News

Actions

Dog missing for nearly 4 months in the wilds of Hanover reunited with family

Posted at 7:05 PM, Mar 18, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-18 19:38:39-04

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. -- There is a happy ending for a Delaware family whose Thanksgiving trip to Hanover ended when their dog went missing.

After being lost in a rural part of the county for four months, a purebred Sheltie named “Flyer” was reunited with her owners this week.

The dog, was rescued from a shelter about four years ago, got away from her owner while she was visiting family in Hanover County in November.

After a couple of days of searching, Mary Martin and her son had to return home to Delaware without “Flyer.”

But many folks who live in Beaverdam kept up the search, along with Hanover Animal Control officers.

Author Kitty Lusby documented "Flyer's" incredible journey on her blog.

"I just witnessed a miracle in my little hometown of Beaverdam, Virginia. This is the story of Flyer the dog, her family, and a town that wouldn’t give up. Get your tissues ready. You’re going to need them," Lusby wrote.

The dog was sighted multiple times, but no one was able to get close enough to nab “Flyer.”

Then on Monday, nearly four  onths after she vanished, the Sheltie was finally captured and the reunited with her family.

"I think the community and social media plays a big part of retrieving pets back to their owners,” Jeff Parker, Chief of Hanover County Animal Control, said. “We always encourage folks if they are missing their pets, to please contact animal control, so we can do our procedures with “Lost Pet Reports” and doing our part retrieving the animal back to the rightful owner."

“Flyer” lost just over 12 pounds while she was in the wild, but a visit to an area veterinarian revealed she is in remarkably good condition considering she has been living in the wild for months.

As of Wednesday evening, CBS 6 News is happy to report “Flyer” is enjoying life back at her home in Delaware.