Cape Region’s search for escaped dog has happy ending

For one week Marion Gentul’s life turned into a rollercoaster of emotions. On one October morning, the dog her family fosters somehow escaped the gated fence. “The workers and our neighbor tried to get him back inside, but he was scared and ran off,” she said. Finding their dog Jack was difficult but thanks to her friends, neighbors, local businesses and professional services, he was safely returned to the comfort of his home. 

The family took action right away to find Jack. “We made up flyers and posted them at the vet’s office, several businesses along Route One and Cedar Grove Road,” said Gentul. Social media helped; nearly 1,000 people saw the post and were on the look out for Jack. The help of others contributed to finding her dog. “An army of our friends and neighbors drove to all of our surrounding communities, day after day for the entire week that he was missing, passing out flyers and asking people to look for him. They also kept an eye out for him; they walked and drove around everywhere hoping they could find him,” she said. 

A service called Lost My Doggie turned out to be useful. “A family In Bridle Ridge got the call, checked their security system and saw Jack was on their front porch the morning before,” she said.

They received help from a lost pet tracker, who brought a scent dog, Brie, a golden retriever. Brie went through the community, and due to Jack’s scent, she figured out he had been there for several days, eating and surviving on bird seed and cat food that was left outside. They used Google Maps to find out the area where he was likely to be. “The pet tracker said they usually stay within a two-mile radius of home. This helped us focus on locations to search,” Gentul said. After a couple of days, there was still no sign, but all hope was not lost for Jack. 

One neighbor saw him running down toward Cedar Grove and Mulberry Knoll, going in the direction of Route 24. This news was alarming and scary. After being worried all night, the next morning, a neighbor in Maplewood called and said they found Jack. They were going on a trip, and as they were pulling out they saw Jack in the driveway. Jack is now safe and at home. 

Gentul went through a variety of emotions. “I felt despair and anxiety; we worried constantly about finding him,” she said. “I couldn’t let myself believe it until I saw him with my own eyes. I teared up and told his rescuers that I was afraid I would never see him again. Jack gave me a kiss!” 

She learned many things from this event. “There a ton of animal lovers in our area, including people of all ages. We are so grateful to them all! Everyone wanted to find and bring Jack back home.”  She also came to appreciate the farmlands, woods and wildlife she came across in her search for Jack. 

Her advice to dog owners in the future who may be in a similar situation is, “First, make sure that your dog has a collar ID tag that includes your phone number. There are also companies that microchip your dog - I suggest discussing that with your vet.” She also recommends searching as quickly as possible, using social media and people living nearby. 

Jack is in good condition and is glad to be home!  “Jack was exhausted but when he realized that he was home, he bounded up the front steps and ran inside the house where he was greeted by his sister Morgan,” she said. Jack is all well and has resumed the role as pampered king of the house.