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Once upon a Christmas, in a little town called Mebane, there lived a stray, brown dog.

He wandered around busy Interstate 40/85 for months, capturing the hearts and imaginations of travelers as he scrounged for food and shelter. When the dog, whom many had dubbed "Freeway," disappeared, folks worried what had become of him.

Well, Freeway did some time at the Burlington Animal Shelter after being captured by animal control last month.

But now he is safe in his foster home, gobbling up his favorite treat - chicken hot dogs, frolicking with newfound dog friends, and more importantly, learning how to trust the humans caring for him.

"I've really been surprised at how well he's done," said Amber Alsobrooks , a volunteer with Paws4Ever. The Mebane rescue group lobbied for Freeway's release after he was put in quarantine for biting someone. He faced possible euthanasia .

But shelter officials worked with Paws4Ever to find a resolution.

Freeway was released to the group Monday after being neutered and checked for worms.

Alsobrooks, who has seven years of experience working with traumatized or special-needs animals, is fostering Freeway.

Because of his initial fear of humans, Freeway is considered special needs, Alsobrooks said.

"No one knows exactly where he came from or why he has this fear," said Alsobrooks, who has helped care for animals affected by hurricanes, such as Katrina. "With disaster animals, you know why they have this fear."

But he has made great strides since Monday, taking food from her hand and allowing her to pet him briefly, Alsobrooks said.

She's not sure how long his rehabilitation will take, but said he's on track to finish sooner rather than later.

Freeway's story is atypical, according to Assistant Chief Greg Seel with the Burlington police. Many animals picked up by animal control never make it to a home. Last year, the shelter euthanized more than 6,000 animals, he said in a prepared statement.

Seel, along with shelter and rescue officials, urge anyone inspired by Freeway's story to consider adopting an animal, or fostering, which would open up space at a shelter, Alsobrooks said.

She said some people question why so much effort was put into saving Freeway, who even has his own blog that Alsobrooks updates with stories and photos.

"We're not saying his life is more valuable than the others, but not less either," she said. "He should have an equal shot."

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez @news-record.com