Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thankful on the West Coast
Hi all - just wanted to thank everyone who was out there today while I am out here on the West Coast for work. It's tough to be so far away - actually this girl behind me on the plane started singing the theme song to American Tail and I was pretty close to losing it on the plane. Not sure where that random song came from. Anyway - no Rocky calls today.... will keep you posted about tomorrow.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Rocky Activities This Weekend
As I mentioned - I have to leave town for business tomorrow. For this weekend, there are still volunteer activities that we could use people for. If you have questions or will be running late but want to attend, please call Sonia at 703-587-7655. Here is the scoop:
"Meet at East Falls Church metro in the parking lot on Saturday around 1100 and again on Sunday. The goal on Sat is to paper the area south of Lee from EFC to Ballston. On Sunday, we will pick up where we left off north of Lee and move east over Glebe. On both days, we will tackle the strip mall parking lots in the west Arlington/EFC area."
Starting on Monday, one of the people Rocky is closest too in the world will be managing the blog and the search for me until either Rocky or me returns home - her name is Jessika. She will be posting her contact info.
For any of my friends that know Rocky - let me know if you want me to put you on the sighting call list for response while I am away.
"Meet at East Falls Church metro in the parking lot on Saturday around 1100 and again on Sunday. The goal on Sat is to paper the area south of Lee from EFC to Ballston. On Sunday, we will pick up where we left off north of Lee and move east over Glebe. On both days, we will tackle the strip mall parking lots in the west Arlington/EFC area."
Starting on Monday, one of the people Rocky is closest too in the world will be managing the blog and the search for me until either Rocky or me returns home - her name is Jessika. She will be posting her contact info.
For any of my friends that know Rocky - let me know if you want me to put you on the sighting call list for response while I am away.
25 Things About Rocky
There is this thing going around Facebook right now of people writing notes of 25 Random Things about themselves and then sending it to other people so they can do the same thing. I couldn't think of 25 things about myself since, well, I'm just not that interesting... But I communicated telepathically with Rocky last night and he wanted to do one. So here are the 25 random things he came up with while hanging (sn)out somewhere between home and Falls Church (not quite the moon and New York City - but sure feels that way)
1. My name when adopted was Tirith.
2. Daddy changed my name to Rocky after a Pittsburgh Steeler player, Rocky Bleier.
3. My full name is Rocky Dawg Bleier
4. Rocky Bleier wore #20 for the Steelers. My Steelers jersey is a #10. So I'm a half sized Rocky Bleier.
5. Daddy also calls me Schtockomunn, The Munn, Little Guy, Baby Dog, and Stupid. All out of love.
6. I love cheese. And I can sense the opening of a cheese package from across the apartment while completely asleep. It takes me .3 seconds to appear in the kitchen next to Daddy when he is opening cheese.
7. Daddy put a padlock on his fridge to stop me from eating what was inside. I have taken deli meat, cheese, Thanksgiving turkey, leftover pizza, Indian food, and a bottle of grated parmesan cheese out of the fridge in the past for my enjoyment.
8. Daddy tried to give me beer once and I didn't like it. We aren't completely alike me and him.
9. My speak commands are "Holla Back Poochie", "Here we Go Steelers here we go" (2 barks), and "Do you want Sexy Girl Dogs".
10. Daddy can hold a treat above his head while standing and I can jump up and take it from his fingers.
11. I took agility class as a puppy and I was either the best in the class or the worst in the class depending on how you looked at it. When I wanted too, I was the fastest dog through the course. When there was something fun to sniff, I would veer off the course with no hope of getting back on.
12. I love finding fun stuff to sniff.
13. If you come into our house, the first thing I will do is grab my done and show it to you. Cause it's the best bone ever.
14. Fetch only works for me for the first throw. After that, it's more fun for you to chase me all over god's creation then for me to bring it back to you. What's the challenge in that? Retrievers are so dumb sometimes.
15. The first time I saw my reflection in a pool, I fell in. That was also the first time I went in water. Now I love going swimming.
16. I have escaped from 4 different apartments that Daddy has lived in.
17. I also have escaped from 6 different crates.
18. Daddy bought this collapsible crate that had no inner opening mechanism in his last attempt to put me in a crate so he could fly me cross country when we moved in 2006. I figured out how to collapse the crate and wriggle myself out anyway. Daddy is so stupid.
19. As a result of the above, Daddy traded in his convertible for an SUV and we drove cross country together. I peed on 11 different states- but none was more fun then peeing on the Salt flats in Utah!
20. Daddy probably should have named me Houdini.
21. My favorite thing to do when being scratched is to stick my face in the ground and put my rump in the air and then bend in half like a rubber band. It's a good thing I'm mostly muscle cause otherwise I'm sure that would hurt.
22. Daddy has sent me to 6 different daycares.
23. I don't like Falls Church very much and I want to return home.
24. My Daddy Misses me very much.
25. Please help me get home in any way you can.
1. My name when adopted was Tirith.
2. Daddy changed my name to Rocky after a Pittsburgh Steeler player, Rocky Bleier.
3. My full name is Rocky Dawg Bleier
4. Rocky Bleier wore #20 for the Steelers. My Steelers jersey is a #10. So I'm a half sized Rocky Bleier.
5. Daddy also calls me Schtockomunn, The Munn, Little Guy, Baby Dog, and Stupid. All out of love.
6. I love cheese. And I can sense the opening of a cheese package from across the apartment while completely asleep. It takes me .3 seconds to appear in the kitchen next to Daddy when he is opening cheese.
7. Daddy put a padlock on his fridge to stop me from eating what was inside. I have taken deli meat, cheese, Thanksgiving turkey, leftover pizza, Indian food, and a bottle of grated parmesan cheese out of the fridge in the past for my enjoyment.
8. Daddy tried to give me beer once and I didn't like it. We aren't completely alike me and him.
9. My speak commands are "Holla Back Poochie", "Here we Go Steelers here we go" (2 barks), and "Do you want Sexy Girl Dogs".
10. Daddy can hold a treat above his head while standing and I can jump up and take it from his fingers.
11. I took agility class as a puppy and I was either the best in the class or the worst in the class depending on how you looked at it. When I wanted too, I was the fastest dog through the course. When there was something fun to sniff, I would veer off the course with no hope of getting back on.
12. I love finding fun stuff to sniff.
13. If you come into our house, the first thing I will do is grab my done and show it to you. Cause it's the best bone ever.
14. Fetch only works for me for the first throw. After that, it's more fun for you to chase me all over god's creation then for me to bring it back to you. What's the challenge in that? Retrievers are so dumb sometimes.
15. The first time I saw my reflection in a pool, I fell in. That was also the first time I went in water. Now I love going swimming.
16. I have escaped from 4 different apartments that Daddy has lived in.
17. I also have escaped from 6 different crates.
18. Daddy bought this collapsible crate that had no inner opening mechanism in his last attempt to put me in a crate so he could fly me cross country when we moved in 2006. I figured out how to collapse the crate and wriggle myself out anyway. Daddy is so stupid.
19. As a result of the above, Daddy traded in his convertible for an SUV and we drove cross country together. I peed on 11 different states- but none was more fun then peeing on the Salt flats in Utah!
20. Daddy probably should have named me Houdini.
21. My favorite thing to do when being scratched is to stick my face in the ground and put my rump in the air and then bend in half like a rubber band. It's a good thing I'm mostly muscle cause otherwise I'm sure that would hurt.
22. Daddy has sent me to 6 different daycares.
23. I don't like Falls Church very much and I want to return home.
24. My Daddy Misses me very much.
25. Please help me get home in any way you can.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan. 28 Update - Potential Sighting
Around 4:30 pm today a woman saw a 50 lb. black dog with a white tip on it's tail running down the street from her living room window. Because she only caught a quick glimpse of the dog she was unable to confidently confirm any other of the dog's characteristics either positively or negatively as they regard to Rocky. We did put food in her yard to see if the dog returned. The sighting was at Jefferson and 22nd st - not too far from the 2 weekend sightings. While none of these have been confirmed Rocky sightings, it is obvious that some dog that looks somewhat like Rocky is hanging (sn)out in that area. So let's do what we can to get that dog, whether it is Rocky or not, to a safe place.
A few people were able to put some posters up in that area this evening - but I do think we need to have several people out to flyer that area between Lee Highway and Washington Boulevard. From Patrick Henry to Washington Boulevard I noticed it was heavily residential with a lot of space between houses - meaning lots of space for a pooch to roam.
The weather remains blechful (translation: full of blech) but the precipitation is so little that Rocky might be on the hunt for food and water. If you have time to volunteer for postering tomorrow during the day or evening please feel free to email rockydab@yahoo.com or testerdesp@yahoo.com to get thoughts on where to go.
I do want to reiterate for those people searching to conduct their searches in silence and act as non-threatening as possible if they see Rocky. Calling him, chasing him, or engaging him in any manner will very likely spook him and drive him out of the area.
Hope to have some more news tomorrow. Thanks again everyone.
A few people were able to put some posters up in that area this evening - but I do think we need to have several people out to flyer that area between Lee Highway and Washington Boulevard. From Patrick Henry to Washington Boulevard I noticed it was heavily residential with a lot of space between houses - meaning lots of space for a pooch to roam.
The weather remains blechful (translation: full of blech) but the precipitation is so little that Rocky might be on the hunt for food and water. If you have time to volunteer for postering tomorrow during the day or evening please feel free to email rockydab@yahoo.com or testerdesp@yahoo.com to get thoughts on where to go.
I do want to reiterate for those people searching to conduct their searches in silence and act as non-threatening as possible if they see Rocky. Calling him, chasing him, or engaging him in any manner will very likely spook him and drive him out of the area.
Hope to have some more news tomorrow. Thanks again everyone.
Poster in Spanish available
Please go to www.helpfindrocky.com to find. There are also several other versions of flyers, business cards, and posters available for whatever purpose you could use them for.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jan. 27 Update - Let's Go Home Rocky
I can't believe the calender is getting close to February which means it'll soon be 1 month since I've last seen my baby. It may well have been the longest month of my life - and it's probably good I haven't really given myself time yet to breath it all in. I have this constant nagging feeling that I am forgetting something - but in reality the nagging thing is that I'm always remembering. With the weather today I was reminded how Rocky was always so confused when snow fell. He would typically hide in my closet and would stay far away from where he could see outside.
His reaction when the snow was done falling was quite different. I was very curious how he would react to snow when we moved cross country in 2006. Rocky had never seen snow until that winter (he was 5) - and the first time I took him out in it, he started sniffing and pawing at the snow. After about 2 minutes of this, he looked at me and got into his play "stance". And after that it was just on... he would frolic around, running amuck, zig zagging with no real destination in mind... and really the only that would eventually slow him down was the "Let's Go Home" command that he knew meant it was time to leave or go inside. I really hope he'll be outside somewhere once the snow stops falling since it gave him such joy.
There were no new sightings today - not surprising considering I don't think he would have been out much on day like this. Please continue the volunteer efforts for all those that have taken the time to contact me or Nancy (testerdesp@aol.com). Thanks for all that have given their time or donated (and I do promise to thank you all personally very soon).
Let's Go Home Rocky. Let's Go Home...
His reaction when the snow was done falling was quite different. I was very curious how he would react to snow when we moved cross country in 2006. Rocky had never seen snow until that winter (he was 5) - and the first time I took him out in it, he started sniffing and pawing at the snow. After about 2 minutes of this, he looked at me and got into his play "stance". And after that it was just on... he would frolic around, running amuck, zig zagging with no real destination in mind... and really the only that would eventually slow him down was the "Let's Go Home" command that he knew meant it was time to leave or go inside. I really hope he'll be outside somewhere once the snow stops falling since it gave him such joy.
There were no new sightings today - not surprising considering I don't think he would have been out much on day like this. Please continue the volunteer efforts for all those that have taken the time to contact me or Nancy (testerdesp@aol.com). Thanks for all that have given their time or donated (and I do promise to thank you all personally very soon).
Let's Go Home Rocky. Let's Go Home...
Snowy Day Assignments
Hi there -
We have a number of snowy day things we need people to do if you even have a half hour to spare. Most of them involve research, list compilation, or other things you just need a computer to do. Contact Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you can with your contact info. Thanks,
Rocky's Dad
We have a number of snowy day things we need people to do if you even have a half hour to spare. Most of them involve research, list compilation, or other things you just need a computer to do. Contact Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you can with your contact info. Thanks,
Rocky's Dad
Monday, January 26, 2009
Jan. 26 Update
We had two sighting calls today - one at the intersection of Hillwood and Annandale near 7 corners. After a little follow up on the sighting, we have determined the dog seen was likely not Rocky since the guy calling in believed the dog he saw was "long haired".
The second call was from midnight last night (Sunday) - which means the woman did not get a good view of the dog. She did visit this blog after seeing Rocky's poster in the post office today and did think there were some basic characteristics of what she saw being a match for Rocky after looking at the pictures on the site. This sighting was at the corner of Lee Highway and George Mason, which isn't too far from the Saturday sighting. This would put Rocky in that area 2 nights in a row.
A few things we need:
- Postering/Flyering at the shaded areas on the map
- Posters/Flyers in Spanish. Anyone who speaks Spanish willing to do this?
- Calls to radio stations - if you are willing to help with this, please write daphne.levitas@gmail.com
Also, we are currently creating a volunteer list to help when we need to make calls for volunteers for searches or other activities. In addition, I also have the unfortunate circumstance of having to go out of town for one week for work starting this Saturday. As a result, it would be good to have as many possible hands on deck if Rocky is still missing by then. If you would like to be on this list, please send a note to testerdesp@aol.com and copy rockydab@yahoo.com with the Subject "Rocky volunteer". Please include your name and phone number in the message.
An amusing Rocky anecdote before I head off to bed: it hasn't surprised me in the slightest that Rocky has been running full speed in most of his sightings. Rocky actually really only has two speeds - stop and torpedo... based on the fact that he's like a little torpedo when he's running full speed towards things. One time when the Munn was a puppy, he was playing with a bunch of people in the common area of the housing complex with we lived in. One girl had on these fuzzy slippers that Rocky kept going after. Finally, she lost one and Rocky wasted no time in picking it up and racing around the common area full speed with it. One of the exits to this common area was a sliding glass door that led out to the courtyard - well, not realizing the door was closed Rocky torpedo'd himself full speed into the glass door. He immediately dropped the slipper, put his ears back, looked at me and started wagging his tail like he was in trouble. He wasn't dazed or hurt in the slightest. And that's my Rocky: resilient, resourceful, and durable... all things he's proven as much as ever over the last 3 + weeks.
The second call was from midnight last night (Sunday) - which means the woman did not get a good view of the dog. She did visit this blog after seeing Rocky's poster in the post office today and did think there were some basic characteristics of what she saw being a match for Rocky after looking at the pictures on the site. This sighting was at the corner of Lee Highway and George Mason, which isn't too far from the Saturday sighting. This would put Rocky in that area 2 nights in a row.
A few things we need:
- Postering/Flyering at the shaded areas on the map
- Posters/Flyers in Spanish. Anyone who speaks Spanish willing to do this?
- Calls to radio stations - if you are willing to help with this, please write daphne.levitas@gmail.com
Also, we are currently creating a volunteer list to help when we need to make calls for volunteers for searches or other activities. In addition, I also have the unfortunate circumstance of having to go out of town for one week for work starting this Saturday. As a result, it would be good to have as many possible hands on deck if Rocky is still missing by then. If you would like to be on this list, please send a note to testerdesp@aol.com and copy rockydab@yahoo.com with the Subject "Rocky volunteer". Please include your name and phone number in the message.
An amusing Rocky anecdote before I head off to bed: it hasn't surprised me in the slightest that Rocky has been running full speed in most of his sightings. Rocky actually really only has two speeds - stop and torpedo... based on the fact that he's like a little torpedo when he's running full speed towards things. One time when the Munn was a puppy, he was playing with a bunch of people in the common area of the housing complex with we lived in. One girl had on these fuzzy slippers that Rocky kept going after. Finally, she lost one and Rocky wasted no time in picking it up and racing around the common area full speed with it. One of the exits to this common area was a sliding glass door that led out to the courtyard - well, not realizing the door was closed Rocky torpedo'd himself full speed into the glass door. He immediately dropped the slipper, put his ears back, looked at me and started wagging his tail like he was in trouble. He wasn't dazed or hurt in the slightest. And that's my Rocky: resilient, resourceful, and durable... all things he's proven as much as ever over the last 3 + weeks.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Jan. 25 - Weather and Under the Weather
We had a good group of volunteers today that managed to heavily poster the surrounding areas to where Rocky was potentially seen on Saturday night. I didn't get any further sighting calls today. I just was out in that area tonight with a flashlight checking out some parks and a schoolground, and like many of the other areas where he has been sighted, there are just a lot of places for a Munn to hide, stay warm, and perhaps even get food and water.
I managed to catch a little cold myself somehow - probably not unrelated to the amount of time I've spent outside in the cold recently. I looked at the weather over the next couple days and it does seem that it could potentially snow throughout the course of the week - until Thursday. Tomorrow evening there are "flurries" in the forecast, but it may be our only day before late in the week to get out and stay mostly dry. If you have the time tomorrow - please send me an email at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 and I'll give you thoughts on where we could use people. Thanks - Rocky's Dad.
I managed to catch a little cold myself somehow - probably not unrelated to the amount of time I've spent outside in the cold recently. I looked at the weather over the next couple days and it does seem that it could potentially snow throughout the course of the week - until Thursday. Tomorrow evening there are "flurries" in the forecast, but it may be our only day before late in the week to get out and stay mostly dry. If you have the time tomorrow - please send me an email at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 and I'll give you thoughts on where we could use people. Thanks - Rocky's Dad.
Postering/Search Efforts Continue
If you have time today, please call me at 703-593-1040 or Sonia at 703-587-7655.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Possible Sighting and Weekend Update
Hi there - I just returned from investigating a possible sighting of Rocky on Florida St and 26th road. The woman said she encountered the dog and tried to get his attention. She threw a treat in the direction of the dog. The dog grabbed the treat and then ran down Florida towards Lee Highway. The woman's son said that the dog looked like the one he had seen on a poster - so the woman went and found the poster and called me. I gave her the link to the site and pointed out the pictures of Rocky - she seemed very confident that it was him, and it was definitely a match in color (tri-colored), size, and a white tip on the tail. One thing she also said was that she didn't think this dog was wearing a collar - which means if it was him, Rocky may have lost his collar.
If you look on a map, you'll notice this possible sighting is in Arlington, actually not to far from Rocky's home. This would be the first sighting that is actually back towards home for him. So perhaps he has a better understanding of his bearings.
Thanks to the 14 people who came out yesterday and 15 people who came today to help with the postering and searching effort. Rocky's cute mug is plastered everywhere it seems. Although there is nothing organized, I know there will be people out postering and searching tomorrow - including around this new possible sighting area. Call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you have the time to join them.
If you look on a map, you'll notice this possible sighting is in Arlington, actually not to far from Rocky's home. This would be the first sighting that is actually back towards home for him. So perhaps he has a better understanding of his bearings.
Thanks to the 14 people who came out yesterday and 15 people who came today to help with the postering and searching effort. Rocky's cute mug is plastered everywhere it seems. Although there is nothing organized, I know there will be people out postering and searching tomorrow - including around this new possible sighting area. Call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you have the time to join them.
Updated Slide Show
My baby was 54 pounds when he began his trip. The slide show (scroll down) has more pictures now. I haven't seen many dogs ever that have looked much like the Munn - so hopefully will help clarify ongoing "probable" sigthings.
My Baby Dog
Hi all - thanks to everyone who put in time and effort yesterday. I know because of your time I will get a call today. Will be at 6804 Walnut St, the corner of Walnut and N. Oak at noon today. Feel free to call if you can get out at other times today or if you will be late.
No new Rocky sightings from yesterday. He is being incognito apparently. See the slide show (scroll to bottom) for the menace my love can be.
No new Rocky sightings from yesterday. He is being incognito apparently. See the slide show (scroll to bottom) for the menace my love can be.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Possible Sighting and Weekend Activities
Hi there -
So I received a call yesterday from a woman who believes she saw Rocky in her backyard on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Although this sighting was in Falls Church, it is about 2-3 miles from his previous sightings - however being that it's been a week since he was definitively seen, it is possible he moved that far out of the area. I still think he'll eventually circle back to the other areas, but we will likely focus some of our attention today and tomorrow in that area. The address of the sighting was 6110 Aura Court which is off of Route 7 (this new sighting is indicated on the sighting map). Rocky was heading towards a St. Anthony's Church apparently. No word if he took communion.
We will still meet tonight between 6 and 7 pm at the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. I have a lot of posters and will bring tape and other supplies. Please bring any extra flashlights, leashes, tape, staple guns, thumbtacks, or plastic sleeves you might have. If you are the searching type, you may want to bring cheese, deli meat, or something other yummy to dogs.
Tomorrow at noon we can meet at one of our volunteers house which is at the corner of N. Oak and Walnut closer to the West Falls Church metro. Sonia - I don't have your exact address so if you want to post it below that would be helpful.
We also could use some volunteers to help canvass the metro parking lots and pass out flyers at rush hour. Are there any high school or college students reading this blog that would be willing to help out for this? Contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 if interested. I can compensate you for your time.
Looking forward to seeing a lot of people out tonight and tomorrow. Hope is in the beautiful air right now - please help Rocky complete his journey home.
So I received a call yesterday from a woman who believes she saw Rocky in her backyard on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am. Although this sighting was in Falls Church, it is about 2-3 miles from his previous sightings - however being that it's been a week since he was definitively seen, it is possible he moved that far out of the area. I still think he'll eventually circle back to the other areas, but we will likely focus some of our attention today and tomorrow in that area. The address of the sighting was 6110 Aura Court which is off of Route 7 (this new sighting is indicated on the sighting map). Rocky was heading towards a St. Anthony's Church apparently. No word if he took communion.
We will still meet tonight between 6 and 7 pm at the Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School. I have a lot of posters and will bring tape and other supplies. Please bring any extra flashlights, leashes, tape, staple guns, thumbtacks, or plastic sleeves you might have. If you are the searching type, you may want to bring cheese, deli meat, or something other yummy to dogs.
Tomorrow at noon we can meet at one of our volunteers house which is at the corner of N. Oak and Walnut closer to the West Falls Church metro. Sonia - I don't have your exact address so if you want to post it below that would be helpful.
We also could use some volunteers to help canvass the metro parking lots and pass out flyers at rush hour. Are there any high school or college students reading this blog that would be willing to help out for this? Contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or text 703-593-1040 if interested. I can compensate you for your time.
Looking forward to seeing a lot of people out tonight and tomorrow. Hope is in the beautiful air right now - please help Rocky complete his journey home.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Rocky Activities over the next few days
So a few Rocky things for Friday and Saturday:
Friday noon - ???: Flyering in Falls Church Area - please contact Nancy and TesterDesp@aol.com for details.
Friday 6 pm - 9 pm: Postering/Searching for Rocky. Meet between 6-7 pm at the parking lot at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043). Please call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you will attend or show up between the scheduled time. If you will be late, please let me know.
Saturday noon - 4pm: Searching in Falls Church Area - meeting location TBD. I will send an update on this tomorrow.
I haven't received any new sightings based on the last couple days activities, which has me disappointed by not disheartened. He still is out there somewhere. And it is possible he moved out of the area, but as all breed experts have explained, he likely will circle back and return at some point. Hopefully soon since the weather has turned for the better.
Please continue to post suggestions and ideas. I read them all and just don't have time to respond to all. But just know that every option is under consideration. And thanks to all who have sent along there support for Rocky and me. It is much appreciated and it is what keeps me strong and hopeful that this will have a happy ending.
Friday noon - ???: Flyering in Falls Church Area - please contact Nancy and TesterDesp@aol.com for details.
Friday 6 pm - 9 pm: Postering/Searching for Rocky. Meet between 6-7 pm at the parking lot at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School (7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043). Please call or text me at 703-593-1040 if you will attend or show up between the scheduled time. If you will be late, please let me know.
Saturday noon - 4pm: Searching in Falls Church Area - meeting location TBD. I will send an update on this tomorrow.
I haven't received any new sightings based on the last couple days activities, which has me disappointed by not disheartened. He still is out there somewhere. And it is possible he moved out of the area, but as all breed experts have explained, he likely will circle back and return at some point. Hopefully soon since the weather has turned for the better.
Please continue to post suggestions and ideas. I read them all and just don't have time to respond to all. But just know that every option is under consideration. And thanks to all who have sent along there support for Rocky and me. It is much appreciated and it is what keeps me strong and hopeful that this will have a happy ending.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Jan 21 - Rocky Come Home Please
For a variety of reasons, I expected myself to be happier this week. For one reason and one reason only - my feelings and emotions have been tempered. Every moment seems a little surreal and any sort of extreme happiness is just not an option. Putting my keys in my front door, I still wait to hear the jingling of a collar and the sniff of a snout. Walking past my bedroom, I still peek in to see whether Rocky has pulled my sheets of my bed, my clothes out of my hamper, or some other Munn like mischeif. I still fill and clean his water bowl every couple days out of habit. I can't believe that I haven't seen my best friend in 18 days... It's been way to long since we have hung (sn)out.
With the weather turning better in the next couple days, I hope Rocky will become visible and he can finally come home to where he belongs. At this point, the next organized search will be on Friday evening - we can meet between 6-7 pm at a location TBD (only because I want to see if we get a sighting over the next couple days). Please feel free to search on your own using the sightings map as a guide. Later today, I will have the map updated with shaded areas that still could use some postering. Also later today, I will be initiating a third "findtoto" (http://www.findtoto.com/) calling that will originate from the area where he was potentially seen on Sunday night.
We still could use volunteers during the day to poster the soon to be shaded areas on the map and also to hand out business cards and flyers to foot traffic at the metros. Also, please continue to distribute the business cards to local businesses, dog walkers, and other places where they may be put to use. If getting out of your house or work is not an option - please check the top 10 list of ways you can help spread the word from heated comfort that has been posted a couple times. And last, if you can't give your hands or time, you can donate to the Help Find Rocky fund by using the button on your right. Every little bit that I get allows me to make quicker and better decisions on what to do next in the search.
I remain hopeful and confident that my baby is still out there somewhere looking for home. I know he needs whatever help he can get to complete his journey. Please help him in any way you can.
With the weather turning better in the next couple days, I hope Rocky will become visible and he can finally come home to where he belongs. At this point, the next organized search will be on Friday evening - we can meet between 6-7 pm at a location TBD (only because I want to see if we get a sighting over the next couple days). Please feel free to search on your own using the sightings map as a guide. Later today, I will have the map updated with shaded areas that still could use some postering. Also later today, I will be initiating a third "findtoto" (http://www.findtoto.com/) calling that will originate from the area where he was potentially seen on Sunday night.
We still could use volunteers during the day to poster the soon to be shaded areas on the map and also to hand out business cards and flyers to foot traffic at the metros. Also, please continue to distribute the business cards to local businesses, dog walkers, and other places where they may be put to use. If getting out of your house or work is not an option - please check the top 10 list of ways you can help spread the word from heated comfort that has been posted a couple times. And last, if you can't give your hands or time, you can donate to the Help Find Rocky fund by using the button on your right. Every little bit that I get allows me to make quicker and better decisions on what to do next in the search.
I remain hopeful and confident that my baby is still out there somewhere looking for home. I know he needs whatever help he can get to complete his journey. Please help him in any way you can.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Rocky Slide Show
Scroll to the bottom of the page. Thank you Jessika for putting this together... I know you miss him almost as much as I do.
Jan 19 Update and today, Inauguration Day
Hi all - yesterday I had numerous potential sightings of Rocky, several of which turned out to be 2 other dogs that had gotten loose last night (but are now safely at home). I did get one possible sighting of a dog that might have been Rocky seen on Sunday night (not last night) around 7 pm near the intersection of Arthur and Woodley (which is near West St. and Route 7). One of our volunteers, Sonia, went to that area and in her flyering and search efforts spoke with dog walkers who confirmed sightings of a dog on Sunday night in the area that may have been Rocky.
A couple things: this area is actually a little further out then Rocky has been seen in. However, being that we haven't had a definitive sighting of Rocky in several days, it is completely possible that he was pushed out of the area and it wouldn't be at all out of the realm of possibility for him to travel that distance - maybe a mile south from some of his sightings. We do not have that area postered heavily (I postered some of the intersections myself over a week ago but that and what Sonia did last night are the only posters in that area).
So taking all that into consideration, here are the steps I would like to take today:
1) If you have time to get out and poster/search/business card during the day, that would be a great area to start in.
2) There should be some traffic at the metros today cause of inauguration - it would be great for volunteers to be near the 2 metro stations handing out business cards to the foot traffic.
3) Organized canvass/search tonight starting in the area of the possible sighting on Sunday night and extending up towards his other sightings.
If you are able to help out with any or all of the above, please contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or call 703-593-1040. I, unlike many folks, do have to work today - so you can also email Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you are able to volunteer, especially for tonight's search. I know Rocky is still out there but he needs your help to get home. I'm obviously borrowing a phrase from someone here, but today seems like an appropriate day to put it to use - let's bring Rocky home... YES WE CAN! Please help today....
A couple things: this area is actually a little further out then Rocky has been seen in. However, being that we haven't had a definitive sighting of Rocky in several days, it is completely possible that he was pushed out of the area and it wouldn't be at all out of the realm of possibility for him to travel that distance - maybe a mile south from some of his sightings. We do not have that area postered heavily (I postered some of the intersections myself over a week ago but that and what Sonia did last night are the only posters in that area).
So taking all that into consideration, here are the steps I would like to take today:
1) If you have time to get out and poster/search/business card during the day, that would be a great area to start in.
2) There should be some traffic at the metros today cause of inauguration - it would be great for volunteers to be near the 2 metro stations handing out business cards to the foot traffic.
3) Organized canvass/search tonight starting in the area of the possible sighting on Sunday night and extending up towards his other sightings.
If you are able to help out with any or all of the above, please contact me at rockydab@yahoo.com or call 703-593-1040. I, unlike many folks, do have to work today - so you can also email Nancy at testerdesp@aol.com if you are able to volunteer, especially for tonight's search. I know Rocky is still out there but he needs your help to get home. I'm obviously borrowing a phrase from someone here, but today seems like an appropriate day to put it to use - let's bring Rocky home... YES WE CAN! Please help today....
Monday, January 19, 2009
What we can do today
Hi there - we have new poster versions on www.helpfindrocky.com of Rocky that includes his full body. Might be good to start spreading these around as another option. If there are people not working today or tomorrow, there should be a lot of foot traffic around the metros. We should have people out handing out flyers and business cards to people at the metro stations. It's been a few days since Rocky's last sighting, but I'm sure he will pop up again very soon. I'm reposting the top 10 list of things to do for Rocky for those that might have time today but are unable to get out of the house:
1. Ask local chat board/communities to post on their site
2. Yahoo Groups by Area and ask moderator to post on their site
3. Google area groups and ask them to post
4. Contact Students at local colleges (Mason and Marymount)
5. Poster at local colleges (posters available at www.helpfindrocky.com)
6. Communication to Vets outside of Falls Church (call or fax a poster)
7. Communication to local business (call or fax a poster)
8. Contact Falls Church Dog Walkers
9. Call Area Pet Stores or fax a poster
10. Reach out to Media sources to tell Rocky’s story
The communication to vets, etc. outside of the area might be vital today since we need to consider the possibility that Rocky has moved outside the area at this point. As always, whatever you decide to do, please post in the comments section so we don't duplicate efforts. I'll be out in the West Falls Church area tonight looking for Rocky - if you want to come help or join, call or text 703-593-1040. For those that have been leaving food out and staking it out - please make sure you dispose of the food once you are done. Also, please make sure you are watching the food from a healthy distance.. if you are congregating around the food, Rocky will probably never approach it. Thanks again for everyone's help - Rocky's Dad.
1. Ask local chat board/communities to post on their site
2. Yahoo Groups by Area and ask moderator to post on their site
3. Google area groups and ask them to post
4. Contact Students at local colleges (Mason and Marymount)
5. Poster at local colleges (posters available at www.helpfindrocky.com)
6. Communication to Vets outside of Falls Church (call or fax a poster)
7. Communication to local business (call or fax a poster)
8. Contact Falls Church Dog Walkers
9. Call Area Pet Stores or fax a poster
10. Reach out to Media sources to tell Rocky’s story
The communication to vets, etc. outside of the area might be vital today since we need to consider the possibility that Rocky has moved outside the area at this point. As always, whatever you decide to do, please post in the comments section so we don't duplicate efforts. I'll be out in the West Falls Church area tonight looking for Rocky - if you want to come help or join, call or text 703-593-1040. For those that have been leaving food out and staking it out - please make sure you dispose of the food once you are done. Also, please make sure you are watching the food from a healthy distance.. if you are congregating around the food, Rocky will probably never approach it. Thanks again for everyone's help - Rocky's Dad.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mocha and Volunteers
Hi all - first, Mocha has been found! Which makes Rocky the next to come home. Please do what you can to help find him.
If you want to volunteer for something send an email to Nancy at TesterDesp@aol.com and she has some ideas/thoughts for things people can help with aside from what I have listed on this blog. It's hard for me to respond/follow through on everything posted here, so she can act as a secondary volunteer coordinator.
Still have a good amount of posters and business cards if anyone needs them. Some business owners, pet stores, and vets have allowed us to put a small stack of business cards on their counters. So as you are going by those establishments or any others that look like they might allow it, you can walk in and ask if they will display them. Hopefully people will take them as they are walking out.
It's warmer today - so I do think Rocky will be out and about eventually! Let's make sure there are eyes looking for him. Thanks again everyone - Rocky's Dad.
If you want to volunteer for something send an email to Nancy at TesterDesp@aol.com and she has some ideas/thoughts for things people can help with aside from what I have listed on this blog. It's hard for me to respond/follow through on everything posted here, so she can act as a secondary volunteer coordinator.
Still have a good amount of posters and business cards if anyone needs them. Some business owners, pet stores, and vets have allowed us to put a small stack of business cards on their counters. So as you are going by those establishments or any others that look like they might allow it, you can walk in and ask if they will display them. Hopefully people will take them as they are walking out.
It's warmer today - so I do think Rocky will be out and about eventually! Let's make sure there are eyes looking for him. Thanks again everyone - Rocky's Dad.
Mocha, Rocky, Donating, and Today
Hi all - I received a note of another dog that was lost in the Falls Church area on Friday. I do not know of the current status of the search - so if one of the Homeward Trails folks who mentioned it to me wants to add it in the comments section, that would be great. The dog, Mocha, is a mocha colored 40 pound pit bull with very short hair. It would be unlikely that you would confuse the two if you came across on or the other. In any case, if you do see Mocha, please call 703 966 7559 (this is the owner's number).
Rocky apparently has found some warmth in this cold since he has made himself scarce. It's possible that he has found food sources and there were places in the area where water wasn't frozen.
I could use any hands, legs, and eyes to continue to be on the lookout for Rocky today. I have business cards and flyers for people to hand out - call me if you want to pick them up: 703-593-1040. I also have area maps and can tell people what areas would be useful to go. Also, would be helpful to check out all the parks, school grounds, and the bike trail between the two metros today - for postering and searching purposes
I added a link for people to donate to the Help Find Rocky fund. Anything I receive will be put towards any of the costs associated with bringing Rocky home - if there is any money leftover, it will be donated to the SPCA and Homeward Trails. Do not feel obligated to give, of course. The purpose is more to give those who are unable to donate their time another way to be involved in bringing Rocky home.
Off to brave the cold once again - it's that much easier to do knowing that Rocky has been braving it for over 2 weeks now. Please help get him home soon in any way you can.
Rocky apparently has found some warmth in this cold since he has made himself scarce. It's possible that he has found food sources and there were places in the area where water wasn't frozen.
I could use any hands, legs, and eyes to continue to be on the lookout for Rocky today. I have business cards and flyers for people to hand out - call me if you want to pick them up: 703-593-1040. I also have area maps and can tell people what areas would be useful to go. Also, would be helpful to check out all the parks, school grounds, and the bike trail between the two metros today - for postering and searching purposes
I added a link for people to donate to the Help Find Rocky fund. Anything I receive will be put towards any of the costs associated with bringing Rocky home - if there is any money leftover, it will be donated to the SPCA and Homeward Trails. Do not feel obligated to give, of course. The purpose is more to give those who are unable to donate their time another way to be involved in bringing Rocky home.
Off to brave the cold once again - it's that much easier to do knowing that Rocky has been braving it for over 2 weeks now. Please help get him home soon in any way you can.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Jan 17 Update
No new sightings and nothing new from the shelters, animal control, vets, or DOT today. Which is good news and bad news depending of course. Seems like a lot of people were out trying to get some eyes on Rocky - thanks to everyone for doing that. I'll be out at some point tonight again in the area. If you want/need posters or business cards, just call me and I can arrange to meet you somewhere to pick them up.
Yesterday was supposed to be the coldest day - so if Rocky made it through that one (as I'm sure he did), he should be good to make it through until we find him. It's possible he took warm shelter for the duration yesterday and didn't make it out at all.
We will be setting up a third feeding station today near Tuckahoe park (thanks to Debbie for finding us space). Please look at the list below and contact me if you can help with any of those items. Thanks again,
Rocky's Dad
Yesterday was supposed to be the coldest day - so if Rocky made it through that one (as I'm sure he did), he should be good to make it through until we find him. It's possible he took warm shelter for the duration yesterday and didn't make it out at all.
We will be setting up a third feeding station today near Tuckahoe park (thanks to Debbie for finding us space). Please look at the list below and contact me if you can help with any of those items. Thanks again,
Rocky's Dad
Friday, January 16, 2009
Things Rocky Could Use
Some of these involve time. Some involve donations. But here is a list of things needed to execute the Bring Rocky Home plan as crisply as possible:
1. He needs folks to monitor feeing stations at least 2x a day.
2. He needs someone to check on the cameras at least 2x times a day and swap out the memory cards at least 1x time per day.
3. He needs one additional feeding station location, close to where a sightings have been (this has to be on private property).
4. He needs access to traps (I think a few people have volunteered traps - please email me)
5. He needs two additional outdoor dog houses and insallation for them
6. He needs additional outdoor heated water bowls (there is one in Tenleytown that could be used if someone can pick it up)
If you are willing to help with any of these, please contact me via email. If you can think of anything else that he could use, feel free to offer it.
Also, please get out and continue to spread the word about Rocky in the areas near where he has been sighted. Make sure you iterate to people that he is skittish so the most important thing is to not scare him off and to call me as soon as possible. The business cards work great for this since they wouldn't have to run and go find my number somewhere (although the flyers do appear to be everywhere).
The pet tracker suggested another option that I think might work: if you have a sterno and a can of beef stew, you can set the beef stew to cook and let the smell permeate the area and watch silently and quietly from the warmth car. If he's nearby, he would likely come check something like that out (I would place it somewhere off the beaten path a little of course - and please don't start any forest or house fires!). You are all doing an amazing job for my Rocky. Keep it up and he'll be home soon.
1. He needs folks to monitor feeing stations at least 2x a day.
2. He needs someone to check on the cameras at least 2x times a day and swap out the memory cards at least 1x time per day.
3. He needs one additional feeding station location, close to where a sightings have been (this has to be on private property).
4. He needs access to traps (I think a few people have volunteered traps - please email me)
5. He needs two additional outdoor dog houses and insallation for them
6. He needs additional outdoor heated water bowls (there is one in Tenleytown that could be used if someone can pick it up)
If you are willing to help with any of these, please contact me via email. If you can think of anything else that he could use, feel free to offer it.
Also, please get out and continue to spread the word about Rocky in the areas near where he has been sighted. Make sure you iterate to people that he is skittish so the most important thing is to not scare him off and to call me as soon as possible. The business cards work great for this since they wouldn't have to run and go find my number somewhere (although the flyers do appear to be everywhere).
The pet tracker suggested another option that I think might work: if you have a sterno and a can of beef stew, you can set the beef stew to cook and let the smell permeate the area and watch silently and quietly from the warmth car. If he's nearby, he would likely come check something like that out (I would place it somewhere off the beaten path a little of course - and please don't start any forest or house fires!). You are all doing an amazing job for my Rocky. Keep it up and he'll be home soon.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Jan 15 Update - Another Possible Sighting
Well - this is getting almost comical. For the 2nd night in a row and 4th time overall - I got a Rocky sighting call literally right after I got home from Falls Church. And for the 2nd night in a row, he was in an area that I had been mere blocks from less then an hour earlier. I'm not sure if this is a coincidence or not.
A gentleman who is a friend of a friend called me saying he saw a dog dart across Lee Highway at Underwood. He couldn't get a good description of the dog, but he said the basics matched what could have been Rocky. He had been following along on the blog so he was aware that Rocky was missing. The sighting was actually only a couple blocks from one of the feeding stations we had set up - however the dog was moving the opposite direction of the feeding station (it's possible he was coming from the station perhaps).
We do now have 2 full feeding stations set up in the Falls Church area with cameras. It has been suggested to set up a third if possible - so if you live close to where one of the sightings and are willing to offer your yard, please send me an email.
I am not scheduling any organized search for tomorrow based on the advice of the pet rescue experts I have been working with - however, feel free to flyer, hand out business cards, and look for my baby whenever you have the time. I still have posters and business cards that I can give you - just give me a call. Since the sightings have been exclusively at night this week, the thought is that Rocky has become nocturnal (less noise, distraction for a skittish dog to get food during the night). So I'll probably be doing late night drives in the Falls Church area. If there is anyone who is nocturnal like Rocky and would like to join for midnight drives, feel free to contact me. I'll be going out most nights since it's not like I've been getting to sleep early anyway.
Thanks to all who came out tonight - there were 7 of us in the area. Tomorrow is supposed to be the coldest day since Rocky went missing, so I hope my baby is somewhere warm tonight. Please think of him while you are snug in your bed and do what you can to help spread the word about bringing him home tomorrow.
A gentleman who is a friend of a friend called me saying he saw a dog dart across Lee Highway at Underwood. He couldn't get a good description of the dog, but he said the basics matched what could have been Rocky. He had been following along on the blog so he was aware that Rocky was missing. The sighting was actually only a couple blocks from one of the feeding stations we had set up - however the dog was moving the opposite direction of the feeding station (it's possible he was coming from the station perhaps).
We do now have 2 full feeding stations set up in the Falls Church area with cameras. It has been suggested to set up a third if possible - so if you live close to where one of the sightings and are willing to offer your yard, please send me an email.
I am not scheduling any organized search for tomorrow based on the advice of the pet rescue experts I have been working with - however, feel free to flyer, hand out business cards, and look for my baby whenever you have the time. I still have posters and business cards that I can give you - just give me a call. Since the sightings have been exclusively at night this week, the thought is that Rocky has become nocturnal (less noise, distraction for a skittish dog to get food during the night). So I'll probably be doing late night drives in the Falls Church area. If there is anyone who is nocturnal like Rocky and would like to join for midnight drives, feel free to contact me. I'll be going out most nights since it's not like I've been getting to sleep early anyway.
Thanks to all who came out tonight - there were 7 of us in the area. Tomorrow is supposed to be the coldest day since Rocky went missing, so I hope my baby is somewhere warm tonight. Please think of him while you are snug in your bed and do what you can to help spread the word about bringing him home tomorrow.
Australian Cattle Dogs, Rocky, and Tonight
Hi all - For any of you who want to know about breeds like Rocky (and why he is proving to be so elusive) you can start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog. Key things of note is their stamina, intelligence, and high tolerance for discomfort. All these things are what is keeping Rocky going at top speed, safe, and comfortable enough in the cold weather even after 11 days. All these things are also what is making him elusive. I can tell you for certain that my Munn has exhibited all of these behaviours in his 7 years to me. I often wonder what the heck he's doing sometime when he's messing around in my bedroom, but there usually is a reason for all of his behaviors (like selectively pulling out the warmer clothes from my hamper to make a bed with). As a working dog, surviving outdoors for long periods of time actually might be very instinctual for him.
It appears he did not visit the feeding stations last night, but we also don't know if he has managed to find some other food source that he hasn't exhausted yet. We'll be setting up a camera hopefully and perhaps a third food station tonight.
I would like to do another Silent Search tonight for anyone who would like to come out. We will start it later in the evening since it appears Rocky has become someone nocturnal (which is natural from what I hear). Please follow the rules from last night again:
- No Yelling For Rocky
- Move Through the Area Slowly
- Only use flashlights to search yards, under cars, backyards for movement
- If you see Rocky, remain calm and don't startle him in anyway - either turn and walk away or play dead or something else non-threatening - to keep him in the area until I can get there
Let's start in the parking lot for Tuckahoe Elementary tonight between 7:15 - 8:15 pm at 26th and Tuckahoe. Call or text at 703-593-1040. I still have flyers and business cards and maps to hand out. Thank you - Rocky's Dad.
It appears he did not visit the feeding stations last night, but we also don't know if he has managed to find some other food source that he hasn't exhausted yet. We'll be setting up a camera hopefully and perhaps a third food station tonight.
I would like to do another Silent Search tonight for anyone who would like to come out. We will start it later in the evening since it appears Rocky has become someone nocturnal (which is natural from what I hear). Please follow the rules from last night again:
- No Yelling For Rocky
- Move Through the Area Slowly
- Only use flashlights to search yards, under cars, backyards for movement
- If you see Rocky, remain calm and don't startle him in anyway - either turn and walk away or play dead or something else non-threatening - to keep him in the area until I can get there
Let's start in the parking lot for Tuckahoe Elementary tonight between 7:15 - 8:15 pm at 26th and Tuckahoe. Call or text at 703-593-1040. I still have flyers and business cards and maps to hand out. Thank you - Rocky's Dad.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Jan 14 Update - Possible Sighting
Hi all - thanks to all who came out for the Silent Search tonight. We had 12 people that I know of show - and I believe a few others were out on their own searching. We also set up two feeding stations for Rocky - thank you Sonia and Linda for use of your yards and Debbie for use of your camera. I ended up getting home shortly after 10:15 - only to get a call 15 minutes later about a possible Rocky sighting near Grove and Mt. Daniel (pretty close to where he was last Wednesday). The person who saw the dog was unsure whether it was Rocky since the dog took off as soon as he got near - but it definitely seems like a decent possibility based on his description of what he saw and the fact that the dog ran off as fast as possible.
As a reminder I urge anyone reading this blog to not try and approach Rocky if they see him. Your best bet is to be as non-threatening as possible to keep him in the area until I can get there. Once he runs off he could be all the way across town in 10 minutes. So I suggest either turning and walking away and calling me. Or trying what was suggested before and lying down or sitting down and crying.
Whether or not that was my baby, I do feel that Rocky was in the area and hopefully we will find out for sure with these feeding stations (the one with the camera was actually only 2 blocks or so from where the possible sighting happened). It's been one long night after another for me at this point, but I do feel we are getting close to bringing him home. I think the silent search is still our best bet so if people want to search the area again tomorrow, we can try something similar.
For those people who will be in the area during the day... I have business cards that I can leave for you nearby my condo. Just text me and I'll let you know where. Thanks again to all those who braved the cold tonight for my baby dog. I just wish he realized how many friends and friendly souls are out there trying to help him complete his journey.
As a reminder I urge anyone reading this blog to not try and approach Rocky if they see him. Your best bet is to be as non-threatening as possible to keep him in the area until I can get there. Once he runs off he could be all the way across town in 10 minutes. So I suggest either turning and walking away and calling me. Or trying what was suggested before and lying down or sitting down and crying.
Whether or not that was my baby, I do feel that Rocky was in the area and hopefully we will find out for sure with these feeding stations (the one with the camera was actually only 2 blocks or so from where the possible sighting happened). It's been one long night after another for me at this point, but I do feel we are getting close to bringing him home. I think the silent search is still our best bet so if people want to search the area again tomorrow, we can try something similar.
For those people who will be in the area during the day... I have business cards that I can leave for you nearby my condo. Just text me and I'll let you know where. Thanks again to all those who braved the cold tonight for my baby dog. I just wish he realized how many friends and friendly souls are out there trying to help him complete his journey.
Silent Search and Canvass Tonight
Hi all - I want to thank everyone for all the information and suggestions they have given me. I want to assure you I have heard basically every strategy in the book at this point on how to bring a lost dog home. I am trying to use that information and what I know about Rocky to make the best judgments about bringing him home. At this point I am overwhelmed with information, tips, strategies, and advice on what to do. So if I do not respond to your suggestions, it's not because I am ignoring them - it is just impossible for me to respond to everything.
After having thought through everything, I do think that having an organized search of people combing the area and yelling for Rocky might drive him out of the area instead of bringing him home - which is what we don't want. His last couple sightings have almost been by accident it seems, rather then him making himself visible to people. So considering this information it is improbable that he would run up to anyone (perhaps even me) by simply yelling his name.
So here is a basic list of rules for tonight:
- No Yelling for Rocky
- If you See Rocky, turn and walk in another direction and call me. He may follow you. You can also attempt the lying down thing Ashley suggested. The important thing would be to do something that will keep him in the area until I can get there rather then scare him so he runs off.
- Move through the area slowly. Use flashlights only to peer under decks or backyards.
While we are keeping our eyes out for Rocky, let's try and do a concentrated, perhaps even door to door effort in the areas near where he has been seen and near 66, of handing out flyers and business cards. I will bring stacks of each (if people have scissors to cut the business cards, that would help). I am going to be setting up 3 feeding stations in the area for Rocky that will hopefully allow us to pin his whereabouts down further.
Appreciate all those coming out tonight. Let's all meet in the parking lot of the Mount Daniel Elementary School (2328 N. Oak St.). I'll stay in that area from 6:30-7:30 to hand out flyers and business cards and to give instructions. Please let me know if you will be later then than that time frame. As always, call or text 703-593-1040 or email rockydab@yahoo.com.
After having thought through everything, I do think that having an organized search of people combing the area and yelling for Rocky might drive him out of the area instead of bringing him home - which is what we don't want. His last couple sightings have almost been by accident it seems, rather then him making himself visible to people. So considering this information it is improbable that he would run up to anyone (perhaps even me) by simply yelling his name.
So here is a basic list of rules for tonight:
- No Yelling for Rocky
- If you See Rocky, turn and walk in another direction and call me. He may follow you. You can also attempt the lying down thing Ashley suggested. The important thing would be to do something that will keep him in the area until I can get there rather then scare him so he runs off.
- Move through the area slowly. Use flashlights only to peer under decks or backyards.
While we are keeping our eyes out for Rocky, let's try and do a concentrated, perhaps even door to door effort in the areas near where he has been seen and near 66, of handing out flyers and business cards. I will bring stacks of each (if people have scissors to cut the business cards, that would help). I am going to be setting up 3 feeding stations in the area for Rocky that will hopefully allow us to pin his whereabouts down further.
Appreciate all those coming out tonight. Let's all meet in the parking lot of the Mount Daniel Elementary School (2328 N. Oak St.). I'll stay in that area from 6:30-7:30 to hand out flyers and business cards and to give instructions. Please let me know if you will be later then than that time frame. As always, call or text 703-593-1040 or email rockydab@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Jan 14 Update
Hi all - quick update cause it's late. A lot of people monitored the areas indicated in the blog - more then I can probably count, but no one came across Rocky. I myself walked from the WFC metro down to Tuckahoe park and then back up again calling his name. Part of me wonders if he took a day trip somewhere. A quick island getaway perhaps? Perhaps he went and explored the wonders of McLean? Anyway - I know he is still out there somewhere.
For tomorrow, I would like to conduct a similar search, but would like to see if we could have it a little more organized. If you think you can make it, let me know, and I will assign groups of two to certain roads that are indicated. I think we need to spread ourselves out in the area to have the best chance of encountering Rocky.
Thanks to Ashley for the following tip: she suggests that if someone came across Rocky they could attempt to either play dead or sit down and start crying. Rocky may come over and check to see what was up if you did one of those two things which would give you a small window of opportunity to grab him. I do warn you - Rocky is strong and flexible... holding him there for a long period of time would be very difficult. So I would suggest also making sure you have a leash with you. Oh - a couple people have inquired about Rocky's size - he is 54 pounds.
Anyway - although I am disappointed that Rocky would not come out to see us tonight, I am not discouraged. We'll find my baby tomorrow. Thanks again all who came out tonight.
For tomorrow, I would like to conduct a similar search, but would like to see if we could have it a little more organized. If you think you can make it, let me know, and I will assign groups of two to certain roads that are indicated. I think we need to spread ourselves out in the area to have the best chance of encountering Rocky.
Thanks to Ashley for the following tip: she suggests that if someone came across Rocky they could attempt to either play dead or sit down and start crying. Rocky may come over and check to see what was up if you did one of those two things which would give you a small window of opportunity to grab him. I do warn you - Rocky is strong and flexible... holding him there for a long period of time would be very difficult. So I would suggest also making sure you have a leash with you. Oh - a couple people have inquired about Rocky's size - he is 54 pounds.
Anyway - although I am disappointed that Rocky would not come out to see us tonight, I am not discouraged. We'll find my baby tomorrow. Thanks again all who came out tonight.
Flyers, Business Cards available for download
For those coming tonight or just in general, www.helpfindrocky.com has posters and business cards available for download. The business cards are good to hand to dog walkers, etc. - something they can carry around with them in case they see Rocky. BTW- I do appreciate all the suggestions and I apologize for not being able to respond to all of them. I am willing and have considered trying everything. And actually have tried most and at least researched all.
Hope to see a lot of people out tonight. Call me with questions. I also have posters if you need them.
Hope to see a lot of people out tonight. Call me with questions. I also have posters if you need them.
Search for Rocky tonight
If you have time and are willing to be on car, foot, or bike - I would appreciate it if you would attempt to patrol the Falls Church area this evening. The more people that are on foot the better, but the more eyes that are out there the better. Several of Rocky's sightings have been between 4pm and 8pm so if we have people monitoring that area in that time, I think we have a chance of spotting him again. You would want to keep my cell handy of course if you do. I will be on foot myself in the area. You would want to stay near 66 as I really have a hunch he is trying to do the same. Basically, the list of roads below is a guide of the main roads between the EFC and WFC metro that are near 66. Try and stay on these roads as long as the roads is within 3-4 blocks of route 66. Make sure you go into neighborhoods and check in lawns, woods, or backyards where possible. Use and print the sightings map at the street level to make it easy.
Roads To Patrol (remember - the areas within a few blocks to 66 only and the adjacent neighborhoods, not the entire street):
Sycamore St.
Washington Blvd
Lee Highway
Underwood St
Westmoreland
Williamsburg
Meridian
Great Falls
Highland
Leesburg Pike
Good stuff to have with you:
My cell number: 703-593-1040 and a cell phone. :)
A Leash (I have a couple extras)
Dog Treats or Cheese or Deli Meat
Posters and Plastic Sleeves (and either tape or a staple gun)
Flashlight
Warm Clothing
Hope
Let's bring my baby home tonight.
Roads To Patrol (remember - the areas within a few blocks to 66 only and the adjacent neighborhoods, not the entire street):
Sycamore St.
Washington Blvd
Lee Highway
Underwood St
Westmoreland
Williamsburg
Meridian
Great Falls
Highland
Leesburg Pike
Good stuff to have with you:
My cell number: 703-593-1040 and a cell phone. :)
A Leash (I have a couple extras)
Dog Treats or Cheese or Deli Meat
Posters and Plastic Sleeves (and either tape or a staple gun)
Flashlight
Warm Clothing
Hope
Let's bring my baby home tonight.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Updated Sighting Map
Thanks to Cary Silverman again - especially for putting the Munn on the map. Literally.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114974815979925284183.00045fd8e936d2b5e374b&ll=38.883684,-77.127113&spn=0.07924,0.181961&z=13
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114974815979925284183.00045fd8e936d2b5e374b&ll=38.883684,-77.127113&spn=0.07924,0.181961&z=13
Jan 12 Update - 2 New Sightings!
So, Rocky decided to play a little game of cat and mouse with me tonight apparently. He was seen twice in the evening - by one women who saw a poster and by one women who had my number from one of the findtoto calls. So what we are doing is working to spread the word, we need to keep it up.
The first sighing was on the softball fields behind Tuckahoe Elementary School in Tuckahoe park. A couple had their dog off leash in the park and Rocky went over and said hi to the dog. When the woman noticed Rocky wasn't with an owner she tried to coax him over, but when Rocky saw her he turned and ran up the street behind Bishop Connell high school. A few minutes later the couple saw the poster and called me.
Before I was even done investigating that sighting, another woman called me and said her daughter had just seen Rocky on the corner of Williamsburg and Yucatan. The girl apparently got pretty close to Rocky, but the Rocky went and scampered down the street heading West down Williamsburg towards North West St. I was there within 10 minutes and ran through the neighborhood calling for him with no response until I got back to the Mt. Daniel Elementary school. From there I made the short walk to the West Falls Church metro. I think I have a good understanding now how easily Rocky can go back and forth in between the two metro stations so quickly. Especially when he doesn't really have to stick to the roads.
I am encouraged that he allowed himself to be seen twice tonight. I hope this means he might be getting closer to letting someone help him on his journey home. We've updated the sightings map (which I noticed was closing in on 7,000 views! Thank you everyone!) - one thing that immediately strikes me is the proximity of almost all the sightings to Route 66 (the one outlier being on Day 1). If you add in the sightings that were actually on Route 66 (something he's obviously learned not to do again thankfully), it seems he is choosing to stay within earshot of that road. Which might not be too much of a coincidence since I live right off of Route 66 in Ballston. So it's just unfortunate that he hasn't started moving in this direction and all. I would recommend at least until we get another outlier that people concentrate their postering and searching efforts over the next couple days to the areas within a couple blocks of Route 66.
Special thanks to Dallas, Anna, Jason, and Jenny for helping comb the neighborhoods following the sightings.
Part of me felt tonight that I was a a secret agent trailing a fugitive that keeps himself one step ahead of me. Who knew I had a dog who could be an elusive and cunning master criminal? Oh wait - never mind, the escapes and stealing food from my fridge probably should have had me realizing that awhile ago. Anyway - I feel like we are getting close. I need your help to get closer. Let's get my baby home soon.
The first sighing was on the softball fields behind Tuckahoe Elementary School in Tuckahoe park. A couple had their dog off leash in the park and Rocky went over and said hi to the dog. When the woman noticed Rocky wasn't with an owner she tried to coax him over, but when Rocky saw her he turned and ran up the street behind Bishop Connell high school. A few minutes later the couple saw the poster and called me.
Before I was even done investigating that sighting, another woman called me and said her daughter had just seen Rocky on the corner of Williamsburg and Yucatan. The girl apparently got pretty close to Rocky, but the Rocky went and scampered down the street heading West down Williamsburg towards North West St. I was there within 10 minutes and ran through the neighborhood calling for him with no response until I got back to the Mt. Daniel Elementary school. From there I made the short walk to the West Falls Church metro. I think I have a good understanding now how easily Rocky can go back and forth in between the two metro stations so quickly. Especially when he doesn't really have to stick to the roads.
I am encouraged that he allowed himself to be seen twice tonight. I hope this means he might be getting closer to letting someone help him on his journey home. We've updated the sightings map (which I noticed was closing in on 7,000 views! Thank you everyone!) - one thing that immediately strikes me is the proximity of almost all the sightings to Route 66 (the one outlier being on Day 1). If you add in the sightings that were actually on Route 66 (something he's obviously learned not to do again thankfully), it seems he is choosing to stay within earshot of that road. Which might not be too much of a coincidence since I live right off of Route 66 in Ballston. So it's just unfortunate that he hasn't started moving in this direction and all. I would recommend at least until we get another outlier that people concentrate their postering and searching efforts over the next couple days to the areas within a couple blocks of Route 66.
Special thanks to Dallas, Anna, Jason, and Jenny for helping comb the neighborhoods following the sightings.
Part of me felt tonight that I was a a secret agent trailing a fugitive that keeps himself one step ahead of me. Who knew I had a dog who could be an elusive and cunning master criminal? Oh wait - never mind, the escapes and stealing food from my fridge probably should have had me realizing that awhile ago. Anyway - I feel like we are getting close. I need your help to get closer. Let's get my baby home soon.
Working with a broken heart
It's been as hard as expected to be at work in Herndon with Rocky still missing - so I wanted to acknowledge those who spent some time today on the streets helping him: David, Ann, Jo, and probably others I am unsure of. Also thanks to those who were able to take time out of their busy days to make calls, forward this website on, or do other things to help Rocky get home.
My morning in itself involved a shaky moment - when I noticed a dead animal on the middle of 66 on my way to work. I sat on the side of the road staring at it trying to decide if it could possibly be my Rocky and to see if I could spot his collar amidst the entire mess. Finally I called work and said I would be late, and then called all the appropriate numbers (the smushed animal was in the middle of 66, so the only thing I could decipher was certain colors and size and that it was dog like) explaining that I was missing a dog and that I was staring at something that could be him, and I needed someone to come tell me for sure and I wasn't leaving until they did. Virginia State Patrol came by finally and sent someone into the roadway to tell me that I what I thought might have been Rocky was actually a fox (and therefore wouldn't be wearing a collar). The entire 45 minutes I was waiting I was thinking the entire time that this just was not the way my baby was meant to exit this world. He's way too smart, way too good, way too loved, and means way too much. So please, keep doing all you can to help him find his way back home. Thanks once again.
My morning in itself involved a shaky moment - when I noticed a dead animal on the middle of 66 on my way to work. I sat on the side of the road staring at it trying to decide if it could possibly be my Rocky and to see if I could spot his collar amidst the entire mess. Finally I called work and said I would be late, and then called all the appropriate numbers (the smushed animal was in the middle of 66, so the only thing I could decipher was certain colors and size and that it was dog like) explaining that I was missing a dog and that I was staring at something that could be him, and I needed someone to come tell me for sure and I wasn't leaving until they did. Virginia State Patrol came by finally and sent someone into the roadway to tell me that I what I thought might have been Rocky was actually a fox (and therefore wouldn't be wearing a collar). The entire 45 minutes I was waiting I was thinking the entire time that this just was not the way my baby was meant to exit this world. He's way too smart, way too good, way too loved, and means way too much. So please, keep doing all you can to help him find his way back home. Thanks once again.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Quick Jan. 11 Update and List of Area Schools
We did a lot more postering in the Falls Church area and even a bit beyond towards McLean today. The word is definitely getting out as I did get some calls and emails from people with possible info about Rocky's whereabouts. We did have a new sighting come in from earlier in the week that we've added to the sightings map. You'll see this one is also pretty near the West Falls Church metro. I was around in that area quite a bit today, and there is a lot of secluded quiet spots for a dog to take shelter and hide, so it wouldn't surprise me if he's found some "safe" areas around there. I did have a good feeling about one particular spot in the area and left some scent and food for him out that I will check on tomorrow night.
It's with a heavy heart that I have to return to my day job in Herndon tomorrow without Rocky being home yet. For those who have offered to be available in case he is spotted in Falls Church during the week, I do appreciate it. I also am grateful for those people who have time to get out and search or poster during the week. Feel free to call or email with suggestions on areas as I will try and be available on them as much as possible this week. For people looking for things to do at work, the Top 10 things to do on a Rainy Day post is still a good place to check.
Anothing thing I noticed is that he was seen near a few different schools at this point. School grounds would be a good place for a dog to hang out in the evenings, since it would empty out - but I would imagine that someone would have to have seen him in the morning. I want to thank Mac Mirchandani for putting the below list together of area schools. If you have the time or inclination, you can call on these schools tomorrow and ask them if they've seen a stray, tell them Rocky's story, and then ask if they will distribute the poster at least to the teachers. I personally will take the 3 schools Rocky was seen near (marked with a ****). If you do decide to call on any of the below, please make sure you indicate so in the comments section so we don't have 20 people calling the school for the same reason.
falls church high school
703.207.4000
(couldnt find fax)
jeb stuart high school
(703) 824-3900
(couldnt find fax)
****george mason high school
703.248.5500
fax: 703.248.5533
****Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
(703) 720-5700
(couldnt find fax)
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
(703) 248-5660
(couldnt find fax)
****Mount Daniel Elementary
(703) 248-5640
(couldn't find fax)
marshall high school
(703) 714-5400
(couldn't find fax)
McKinley Elementary School
703-228-5280
fax: 703-538-4982
Ashlawn Elementary Schoolý
(703) 228-5270
fax: 703-534-3685
Nottingham Elementary School
703-228-5290
fax: 703-228-2300
Tuckahoe Elementary School
(703) 228-5288
fax: 703-237-1548
Fairfax-Brewster Schoolý
703-671-5555
fax: ?
Saint Ann's
(703) 525-7599
fax: (703) 525-2687
Carlin Springs Elementary SchoolýAddress:
(703) 228-6645
fax: (703) 998-5341
It's with a heavy heart that I have to return to my day job in Herndon tomorrow without Rocky being home yet. For those who have offered to be available in case he is spotted in Falls Church during the week, I do appreciate it. I also am grateful for those people who have time to get out and search or poster during the week. Feel free to call or email with suggestions on areas as I will try and be available on them as much as possible this week. For people looking for things to do at work, the Top 10 things to do on a Rainy Day post is still a good place to check.
Anothing thing I noticed is that he was seen near a few different schools at this point. School grounds would be a good place for a dog to hang out in the evenings, since it would empty out - but I would imagine that someone would have to have seen him in the morning. I want to thank Mac Mirchandani for putting the below list together of area schools. If you have the time or inclination, you can call on these schools tomorrow and ask them if they've seen a stray, tell them Rocky's story, and then ask if they will distribute the poster at least to the teachers. I personally will take the 3 schools Rocky was seen near (marked with a ****). If you do decide to call on any of the below, please make sure you indicate so in the comments section so we don't have 20 people calling the school for the same reason.
falls church high school
703.207.4000
(couldnt find fax)
jeb stuart high school
(703) 824-3900
(couldnt find fax)
****george mason high school
703.248.5500
fax: 703.248.5533
****Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
(703) 720-5700
(couldnt find fax)
Thomas Jefferson Elementary
(703) 248-5660
(couldnt find fax)
****Mount Daniel Elementary
(703) 248-5640
(couldn't find fax)
marshall high school
(703) 714-5400
(couldn't find fax)
McKinley Elementary School
703-228-5280
fax: 703-538-4982
Ashlawn Elementary Schoolý
(703) 228-5270
fax: 703-534-3685
Nottingham Elementary School
703-228-5290
fax: 703-228-2300
Tuckahoe Elementary School
(703) 228-5288
fax: 703-237-1548
Fairfax-Brewster Schoolý
703-671-5555
fax: ?
Saint Ann's
(703) 525-7599
fax: (703) 525-2687
Carlin Springs Elementary SchoolýAddress:
(703) 228-6645
fax: (703) 998-5341
Commenting
Have enabled the ability for anyone to comment. Sorry, not the most technical person in the world so I wasn't aware of these wonderful things called "settings" for this blog. Still could use more postering volunteers: 703-593-1040. Also, the Top 10 things on a Rainy Day post should give ideas of things you may be able to do from your Internet, close to home. We'll have a few more ideas tomorrow.
Call 703-593-1040 if you have time to poster or search today
I am heading out to Falls Church to follow up on a possible lead now and will likely stay in the vicinity for a bit. I have posters and other supplies with me - you may want to bring scissors since I am running low on the tape with a cutter.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Jan 10 Update - Bring Home Rocky Day
Hi all - first off, thanks to the 12 extraordinary people who were willing to lend their time today before the rain hit (and some even after!) to help plaster the area where Rocky was last found with his posters. People were so thorough that I felt like I couldn't drive past two telephone poles without seeing Rocky's poster (a sight which gives me a balanced feeling of happiness and sadness right now). I have hope today's efforts will lead to more sightings and his eventual return. Funny, I always thought that Rocky could be a celebrity dog what with all the amazing shenanigans he's pulled throughout the years. Never thought he'd get known this way - hopefully we'll get him home soon enough to enjoy the spoils. For those that still want to poster, I still have a lot left, so feel free to call me. There are still some neighborhoods nearby where Rocky was lost that still could probably use more posters. Other options would be to start from the point where he was lost and travel 1 mile in a direction and make sure the areas in between have enough posters up too to make sure we got a good radius. We did do our daily calls with all the shelters, police, and animal control to see if Rocky was brought in or found otherwise with no luck (good or bad in this case). So he's still out there.
I'm not sure if people think I am being unrealistic or overly optimistic by thinking my Rocky is still out there - I'm not exactly sure how to respond to this since I've been doing the due diligence to find out about any dogs (even deceased) picked up by animal control, DOT, or the police. As anyone who is reading this blog who knows Rocky can attest too - he is about as brilliant a dog as there is on the planet and even before this week if someone would have asked mewho would have a better chance surviving in the "wild of Falls Church" for one week, Rocky or me - I, personally, would have bet on my dog. I'm sure he would have bet on himself too. I know he's probably just being too clever for his own good right now and I hope eventually he realizes that the best way to help himself get home is to let someone else help him. And that's why we need the posters. Without them, I'll probably go the rest of my days leaving the house with Rocky's leash in one pocket and his favorite bone in the other.
Hopefully we will have a Google map with shadings of areas that need to be postered soon. Otherwise, I can give you an idea of where to go.
I probably won't have an organized effort tomorrow since the forecast is up in the air, but please, anyone willing to brave the elements even for 30 minutes, feel free to give me a call. Every little bit you spend in the elements helps get him out of them sooner.
I'm not sure if people think I am being unrealistic or overly optimistic by thinking my Rocky is still out there - I'm not exactly sure how to respond to this since I've been doing the due diligence to find out about any dogs (even deceased) picked up by animal control, DOT, or the police. As anyone who is reading this blog who knows Rocky can attest too - he is about as brilliant a dog as there is on the planet and even before this week if someone would have asked mewho would have a better chance surviving in the "wild of Falls Church" for one week, Rocky or me - I, personally, would have bet on my dog. I'm sure he would have bet on himself too. I know he's probably just being too clever for his own good right now and I hope eventually he realizes that the best way to help himself get home is to let someone else help him. And that's why we need the posters. Without them, I'll probably go the rest of my days leaving the house with Rocky's leash in one pocket and his favorite bone in the other.
Hopefully we will have a Google map with shadings of areas that need to be postered soon. Otherwise, I can give you an idea of where to go.
I probably won't have an organized effort tomorrow since the forecast is up in the air, but please, anyone willing to brave the elements even for 30 minutes, feel free to give me a call. Every little bit you spend in the elements helps get him out of them sooner.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bring Rocky Home Day is January 10th
Not much else to report after the earlier message today. However, I've decided to declare tomorrow "Bring Rocky Home Day". We need a lot of people to poster in the Falls Church area - near where he was last spotted and along the main roads (see Twitter update or last blog for specific roads). Feel free to come pick up posters from me anytime - I currently am running short on plastic sleeves, but I will try and get more in the morning. There is wintery weather this weekend, so it would be important to poster with the sleeves. Hopefully if we get enough people out, we can have the area fully monitored so we will get a sighting of him and bring him back where he belongs. Call or text me if you want to help or if you need posters: 703-593-1040.
Pet Tracking Update
I spent some of this morning and afternoon with pet tracker Laura Totis and her dog Chewy trying to track Rocky's scent. Chewy did get some scents which were able to determine possible directions Rocky may have travelled, but overall, Laura seemed to think that Rocky was no longer in that immediate area (at least at that time). She did have a thought that he may have gone back on 66, which had me calling DOT again in a panic - but they still have no reports of dogs.
She made a few suggestions:
1) There is a public pool area that is deserted right now that she thinks Rocky may have chosen to take shelter near during the storm. I put some food out in that area and will go back tonight to put some of my clothing around and see if he returns.
2) She wanted to poster around that immediate area - especially leading out to the main roads. So if you are going to poster around today or the weekend please try and do as much as you can on intersections around Great Falls St, N. West St, Williamsburg, Leesburg Pike, Broad St. Haycock Road, and Lincoln Ave. If you do decide to do any of these, please indicate in the comments section so we know.
I still have plenty of posters - so feel free to call or text if you want to pick some up. And thanks again to everyone.
She made a few suggestions:
1) There is a public pool area that is deserted right now that she thinks Rocky may have chosen to take shelter near during the storm. I put some food out in that area and will go back tonight to put some of my clothing around and see if he returns.
2) She wanted to poster around that immediate area - especially leading out to the main roads. So if you are going to poster around today or the weekend please try and do as much as you can on intersections around Great Falls St, N. West St, Williamsburg, Leesburg Pike, Broad St. Haycock Road, and Lincoln Ave. If you do decide to do any of these, please indicate in the comments section so we know.
I still have plenty of posters - so feel free to call or text if you want to pick some up. And thanks again to everyone.
Sightings Map Updated
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114974815979925284183.00045fd8e936d2b5e374b
Most recent sighting is indicated with a flag. Again - thanks to Cary Silverman for this.
Most recent sighting is indicated with a flag. Again - thanks to Cary Silverman for this.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jan 8 - Update - We have a sighting!!!
So first the big news, Rocky was seen yesterday at 3 pm at Highland and Mt. Daniel near the West Falls Church Metro and Mt. Daniel Elementary school. The girl who saw him said that she tried to coax him over but he scurried under a fence and back towards some backyards. We will be going out with some tracking dogs tomorrow morning and start at that area. Keep your fingers crossed.
We had 8 more amazing people out postering for him all around the Falls Church area today. Rocky was also in 2 papers: the Falls Church News Press and the Examiner. We still need to keep spreading the word however. Please keep doing what you can - and any postering/contacting around the area where he was seen would be beneficial. I have about 400 posters, so if you have some time in your day and want to pick some up, just call me at 703-593-1040.
I knew in my broken heart that my baby was still out there somewhere and I am filled with hope that he will be returning home where he belongs soon. Thanks again everyone for all your help and support. Rocky could not make his journey without you.
We had 8 more amazing people out postering for him all around the Falls Church area today. Rocky was also in 2 papers: the Falls Church News Press and the Examiner. We still need to keep spreading the word however. Please keep doing what you can - and any postering/contacting around the area where he was seen would be beneficial. I have about 400 posters, so if you have some time in your day and want to pick some up, just call me at 703-593-1040.
I knew in my broken heart that my baby was still out there somewhere and I am filled with hope that he will be returning home where he belongs soon. Thanks again everyone for all your help and support. Rocky could not make his journey without you.
Re-Poster Falls Church Tonight
It appears that the rain washed away many of Rocky's posters, so I wanted to organize a search/poster gathering for Rocky tonight. Call or text me at 703-593-1040. We'll meet at the dog park at 16th and Roosevelt at 6:30 pm.
Rocky's story made the examiner: http://tinyurl.com/6sl9xg and also should be in the print version of the Falls Church News Press as well. So that should help to get the word out.
I spoke with a pet tracker yesterday and it looks like she'll be coming down to try and track Rocky tomorrow. It would help if we got a sighting before then to verify that he is still in the Falls Church area, so I need your help to continue spreading the word. The Top 10 list below is a good place to look for things that we can do for Rocky.
I want to thank everyone who has sent me mail about dogs that have been missing for days and then come back to their owners. I can't wait to be reunited with my Rocky. I've left everything in my apartment the way he left it so he knows for sure he's home when he comes back.
Rocky's story made the examiner: http://tinyurl.com/6sl9xg and also should be in the print version of the Falls Church News Press as well. So that should help to get the word out.
I spoke with a pet tracker yesterday and it looks like she'll be coming down to try and track Rocky tomorrow. It would help if we got a sighting before then to verify that he is still in the Falls Church area, so I need your help to continue spreading the word. The Top 10 list below is a good place to look for things that we can do for Rocky.
I want to thank everyone who has sent me mail about dogs that have been missing for days and then come back to their owners. I can't wait to be reunited with my Rocky. I've left everything in my apartment the way he left it so he knows for sure he's home when he comes back.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Update - January 7
Another long day with no sightings. I want to thank 3 friends, 2 dogs, and a handful of others who braved the rain to look for my Rocky today. I came back soaked and physically ill and alone again. Meanwhile Rocky is probably huddled somewhere warm waiting all this out - and us humans think we are the smart ones!
For those that keep asking - all the local shelters, animal control, and vets know about Rocky. In fact, when I called the AWLA this morning all I said was "I lost my dog on Saturday" and they knew it was about Rocky. I did hear one amazing story of Rocky being sighted on Route 66 on Saturday (he was sighted again on Sunday, so he survived this). Apparently he kept his route close to the barrier in the emergency lane. Not weaving in and out of traffic at all. It gives me hope that everyone who has seen him has said he has been keeping himself out of harms way. We did call all the local DOTs, and thankfully none of the crews have picked up a dog recently.
There is a list below of things we can do to help make people aware of Rocky's search for home. If you do happen to do anyway, make sure you comment hear so we can avoid duplicate effort. Some people have been curious as why this has been such a tragedy to me (non dog lovers of course). For those that don't understand - let me explain it this way: in the last 7 years, I've had one Rocky. I've also gone through 6 apartments, 4 cities, 2 states, 3 jobs, and 1 wife during that time. He's been my only stable rock... and me his as well. Thanks again all for helping him get back to where he belongs.
For those that keep asking - all the local shelters, animal control, and vets know about Rocky. In fact, when I called the AWLA this morning all I said was "I lost my dog on Saturday" and they knew it was about Rocky. I did hear one amazing story of Rocky being sighted on Route 66 on Saturday (he was sighted again on Sunday, so he survived this). Apparently he kept his route close to the barrier in the emergency lane. Not weaving in and out of traffic at all. It gives me hope that everyone who has seen him has said he has been keeping himself out of harms way. We did call all the local DOTs, and thankfully none of the crews have picked up a dog recently.
There is a list below of things we can do to help make people aware of Rocky's search for home. If you do happen to do anyway, make sure you comment hear so we can avoid duplicate effort. Some people have been curious as why this has been such a tragedy to me (non dog lovers of course). For those that don't understand - let me explain it this way: in the last 7 years, I've had one Rocky. I've also gone through 6 apartments, 4 cities, 2 states, 3 jobs, and 1 wife during that time. He's been my only stable rock... and me his as well. Thanks again all for helping him get back to where he belongs.
Top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day to Help Rocky Get Home
If you have the time/inclination/energy to act on these things:
1. Ask local chat board/communities to post on their site
2. Yahoo Groups by Area and ask moderator to post on their site
3. Google area groups and ask them to post
4. Contact Students at local colleges (Mason and Marymount)
5. Poster at local colleges (posters available at www.helpfindrocky.com)
6. Communication to Vets outside of Falls Church (call or fax a poster)
7. Communication to local business (call or fax a poster)
8. Contact Falls Church Dog Walkers
9. Call Area Pet Stores or fax a poster
10. Reach out to Media sources to tell Rocky’s story
1. Ask local chat board/communities to post on their site
2. Yahoo Groups by Area and ask moderator to post on their site
3. Google area groups and ask them to post
4. Contact Students at local colleges (Mason and Marymount)
5. Poster at local colleges (posters available at www.helpfindrocky.com)
6. Communication to Vets outside of Falls Church (call or fax a poster)
7. Communication to local business (call or fax a poster)
8. Contact Falls Church Dog Walkers
9. Call Area Pet Stores or fax a poster
10. Reach out to Media sources to tell Rocky’s story
Rocky, Rain, and Ideas
Hi all - the rain the last few days has me concerned about my Rocky, but when he is home with me in our condo and it's raining outside, he doesn't ever want to go out. He'll stick his snout at the door sniff and turn around. I'll have to drag him out to pee sometimes. Also, on rainy days, he'll hide in the bathroom - sometimes even the bathtub. So while I'm concerned about him being scared, cold, frightened, I know he has found some place he considers "safe" and is waiting this out. I'm sure he will be seen again. Soon.
Another thing is that I have gotten a lot of ideas. I can't execute on all of them, but I am willing to try anything. What I did want to do is start collecting a list of ideas of how we can improve getting the word out about Rocky or anything else. Current suggestions:
- Getting the word out to local schools and colleges, which we have started doing but could use some help from people at the schools in terms of postering for Rocky.
- Contact to vets outside of the general Falls Church area
- Communication to local businesses
Any other thoughts? E-mail me or post in the comments section and I'll keep adding to the list. Thanks again.
Another thing is that I have gotten a lot of ideas. I can't execute on all of them, but I am willing to try anything. What I did want to do is start collecting a list of ideas of how we can improve getting the word out about Rocky or anything else. Current suggestions:
- Getting the word out to local schools and colleges, which we have started doing but could use some help from people at the schools in terms of postering for Rocky.
- Contact to vets outside of the general Falls Church area
- Communication to local businesses
Any other thoughts? E-mail me or post in the comments section and I'll keep adding to the list. Thanks again.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Rocky Sightings Map
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114974815979925284183.00045fd8e936d2b5e374b
For those who are searching, this might be a good guide as to where he's been seen. One other thing to add - Australian Cattle Dogs like the Munn run in circular patterns. So while this is a good guide, if he is moving, he may be gradually expanding his radius.
For those who are searching, this might be a good guide as to where he's been seen. One other thing to add - Australian Cattle Dogs like the Munn run in circular patterns. So while this is a good guide, if he is moving, he may be gradually expanding his radius.
Update for January 6
No new sightings today, but millions of thanks you have helped get the word out. My goal is to make Rocky a mini-celebrity so it's impossible for him NOT to be spotted. Someone suggested that so as to not duplicate efforts, people try and post what they are trying to do for Rocky. Please try and leave what you do or plan to do for him in the comments section. So far today:
- We had numerous people and dog walkers circulate the area and try and get more posters up in the Wash Blvd and Lee Highway areas.
- Fliers posted at the Clarendon Metro at 430pm
- Fliers posted 3 fliers at the bus stops at the Ballston Metro
- Flyers posted at the my Giant at the Virginia Square Metro
- Signs by tomorrow in Clarendon is displaying Rocky flyer
- Outreach to Falls Church News-Press which will run on Thursday morning
- Posted on Rants/Raves on Craig's List
- Posted on Petfinder, FidoFinder, and Washington City Paper
- Posted on 2 News sites: NBC4 and WJLA
- 1500 Lost Toto Calls (second time using this service - first was on Sunday)
I am thrilled that so many people have quickly fallen in so much love with Rocky that they want to help him find his way home. I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks again.
- We had numerous people and dog walkers circulate the area and try and get more posters up in the Wash Blvd and Lee Highway areas.
- Fliers posted at the Clarendon Metro at 430pm
- Fliers posted 3 fliers at the bus stops at the Ballston Metro
- Flyers posted at the my Giant at the Virginia Square Metro
- Signs by tomorrow in Clarendon is displaying Rocky flyer
- Outreach to Falls Church News-Press which will run on Thursday morning
- Posted on Rants/Raves on Craig's List
- Posted on Petfinder, FidoFinder, and Washington City Paper
- Posted on 2 News sites: NBC4 and WJLA
- 1500 Lost Toto Calls (second time using this service - first was on Sunday)
I am thrilled that so many people have quickly fallen in so much love with Rocky that they want to help him find his way home. I couldn't have asked for more. Thanks again.
More About Rocky...
A few people have asked me if Rocky has ever ran off before... he has wandered off before, always when he hasn't been with me. He has always had separation anxiety issues - and his intelligence, athleticism, and persistence has caused me some headaches (all of the worth it) in the past. When he was a puppy - I bought 6 different types of crates all with different types of builds and opening mechanisms. He learned how to get out of all of them. He escaped out of every apartment I lived in too, until I finally realized that the only thing that I would feel comfortable with is a dual cylinder lock so he would need a key to get out. One time, an apartment complex manager in California called me at work to scold me for letting my dog out loose. I said I would never do that - but ran home to investigate anyway. Mind you, when I had left him that day, he was in my bedroom in a crate. Well - he got out of the crate, opened the bedroom door, opened the apartment door and then apparently had a good old time wandering the complex until the apartment manager found him. The apartment manager then chased him all the way back to my apartment where he ran back in and then closed the door in her face! And if this isn't amazing enough - after I told the story to some neighbors, I found out he did the same thing a few nights before while I was out to dinner (that time he was back in the apartment when I got home, so the only thing that was amiss was my front door was unlocked which I attributed to user error). I guess my point of the above story is this is how I know Rocky is looking to come home... while he may want to roam free when he's not with me, it was only to try and find me. And failing that, he'll just come home and wait for me. I always wondered what he thought when I left and why he would act out in these ways. Like, did he think I was never going to come back? That I was leaving him to be all alone forever? Well, if that is the way he felt, I can relate now. And I just don't know how much longer I can deal with looking for him and failing and coming home to an empty apartment.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Download a Flyer...
... at www.helpfindrocky.com. We'll be looking again tomorrow and in the evening. It is possible we may be using tracking dogs too. 703-593-1040 or rockydab@yahoo.com to contact me with leads regarding Rocky.
Other Ways to Help Bring Rocky Home
I've had a lot of people send emails to me saying they wish they could join the search. For those that might not be able to make it out in the area to look for him - here are some other things you can do - even some from thousands of miles away:
1) Post and distribute flyers in the Falls Church and Arlington area - at post offices, shops, vet clinics, churches, apt buildings and neighborhoods
2) Make sure UPS, FedEx and Postal folks who work in area all have a copy of his flyer
3) Community outreach to HOAs, apt buildings and community associations - emailing and faxing Rocky's flyer
4) Insuring lost pet registry's and web sites have Rocky's info posted
5) Following up with local shelters, humane groups and vets to insure they have Rocky's info up and available
6) Media outreach - local newspapers and newsletters
If you have more ideas of how people might be able to get nvolved - post them in the comment section below. Thanks!!
1) Post and distribute flyers in the Falls Church and Arlington area - at post offices, shops, vet clinics, churches, apt buildings and neighborhoods
2) Make sure UPS, FedEx and Postal folks who work in area all have a copy of his flyer
3) Community outreach to HOAs, apt buildings and community associations - emailing and faxing Rocky's flyer
4) Insuring lost pet registry's and web sites have Rocky's info posted
5) Following up with local shelters, humane groups and vets to insure they have Rocky's info up and available
6) Media outreach - local newspapers and newsletters
If you have more ideas of how people might be able to get nvolved - post them in the comment section below. Thanks!!
Jan 5 Update - Day 3
These 3 days have felt like a week for me - not sure how that time element works out for Rocky, but the good news is that he is still out there looking for his way home to his daddy. And his daddy is still looking for him. No new sightings today - but we did a tremendous amount of outreach to the community. People came with their dogs and helped searched for him and poster during the day. And then an amazing group of 16 people and 1 dog did an organized search and postering for Rocky this evening. So even though he wasn't seen today, we've improved the odds that he will be seen tomorrow and that will only bring us closer to getting my baby back home. I want to thank everyone who came out today for their help. And all those emails I have from people who have posted to their community groups, message boards, or postered on their own - I want to thank you all too. I regret not being able to each one personally, but please know each gesture is appreciated. And for all those out of towners offering their support, I just want to say thanks. This is a tough time for me - but it helps to know so many people are thinking of my Rocky Munn out there searching for his home.
For those willing to help poster or search
Best bet is to call or text me at 703-593-1040 since I will be away from the computer for the rest of the afternoon. If you want to help tonight or tomorrow email will work. You can also DOWNLOAD THE FLYER at www.helpfindrocky.com.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Sightings of Rocky
Sunday, January 4
5 pm Outside of Westlee Condos (Westmoreland and Lee Highway) heading down Westmoreland Ave towards East Falls Church metro (running really fast)
4:45 pm On Meridian St near Williamsburg
4:30 pm Crossing bridge at Lee Highway and Washington Boulevard
4 pm Near Giant at West Falls Church Metro (crossed street at crosswalk and then made right turn down sidewalk heading east)
Saturday, January 3
4 pm Heading Westbound on Eastbound side of Route 66 (running really fast in emergency lane close to barrier) around Westmoreland St. exit
3 pm Heading South on Ohio St. toward Wilson Boulevard crossing overpass for Route 66 (Running really fast)
2 pm Crossing Lee Highway at Washington Boulevard using crosswalk heading towards Arlington
10 am Near 800 block area of Ridge Place (near Roosevelt St)
9:30 am 15th and Roosevelt area (2 sightings)
3 am - Running really fast down Sycamore past East Falls Church metro. Lost sight after entrance to Route 66
5 pm Outside of Westlee Condos (Westmoreland and Lee Highway) heading down Westmoreland Ave towards East Falls Church metro (running really fast)
4:45 pm On Meridian St near Williamsburg
4:30 pm Crossing bridge at Lee Highway and Washington Boulevard
4 pm Near Giant at West Falls Church Metro (crossed street at crosswalk and then made right turn down sidewalk heading east)
Saturday, January 3
4 pm Heading Westbound on Eastbound side of Route 66 (running really fast in emergency lane close to barrier) around Westmoreland St. exit
3 pm Heading South on Ohio St. toward Wilson Boulevard crossing overpass for Route 66 (Running really fast)
2 pm Crossing Lee Highway at Washington Boulevard using crosswalk heading towards Arlington
10 am Near 800 block area of Ridge Place (near Roosevelt St)
9:30 am 15th and Roosevelt area (2 sightings)
3 am - Running really fast down Sycamore past East Falls Church metro. Lost sight after entrance to Route 66
Please Help Find Rocky
Rocky got spooked near the East Falls Church metro station at around 2 am on Saturday morning, January 3rd. He managed to free himself from the person walking him and took off as fast as he can to get away from a honking car horn. He's always been afraid of loud noises and is very timid. He's also very fast and as you will see most of the listed sightings, he has been running at full speed. It may be possible to get his attention with food - he LOVES cheese, deli meat, and dog treats. You can also try asking him if he wants Sexy Girl Dogs since that is his "Speak" command - but that might just get him more excited. Best chance might be to call him by his name, Rocky, or one of his nicknames "Rockystar", "Stockomunn", or "Munn". Loud noises or clapping is likely to spook him so that won't work. Please approach him carefully if he is in a high traffic area - from what I've heard he has been abiding by most pedestrian laws, but if he gets spooked he may jump into traffic. He is friendly to other dogs for the most part, so if you have one with you that might be an opportunity to get him to slow down for a bit. If found and returned safely or information is provided that leads to his return - I will give you a GENEROUS MONETARY REWARD no questions asked. ANY information on his whereabouts will help. Use the contact info above to contact me. Rocky is wearing an orange and blue collar with tags - however the address on the tags is still his California address. The phone number however still works - if you find him and don't have the number above, you can still call it and either leave a message or it will refer you to the number above.
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