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.
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Stay positive. Patience will get Rocky home. I wolunteer my time to help people find their lost dogs. I wish I lived there because I would be there in a second to help. I was part of a group that found a dog after 3 months. The key is getting his picture out to as many people as possible. I wish you could get some urine of a female in heat and once you know Rocky is in the area set up a trap and drop the urine leading up to the trap. That's what finally worked for us getting the dog I was helping with. If you do decide to set up a trap just make sure it's set up so that Rocky doesn't realize he's going into a trap. Hoping and praying Rocky is sighted and home tonight.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say in my previous comment that someone that was also helping out with the lost dog ordered some stinky bait from Georgia. They say it's pretty good to put in the trap and dogs can smell it from miles. It was ordered from U-Spray Inc. in Lilburn, GA and the number is 1-800-877-7290. You might want to call them and ask them about it.
ReplyDeleteRocky - we are all praying for your safe return!!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lostapet.org/
ReplyDeleteThese dogs are specially trained to help find lost dogs like Rocky-all they need is his scent.
Unfortunately the "pet detective" closest to here is in Maryland.
I am praying for your safe return Rocky!
FYI - The Pet Detetcive you refernced is EXACTLY who has been used per Ravi's earlier posts
ReplyDeleteMaryland
HAMPSTEAD (Baltimore), MD: Laura Totis, (410) 239-4746, www.ljttraining.com, e-mail vtotis@carr.org. Laura is a certified MAR Technician and experienced search-and-rescue dog handler/trainer. Since 2004, Laura has successfully used her search dogs to track lost pets (prior to that she worked her search-and-rescue dogs on lost person investigations). Her lost pet services include: assistance/consultations via email or phone; multiple search dogs trained for both scent discrimination trailing and air scent/area search; cat and small animal location; animal remains detection; and magnet dog with snappy snares to capture panicked, loose dogs. Laura also offers a program to train MAR search dogs for pet detection work (a program recommended by MPP). She is willing to travel to work lost pet investigations contingent on her availability.
I am sure that you are leaving personal items behind...perhaps a trail of clothing or anything you have touched....
ReplyDeleteHave you considered traps? I know that they have been successfully used in other cases. I believe you can rent them. Perhaps because of Rocky's survival skills/intellect/fearfulness you need to think more like you are capturing a wild animal?