A Sunbeam of Hope? The Latest on Little Lady Lost
Latest Update 5:15 PM CST, Saturday): (A sunbeam of hope indeed!) Today there were 3 sightings of Lady! All occurred along Highway 13 or nearby. The first was a sighting of her crossing Highway 13 over to the Minnesota River Valley area. We all raced down there and spent a lot of time walking along the highway and along the railroad tracks, but no luck. However, since she was sighted in the area, we decided to pass out fliers in the neighborhoods that run alongside Highway 13. Lucky for us! The second sighting was by a guy who saw her standing in his driveway. He happened to see the flier just afterwards and called us right away. This sighting was after the first one.
The third sighting also came as a result of our fliers. The man saw her sleeping in a railroad culvert on the Minnesota River side of Highway 13. Unfortunately, he called out to her and she got spooked and ran. He did not know which direction, but it is encouraging to know that she is still in the area.
Unfortunately, a fearful dog is not like your typical human-loving dog. They fear humans. I know it is people’s natural inclination to call out to a dog when they see one most and along, but sometimes staying silent is better. I’m hoping we will see another sighting soon and can trap her.
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I happened to see this story while reading the news online tonight and shared it on my Facebook page. It’s a wonderful post written by ABC News’ producer Kimberly Launier about an interview with the Rollin’s family and the loss of their son, Justin, who was killed in Iraq, and their mission to bring home the puppy (Hero) he cared for while in Iraq. What happened during the course of the interview was amazing to the reporter, and to me. Such a beautiful moment.
A friend saw my post on Facebook and reminded me that I had captured a similar moment with Lady while at the dog park, one of her favorite places. I thought I would share it again with all of you. It was a rare moment caught completely by accident on my cell phone camera. Perhaps there is a reason I saw the Rollin’s story, perhaps not, but it certainly gives me hope. How about you?
You can see more about Hero’s story here. It’s a story that was aired on Animal Planet back on November 9th.
Update on Little Lady Lost: No sightings again today, but I am not giving up hope. A week is not unusual for a missing dog like Lady. She’s smart, so she is likely waiting until after dark to venture out. Dawn (her other foster mom) and I spent the day exploring the area we last sighted her on foot. It’s rough terrain and full of bramble and burrs and difficult to navigate. We both ended up with burrs in our hair. I know it sounds silly, but I never expected that burrs could stick to human hair just as well as dog fur. I can only imagine what Lady looks like by now.
We were later joined by another volunteer and spent some time discussing locations of the traps and options for expanding our search. Another volunteer, Jeff, was out earlier passing out fliers in an area south of Wescott, an area we had not covered until today. He also handed out fliers at Petsmart and Byerly’s and Walmart. Thank you Jeff! I don’t know what I would do without you and Julie out there helping me by taking on the least glamorous, but most important task of all… getting the word out.
Dan, another volunteer, was out with his binoculars, scanning the area in hopes of seeing Lady. And Dena, was out driving the area and walking around, in hopes of seeing Lady as well. If Lady is in this area she is hiding really, really well. No surprise really. Shelties are very smart dogs and able to fend for themselves for long periods of time if they need to do so.
My biggest concern right now is fliers. I know it’s not glamorous, especially in inclement weather, but as I have been told by Minnesota Sheltie Rescue time and again, almost all of the Shelties they captured and brought back home were due to the fliers and signs they put out. The more people that know the greater the chance Lady will be seen when she does come out of hiding. Without the fliers and the contact numbers on them, we won’t get that call. The one that will bring Lady home. So if any of you have an hour to spare and want to help I would love to get more fliers out in the areas that we have not covered yet. This map shows all the areas we have covered in pink. As you can see, we have covered a lot of territory around where Lady was seen last, but if Lady is on the move then we need to cover those areas further out – north of Yankee Doodle, South of Diffley and Rosemount. I did most of mine in my car because it was quicker and allowed e to cover a lot of ground. If you have the time, I would welcome your help. I’ll bring the fliers to Wescott Library (on Wescott Road just to the east of Pilot Knob Road) at noon tomorrow and you can pick up form there or you can tweet me with a time you would like to pick them up. My thanks to anyone and everyone who can help!
You can read more about the search for Lady and how she was found in the posts listed below.
Post #1: The search for Lady, my foster dog. How you can help.
Post #2:Foster Dog Lady – Still MissingPost #3: Little Lady Lost – The Latest
Post #4: Thanksgiving Gratitude Despite Little Lady Still Being Lost
Post #5: Little Lady Lost – Chasing the Wrong Things
Post #6 (This Post): A Sunbeam of Hope? The Latest on Little Lady Lost
Post #7: Little Lady Lost – The Saturday UpdatePost #8: Little Lady Lost – Latest Update & Do’s and Don’ts
Post #9: Little Lady Lost – A sense of peace
Post #10: Little Lady Lost – HOME AT LAST!
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Went out about 10:50 tonight and stood on hill behind hotel and by freeway. Very windy and cold. I forgot my mittens. No sign of lady. I knew it was a long shot. Gonna drive around a little now. God bless. J
Thanks Jess. We suspect she will not come out of hiding for strangers at this point. She’s too scared, but keep looking!
I feel so helpless from here. Sending love and prayers to you and Lady and all the volunteers. ♥ ♥ ♥
You are not alone Jodi. I feel helpless too.
Just an idea ….. but although food and water near the trap is good… I think you sweat shirt etc, and some share toys from the home may be a good idea in the cage… to let her know you are looking.
Warmly with BIG PRAYERS ~~ Amelia
Thanks Amelia! You definitely have experience in this area given your background.
I have placed articles of clothing and toys and a blanket that smells like me and my dogs in the areas where the traps are located. I’m hoping it will draw her in, but so far no luck, which is why I suspect she has left the area.
Lots of hope and prayers heading your way, she will come home soon!
My sister and I are heading out now to put some fliers around Highway 3 and 55 in Rosemount. I’ll check the map now and also let you know where we cover. I think you still have my cell if you want to give me a call for anything.
Thanks Dena! You rock!
It sounds like you are covering all the bases and doing everything you possibly can do. It sucks but you are on the right track. I am so glad so many people are able to help. You are not alone, Mel. Lady’s chances of returning improve with each and every flier. I wish I could drive there and help out.
Hi Mel, I’m back in town now so I will be there to help distribute and have also put a call out to my local FB friends if they have a spare hour or so to join in the search/distribution.
Keep the faith!
What about bigger banners in key spots? Any chance you could put a few up without breaking any signage rules?
It may be possible that people are searching too hard for Lady. If she’s that skittish, she may be hiding in a spot and not come out. Maybe a day or two of less traffic in the area where you think she’s hiding would help to lure her out to the trap. I really hope you’re able to bring her back home soon!
Thoughts and prayers are still with you Mel and Lady and all who are helping in the search. That’s all I can do from Arizona. I will ask at Mass on Sunday for prayers from my parish. Prayers help too.
Donna
I wish I was close enough to come help with fliers! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
beautiful photo! thinking about your little lady!
I am praying that Lady is found soon!
Have you thought about using an animal comunicator? Elaine Garley of animal bridges has helped several animals be found. Elaine@animalbridges.com
Hope she is found soon.
Good news indeed!
It is so sad to think that a trusting little puppy has turned into a dog fearful of humans. Good wishes from us that she is found.
We are praying really hard in Denver. If we were closer, I’d be out looking with my 2 dogs…very good point that dogs are often afraid of strangers but very very rarely are they afraid of other dogs…so if you have a dog or can borrow one(great opportunity to borrow a shelter dog
) get out there and search-more than likely Lady will find YOU!!
Posters like the one found here http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2298985845643&set=p.2298985845643&type=1&ref=nf are what have been helping with teh reunification of lost tornado pets in Joplin, MO. Some of them have been found almost 6 months after the disaster. The story of this particular cat’s recovery is here http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2011/10/28/whirley-posters-reunite-desperately-sought-joplin-tornado-cat-with-his-dad/ and recovery tips can be found here http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-stray.php .