-maintained by the community.
David Haslam, the 43-year old owner of Campus Scooters of Gainesville, commented on some of the Facebook posts to explain the rooster has a home. He owns chickens himself, and he learned about Dawg a few months ago after informing a firefighter the rooster was beside the bridge on Celebration Pointe Avenue. Haslam’s since been commenting to ensure people don’t mess with the bird.
“Chickens will get out of the yard sometimes … but they come back,” he said. “So, when people mess with [Dawg], I think they might have had the impression that this is a lost chicken. He’s not lost; he’ll go back, so just leave him alone.”
Bright yellow “Slow down, chicken crossing” signs have gone up at the four-way between the fire station and Walmart, a message to drivers to be careful with their speed — and to people who may think Dawg is just a random chicken.
No matter how far he wanders, Dawg finds his way back home. So, if the silver rooster graces someone's presence, it’s important to leave him be and let him cross. He’s loved by many, and his vibrant personality brings comfort, positivity and a sense of interconnectedness within the community.
Give Dawg a friendly wave, but don’t pick him up, put him in your car or call the station on him; he’s exactly where he wants to be.
Contact Mackenzie Haas at mhaas@alligator.org.
