Red had quite the adventure since he went missing on 04/15/18 from the Rest Stop on 81 North between Dorrance and Nuangola. His family was headed back from vacation to their home in Connecticut when Red slipped his harness. Red crossed 4 lanes of traffic and ended up on the South Bound side of 81. He never seemed to stay in one spot and kept traveling further out and making his circle bigger and wider.
But, tonight we caught the break we needed because of a wonderful alert couple that saw Red’s flyer in Weis Supermarket today. The sighter (sorry I didn’t get her name but will tomorrow) called me and said Red was just in her yard on St. Mary’s Road. I was already in the area and got there within minutes of the sighting. I snuck up in the yard undetected and setup a food station and camera and quickly left knowing Red was likely very close by the area. Less than 40 minutes later, he came and found the food station. Then he decided to make himself at home in the family’s yard and lay down. He trotted off a little later and we got everything ready to trap him.
We pulled down the long driveway and the homeowner was on her way out and said she believes Red crawled under her side porch that was open on the bottom. She was indeed correct. Our plans quickly changed in minutes from trapping to surrounding the porch. Quick 1 minute plan, everyone was on board and off we went.
Jeff went around the house to cover the backside. Sarah and I quickly but quietly approached from the sides. I blocked the back side until Jeff was in place and went to help Sarah in the front. Red was really scared, but Sarah did an awesome job at getting low to the ground and sweetly talking to her boy. So low that she had to army crawl a few feet under the porch to leash him. Red was so happy to see his mom he was crying. He was scared to come out, but with a little coaxing and help from the homeowner’s dog it all worked out. The homeowner didn’t realize that Red was so scared and accidentally let her out before we had Red comfortable walking even though he was securely leashed. But, we used that too our advantage and I started feeding the homeowner’s dog and Red was like I want some of that yummy food and came right over to me. After yummy food for both pups, we loaded Red in the car and went to surprise his dad that was waiting. He was waiting for us to come back from setting the trap. But, instead we came back with Red!!!!
From the time the call came in until we had Red it was a little less than 2 hours. Everything fell into place perfectly and by adjusting our plan it worked out wonderfully. I have so many people to thank forgive me if I forget anyone.
Thank you to Dave, Francine and Michael, Barbara, Michelle and her hubby, Dr. Stair (world’s best vet ), Raelynn, the sighter, the wonderful owner of P&D Pet Supply and every person that shared the post, hung a flyer and watched for Red. You are all wonderful and helped so very much. Thank you to my hubby, my rock for always being by my side and for being my rescue partner and best friend. Most of all thank you to Sarah and Jack, Red’s owner, for trusting me with getting their baby back home. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer or more dedicated family to work with on a lost dog.
All of my love to everyone that helped get Red back home. Welcome home sweet boy, you stole a piece of my heart. You are so much cuter in person, your photos don’t do you justice. It’s over buddy, it’s finally over. Your safe and now you and your family can rest. Love you Red from Aunt Tracey and Uncle Jeff.
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