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Loose Newfoundland dog avoids capture for more than six months

If I saw this dog out in the woods, it would freak me out.

Not because the dog is mean, but because of his (or her?) size! I would probably mistake him for a bear at first.

A large brown dog has been wandering around a neighborhood in Michigan for more than six months, despite multiple attempts to capture it, according to WZZM News in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The neighorhood is located in Cascade Township, southeast of Grand Rapids.

They’re calling the dog a Newfoundland and say the dog is very shy and avoids people.

Residents call the dog “Shaggy.”

Shaggy the newfoundland dog loose for six months

Joe Daineles, a supervisor with animal control, told WZZM that dozens of attempts have been made to try capturing the dog. They’ve tried using live traps and bait, and they even asked a zoo veterinarian to help, using tranquilizers.

Residents have also tried to make friends with the dog, and various rescue organizations have also tried to catch him, according to WZZM.

All with no luck.

Once “Shaggy” is finally captured, the plan is to make sure he (or she?) is healthy and then to transfer him to a group that will help him find a home, according to WZZM.

I’m sure he will have plenty of applicants as he sounds like quite the local celebrity.

Full story here.

Have you ever helped capture a wandering dog?

Rachel @ My Two Pitties

Thursday 29th of January 2015

I haven't but whenever I see a lost dog (or cat) flyer I fantasize about finding the missing pet & happily reuniting them with their family. Just today someone was looking for their lost Rottweiler & later on some people were looking for their lost Beagle. I'm obviously still thinking about them!

Mal

Thursday 29th of January 2015

My husband found a corgi running around in the park when he was walking our dog a few months ago. No collar. He wouldn't let us catch him, but took the occasional treat, so we managed to corral him into the house. We were going to put our dog's collar/leash on him to take him to the vet to check for a microchip, but when we were getting into the car, we found his owner looking for him. We asked why he didn't have his collar on, and she said: "Oh we don't put a collar on him. He just ran out the back door. But he hasn't run away in, like, four months."

I hope she saw me roll my eyes.

Emma

Thursday 29th of January 2015

As a matter of fact usually one or two a year and tonight was one of those times. A dog we know was bounding around, so we walked towards the house it lives in and then Mom grabbed the collar and took it to the door. It isn't easy with two dogs on leash, but we managed. Usually the dogs want to hang around with us and follow us home and into our yard so Mom can call someone.

Lindsay Stordahl

Thursday 29th of January 2015

Oh I'm so glad you helped get the dog home!