INDIAN HILL, Ohio — Katherine Caywood was vacationing in Michigan with her family when they heard the news and immediately drove nine hours home to join the search.
Their white and brown Jack Russell named Tucker ran away.
“I feel like I'm broken inside and I feel like I'm defeated and I'm discouraged,” Caywood said.
Caywood thinks Tucker might have been scared off by Fourth of July fireworks. It’s not uncommon, animal experts say. Loud noises can scare and confuse pets.
And the Caywoods are not the only Tri-State family looking for their runaway pet.
At Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton, people turned in four stray dogs Friday.
Caywood said losing Tucker is “heartbreaking,” especially when she hears her 3-year-old son calling, “Tucker, where are you?”
Caywood has spotted Tucker several times on home security cameras in Indian Hill and Madeira. She even drove up to where he was seen only to have him run away again.
Animal Friends Humane Society said they prepare for the Fourth.
“We've prepped hardcore for this because we do know that we're going to get an influx of dogs coming in because of the fireworks,” said Megan Niehaus.
Their advice to dog owners?
“Close off a back bedroom for them, put all of their favorite things in there so that's a safe spot for them,” Niehaus said.
Animal Friends Humane Society says make sure your pets are micro-chipped. And contact your local animal shelter if you find a missing animal.
