Aussie pig-pup duo

Police recently picked up an unlikely pair or Aussies: a dog and a pig!  This pair was found wandering the streets of Whittlesea, Australia.  Authorities were pretty sure they must have come from the same home.  According to Leading Senior Constable Mick Hall "They act like a pair of pork chops when you try to separate them...They're lying all cuddled up together on the front lawn waiting for their owners."  Thats right--they need to find the home that these two came from! It seems like it should be easy enough to figure out who is missing a dog AND a pig.  But if they don't, I hope this adorable duo can find a new home together.  

You can check out the whole story, including contact info for the authorities holding the pair at News.com.au, and thanks to Life With Dogs for the image.  

Craigslist's best "missed connection" ever

You can find just about anything on Craigslist these days.  You could even reunite with a dog that you had to give up years ago--though maybe not on the "missed connections" section.  That is just what happened to Sandra Castillo and her dog, Milady.  Four years ago Sandra suffered from severe health problems and a six month hospitalization associated with her pregnancy and was forced to re-home her two dogs.  She was able to stay in touch with one of the new owners, but lost contact with Milady's new owner.  She would occasionally post messages on Craigslist looking to connect with them.  She never received a response.  Until a few weeks ago.

Sandra made a last ditch effort and decided to make one more post on Craigslist.  It turns out that the local rescue group, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), had recently sent out an email to supporters detailing the case of a cocker spaniel named Milady who was in terrible shape and desperately needed some TLC. Milady showed up with fur matted so bad around her ears that it was completely sealed and infected, and her nails were severely overgrown.  As you can see in the picture here--despite her painful mats, Milady still had a smile on her face (click here to see Milady post-shaving).  According to Jean Weber, the MSPCA’s director of animal protection, “Her personality is amazing and she has taught many of us about the benefits of perseverance.”  Sounds like she learned something from Saundra, who did not give up when she felt like Milady disappeared. Within just 20 minutes of her last Craigslist post, Sandra found her dog again.  Sandra was approved to re-adopt Milady, and the two have been reunited.

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A laser focus on his forever home

After just a month with his new family, three year old Laser got spooked by some fireworks and slipped out of his leash.  The family was on vacation nearly 50 miles from their Canada home and spent days canvassing the area and hanging up flyers.  Sadly they had to go home without there four legged family member.

Laser had finally found his forever home, and he determined to make sure he didn't lose it again. The LePage family kept receiving tips from people who saw Laser on the move, and 6 weeks after the scary fireworks display, a good samaritan dropped him off at the shelter just over a mile from their home.  Laser had found his way nearly the whole 50 miles on his own!  This is especially amazing since he had only been with the family for a short time and probably didn't know the area so well--but he was determined to hold onto his new pack.  The happy family has since been reunited and I bet Laser will be sticking close by his two young human siblings. Check out more one this amazing story, a map of his trek, across Canada and a family picture on CBC.ca.

Speaking of awesome Canadians, have you visited my friends over at Fido & Wino lately?

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Deacon's beacon home

Last December, Deacon went missing from his backyard in rural Virginia. He would occasionally enjoy extended outdoor adventures, so his people weren't too concerned at first. After a few days, Kieth and Pamela Holt became quite worried and alerted the authorities. Weeks went by, and they believed they lost their two year old german shepherd for good.

Then just a few weeks ago, they received a call from an animal control officer in Florida! The officer asked if they were the owners of a dog named Bruno--which was Deacon's first name when they adopted him--when his microchip was registered. Right away, they drove 10 hours and 600 miles to pick up their guy--who was over-joyous at the reunion. Just another reminder of the importance of microchipping! Ask your vet about it on your next visit, and remember to keep your contact info up to date. It could be your dog's beacon home.

Daizy's 10 months on the road

Daizy's family had to put her in boarding while they were doing major home repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. It sounds like Daizy just did not like the kennel so much, so she escaped, but did not find her way home.

It turns out she had been hiding in an area of overgrown brush by the electrical towers a mile from the kennel. Daizy had lost 14 pounds and was covered in fleas and ticks when she was found 10 months after her escape. But she was happy to be home! It sounds like her family was pretty happy to have her back too.

Check out the whole story here.

A long way from home

Muffy was lost from her home in Australia nine years ago. Her family had thought she was long gone, until a shelter 1,200 miles away gave them a call. Muffy had been microchipped, so after she was discovered, the shelter folks were able to track down her family. Muffy is recovering in an animal hospital right now, but is getting on a plane soon to be reunited with her family. I bet they will be all wags when she finally makes it home!

Molly FOUND, and news on other stolen pets

I got the BEST email this morning at Scoop@dailydogscoop.com: MOLLY HAS BEEN FOUND! One of her people sent me this picture of her back safely at her home. The woman who stole her has serious mental health problems and has a history of stealing animals. She was seen purchasing dog supplies with Molly at a local Petco, and the police were able to subpoena the credit card records to find her.

To catch up on the background on what was happening with Molly, read my original story here.

Also today, this story was posted on NewsChannel8 about a rise in stolen pets in the DC area, especially small dogs (which are easier to pick up and run away with) and cats that are in unsecured yards. The bandits will keep the dog until a reward is offered, then get the cash in exchange for the return of your precious pet.

I highly doubt this trend is exclusive to the DC area, so be careful wherever you are. Remember even if you are just going in for a cup of coffee, it is not safe to leave me tied up!

Stolen at Whole Foods (not your paycheck)

Please think twice before tying your pup up outside of stores, even if you are just running in for a few things. This sweet dog Molly was snatched from outside of a Whole Foods store in a good neighborhood in Washington, DC. They think it was because she was pedigreed and worth money, but you never know.

If you are a reader in the DC area and happen to see Molly, email tips to findmollydog@gmail.com. Best wishes for a safe and happy reuinion for Molly and the Newby family.

And please, please, please, don't leave your dog tied up unattended! Either leave your pup at home, or ask a friend to stay outside the store to watch your pup.

UPDATE: Molly's people contacted me to share a resource for updates and sightings--Click here to learn the latest and see more pictures.

UPDATE#2: Molly was seen with a disheveled woman twice at the Petco in the Cleveland Park area of Washington, DC, and a few other times in the Logan Circle area. If you think you see her, please contact her people @ findmollydog@gmail.com , use the phone number that was posted below in the comments.