Case #4:

On Sep 13th at 6am, our old dog “Ace” seemed to vanish in the dark while we were loading up our trailer to go to the motocross track.  He had never ventured more than 2 blocks due to his poor medical condition.  You see, he is 14 yrs old deteriorating with kidney failure, severe arthritis in both back legs, arthritis in his back and untreatable tumors.  He is on nature’s delicate list of limited time.

We searched the entire day and everyday thereafter.  We posted over 30 signs, listed him on every possible online site.  We passed our over 100 fliers daily to everyone jogging, walking dogs, etc.  The only calls we received were from people wondering if he had been located.  We began to search every canal in the area as our hopes began to diminish.  We were doubtful we would ever find him alive after 48 hours due to his failing health and painful challenges to walk.

My heart was crushed with guilt as I continued to envision “Ace” suffering somewhere on the side of a road or yard, unable to get home.  I believe I could easily handle his passing at home with us, but not this way.

Six days later on Thursday morning at 7am, Fabi Dongo, a volunteer at the shelter called to say she had seen a dog with a similar face brought on Wed night.  She said “I saw a dog brought into the shelter and even though this dog is listed as a female, the face is very similar.  The listing could be a mistake.”  I told her that I visit the shelter daily and would definitely check it out.  She gave me the ID # of the dog.

I went to the shelter and spoke with the Lost and Found department and told the young lady of the call from Fabi.  She cross referenced the dog’s ID with Ace’s micro chip number.  IT WAS MATCH !!  It was ACE !!  He had been picked up by Mr. David Jordan on Wed evening on 17 Sep at 10pm.  He had actually survived alone for 6 days!!  I felt as though a ton of bricks had been lifted and I was extremely anxious to see him.

It was easy to understand why he had been listed under the wrong gender.  He has long hair and his back legs are so crippled with arthritis you can’t touch them without him causing pain.  So a gender guess became a necessity.

As we drove home I felt such a great sigh of relief as I watched him literally pass out from exhaustion on the seat.  He slept for hours and hours when he got home.  I phoned all my family, friends and neighbors involved in his recovery.  Everyone was shocked and elated to hear Ace was back.  Since his return he has moments of easy recognition  and other times, he appears disoriented. 

As all jobs, I am sure certain times reflect a feeling of thanklessness.  But, please tell Fabi and David Jorden  and all the employees of the Animal Shelter “Next time you think its just another dog... look deep in their eyes and many times you will see love surrounding that old crippled animal.”  

On Sept 18th, Ace was the first one out the door, my personal “pick of the litter!”

 Isn’t it good to know Animal Services’ strays have such a dedicated team of PD volunteers trying to find their owners? Join the Pet Detectives Club: http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/pet_detective.asp or asanche@miamidade.gov