In Missouri (United States), a dog was found safe and sound after escaping from the family home while its owner, who had just given birth, was hospitalized. His escapade, which lasted 2 weeks, ended thanks to the mobilization of neighbors and Internet users, reported KYTV.
Jessieca Graham-Hollingsworth reside Springfieldbut she was not at home when her dog teddya 5-year-old Shar-Pei, had run away from home. She was, in fact, in the hospital, having given birth to a little girl on March 18, 2026.
KYTV
The quadruped ran away the day after giving birth. Quite quickly, a group of around ten people formed in the neighborhood to go looking for him. Their mission promised to be difficult, especially since teddy is like “ stubborn ”, according to its owner. “ I think he just ignored them.explains the latter. I think at one point he found it fun to run around like he was in a huge dog park. We didn't expect it to last 2 whole weeks “.
The husband Devin Hollister-Graham also participated in the research, but he had to give it up when the baby arrived at home. “ We hadn't slept a wink all night, so he decided I should stop searchingsays the mother. Luckily, we had a lot of friends and family who were very helpful. They searched for several days “.
“He rushed at me”
“ We decided to publish a new wanted notice and add a reward, because we believed that in the absence of reports, someone had taken him “, said Jessieca Graham-Hollingsworth.
2 weeks after the disappearance of teddythe family received the call they had hoped for; on the other end of the phone, a resident told them that he had just found him on private property, near the campsite. The couple jumped in the car, taking the newborn girl, and drove to the indicated location in the company of an animal officer.
The latter “ advised me not to call himsays the dog's mistress. She told me to shine a flashlight on my face. As soon as I did, he looked at me, then looked at the lady who also had a flashlight, and there you could see in her eyes: “That's my human.” And he rushed at me “.
If he lost almost 8 kilograms, teddy was generally in good health. He now has plenty of time to regain his strength and weight at home, but also to get to know the baby.
KYTV
Woopets advice: how to approach a dog found after a long runaway?
A dog that has been wandering for several days may be in “survival mode”, therefore disoriented, stressed or suspicious, even towards its owner. A bad approach risks making him flee again. It is rather advisable to:
- Do not systematically call his name: this can cause excitement or confusion if he is under stress.
- Adopt a neutral posture: crouch slightly, avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements.
- Use a familiar landmark: the smell you carry yourself, a soft voice or even a familiar object (blanket, toy, etc.) can reassure him.
- Letting him come to you: this is often the most effective method to avoid a reflex escape.
- Light up your face if necessary: as in the case of teddyallowing the dog to clearly identify its human can trigger recognition.
- Secure quickly without rushing: once contact has been established, calmly put the leash on to avoid any further escape.