It was “the longest 12 days of my life” said Montour High School alumna Casey Dunn recounting how it felt when her six-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Harley went missing near Herbst Road in Kennedy Township last month.
Dunn, who rescued Harley in October 2020, described her as a “love bug” who isn’t the biggest fan of toys but loves to spend her time snuggling with her Robinson Township family, being chased, going on runs and hikes, and enjoying her treats.
Dunn was on vacation when Harley disappeared but is grateful her family “lept into action,” circulating flyers and creating multiple social media posts in Facebook Groups like “Reuniting Lost and Found Dogs-Pittsburgh Area,” and in other social media outlets. They also posted to Nextdoor: Neighborhood and Neighbors by Ring apps and used other technologies like trail cams and thermal drones, in hopes of finding Harley.
Local businesses jumped into action, posting “missing dog” flyers.
“It was incredible…the amount of people and businesses that helped,” Dunn said, especially grateful for the outpouring of support from Juliano’s Restaurant and Catering on Steubenville Pike in Robinson. “They have a business to run. I’m sure there are bigger matters than a customer’s missing dog,” she added.
Eventually, Dunn and her family were connected by a friend to a volunteer-based rescue team in the area. As they waited patiently, Dunn and company didn’t seem to receive any credible sightings of their lost dog. The last thing they knew for certain was Harley was seen running across the I-79 overpass. “There were some tips” she said “and lots of spam or potential prank calls” but no other credible sightings.
On the morning of January 26, David Natale let his dogs outside for some exercise and fresh air. He was standing at the door in his slippers and shorts when he noticed his usually quiet dog Chance barking at something in his yard. After doing some investigating, Natale recognized Harley from the missing posters and called Dunn’s father, “There were signs everywhere” he said, “they did everything right.” Harley had officially been found only five blocks away from where she went missing.
Natale, a dog lover with two dogs of his own, often paid attention to the missing animals in his neighborhood. His mother even joked that he would probably be the one to find Harley since he lived near where she went missing. She was right and this is now his fifth time reuniting missing dogs with their owners.
Waiting for Dunn’s father to arrive, Natale waited outside for 30 minutes, all the while keeping an eye on Harley as she hid underneath his neighbor’s shed. Dunn’s father was the first to arrive and began attempting to lure the dog out from her shelter by calling out to her. “Pappy has a treat for you,” he said.
Eventually, Harley crawled out and was safe.
It was a long and stress-filled 12 days that Dunn and her partner, Daniel, had to endure until being reunited with their furry friend. For Harley, those 12 days were probably spent in survival mode, battling sub-zero temperatures and the threat of other animals and cars.
After spending some time at the vet, Harley is home regaining her strength, appetite, and energy. “It was a roller coaster of emotions,” said Dunn. “She is getting all the snuggles and treats she wants.”
As for what happened on Harley’s odyssey no one can be certain. “I wish dogs could talk” Dunn joked, wishing Harley could tell her everything she experienced during her time of living in the wild but “we’re just happy she’s home and safe.”
For Natale, “the best part was watching everyone reunite.”
Dunn and her family offered a $500 reward, but Natale refused it. Instead, he told them to “pick a shelter and donate it.” According to Natale, they did just that.
He recalled receiving a thank you note and a Chewy gift card for his own two dogs and a note informing him the Dunns doubled the reward, gave it to a shelter, and also donated tracking collars for dogs.
Dunn admitted she learned a lot from this experience, and offered tips for, not only the people going through it, but for everybody. “If you feel you have exhausted all options, you are doing the right thing…don’t give up” she shared as a message for other lost pet owners, “and don’t forget to take care and be kind to yourself.”
She also emphasized how important it is for others to pay attention to missing pet flyers. After all, Natale doing just that saved Harley’s life.
Writer Carrie Moniot contributed to this story.
Be First to Comment