Lost Dog: Hazel is found after two weeks missing

A 15-year-old dog lost for nearly two weeks has been recovered.

Several weeks ago we featured Hazel as the “Lost Dog of the Week.” We’re happy to report she’s back home! Her story dispels several myths that often cause lost dog owners to give up and quit searching.

Hazel is proof that “senior dogs don’t wander off to die.” She survived several nights outdoors when temperatures dropped into the low 20s. Hazel was found trapped under a mobile home where she had become entangled in barbed wire. It’s likely she was there the entire 12 days without food, water, or her daily medications. When she was found, she was severely dehydrated and had lost nearly 20 pounds. But she was alive!

Dogs can survive extreme temperatures. We often hear of dogs that have gone longer than expected without their prescribed medicine. Dogs like Hazel, who was trapped, have been known to go without food/water for days. While none of these scenarios are ideal, it shows how resilient dogs are. Even if you don’t think your lost dog could possibly have survived, continue to search for them until you find them or have positive proof that they’re deceased. If Hazel’s owner had given up, she’d never have found her dog. Hazel was counting on her. Her life depended on it.

Hazel was found less than 1,000 feet from home. Her family had scoured the area daily, looking for signs of her and calling her name, without any luck.

On Jan. 11, Animal Control received a call about an injured pit bull. The officer searched for nearly an hour, but was unable to find the dog. As he was leaving he saw a “Lost Dog” sign for Hazel and called the number on the sign. The owner then joined him in the search. Another call came in minutes later, this time with the exact location of the dog. They found Hazel trapped under a mobile home. It took a few minutes before she recognized her owner and relaxed enough to allow herself to be untangled and pulled out. Then she stood up, looked at her owner, and collapsed. She must have realized she was finally safe.

Unfortunately, her injuries were severe. She was going into shock and likely wouldn’t have survived another night. She required surgery to repair gashes on her abdomen and leg. Her front nails were broken and worn down from attempts to dig herself free. Her paw had been impaled and was badly infected. She’ll need extensive care over the next few weeks. Her owner stated: “She will overcome. I nursed her back to health when she was a sick puppy, and I’ll do it again!”

Drs. Anderson and. Varela have done a miraculous job bringing her back to health. Hazel is up and walking and has already regained seven pounds! If you’d like to help with her vet bills, call Buck Lake Animal Hospital at 850-878-4799.

Learn more about lost pets at www.LostDogsFlorida.org.

Welcome home, Hazel!

- Lost Dogs Florida