For pet owners, it is truly painful to lose a companion.
A family from Maryland rescued a dog from a puppy mill. And considering the conditions in those places, it can be assumed that Leia, a foxhound, had gone through a lot.
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Despite her background, her family loved her and showed her that she could live in a place that puts her welfare first.
The family described Leia as a sweet and gentle dog.
She was comfortable in showing her affection and she could be a little bit clingy at times. There are moments when she’d whine when her owners leave.
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But seven years after her adoption, Leia and her family’s life changed forever. One moment turned into 100 days of agony, grief, and hope.
One day, Leia’s dad took her to the neighbor’s.
Unfortunately, another visitor in the same house left the door open. It would be the last time the family would get to hold Leia for months.
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Her owners suspected that she may have caught a scent of a deer and followed it. Then, when it chased far enough, Leia found herself in the middle of a place she has no recollection of.
The family quickly mounted a search.
They combed the local area but their efforts were fruitless. The family also took to Facebook to ask for help. That was when they found an organization that searches for lost dogs.
One of the members, Donna, gave them valuable advice. Banking on Donna’s idea, the family put up signs so people can contact them.
They got their first sighting after weeks of looking.
Leia was found in an entirely different area. The family drove to the spot. And there, 50 feet away from them, Leia stood scared and hungry.
When they approached, Leia bolted and went deep into the woods. She was in survival mode. All she knows at that point is that humans are threats and she needs food.
They increased their efforts by putting up food stations and more signs.
Days turned to weeks, and as time passed by, the family felt the pain that they’d failed Leia. They wanted the best for her and now they couldn’t even bring her home.
Hope was rekindled, however, when they received a call. Donna, one of the searchers, said that they caught Leia in one of the traps.
The family was more than happy with the news.
Leia’s mom quickly drove to the site, and this time, when Leia saw her, she pawed at the crate door as if saying, “Mom, take me home.”
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After 100 days, Leia was finally back with her family. The experience left a mark on the family but also on Leia, most especially.
She seemed to fear doors and doorways now, but her family was doing their best to reacclimatize her and to make her feel safe and secure.
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As for the family, they realized that there are far more people who are kind than those who are bad.
From Donna who helped and loaned them materials free of charge, to the various people who helped them with the search – the family is eternally grateful. It was a difficult time, but with help and camaraderie, everything is possible.
Watch the grueling search for a dog who was lost for 100 days.
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