A pet going missing is one of the most difficult things a pet parent can face.
While wandering pets often return home of their own accord after a while (perhaps after we leave a few of the best dog treats out), or we get contacted by a vet or well-meaning passerby, it doesn’t make that the situation is any less painful in the moment.
One Florida family were left searching for their dog for over a week before being reunited with the pup, but they’re still looking for an explanation from the veterinary clinic she went missing from.
Dog mom Cari Clark told local news outlet ABC Action News, “She’s our baby. She’s my daughter’s baby, my daughter is only 10 years old. I don’t think I will ever forget my daughter’s reaction when I had to tell her what happened.”
She explained that she’d noticed their French Bulldog, Gracie, seemed unwell, dealing with a lot of neck pain and finding it difficult to walk. So, on January 22 she left her at Specialists in Companion Animal Neurology, a veterinary clinic specializing in neurological issues.
The following morning, Gracie was expected to have an MRI scan and potentially a surgical procedure, so when Ms Clark received a call from the vet she thought they’d simply be checking in with her.
In contrast, Ms Clark revealed that the doctor said their vet tech took the one-year-old pup outside to go to the bathroom before her procedure, but she escaped. The family began searching local businesses and neighborhoods, even hiring a drone company to help.
While the clinic also helped to look for Gracie and contacted other nearby clinics, Ms Clark said that she hadn’t seen surveillance footage from them, and didn’t understand why Gracie was outside to begin with given that she’d already been prepped for surgery and had an IV and catheter.
In a statement from hospital director Heather Birkhimer, she said: “We are deeply concerned about the recent incident involving Gracie, a cherished member of her family who got loose while in our care. Our team has been actively supporting the search and remains fully committed to bringing her home safely. The wellbeing of every pet entrusted to us is our highest priority, and we are doing everything possible to assist in this effort. We are a team of dedicated caregivers, and our commitment to compassionate, high-quality care remains unwavering.”
Fortunately, Gracie was found alive near the vet clinic eight days later on January 31. While it was the outcome the family hoped for, Clark said, “For this to be something that just didn't have to happen is really giving us all a hard time.”
The family had experienced a difficult few months, losing their home in Hurricane Milton, and Clark described Gracie as a “huge emotional support” for them all.
While we hope you’ll never have to deal with a missing dog, knowing how to find a lost dog is extremely useful to know. And, if you’re on the other side of things, here’s what to do if you find a lost dog.
