Saline veteran searching for missing PTSD therapy dog
Editor's note: The spelling of West Willis Road has been corrected.
A Saline U.S. Army veteran is searching for his missing therapy dog.
Robert Anthony served in Iraq and got his therapy dog -- a Hungarian Vizsla named Sita -- as a way to cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder, ClickOn Detroit reported.
Sita has been missing from Anthony's home on West Willis Road in Saline since early Friday morning, according to the report.
Vizslas are medium-sized sporting dogs with short coats and rust-orange colored hair.
Andrew and Heather Irvine's Vizsla, Ripley that was missing for three days last week and recently came back to their Ypsilanti home. The couple is helping a Saline man find his missing Vizsla this week.
Courtesy of Andrew Irvine
Andrew and Heather Irvine's dog, Ripley, had gotten loose while on a walk. Their Normal Park neighborhood rallied to help -- posting fliers and organizing search parties.
Saturday afternoon, Ripley wandered back home. She had lost seven pounds from her 35-pound frame and was dehydrated, Heather Irvine said.
"They're a special breed," Andrew Irvine said. "She never went more than a half mile from home."
Andrew Irvine said that once he heard Anthony was searching for his own lost Vizsla, he and Heather had to help search.
"This is our way of trying to pay it forward," Heather Irvine said.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Eg Eg
Wed, Jul 17, 2013 : 2:43 a.m.
I'm sure you've already tried the Humane Society....Petfinders is also another place to post lost pets. Good luck
mady
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 6:57 p.m.
Dear Robert, please be assured of my prayers that you and your companion will be reunited, and from a grateful citizen, thank you for your service. warm regards, Madeleine baier
greg s
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 10:15 p.m.
Praying for Sita's safe return.
Musicgirl
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 8:35 p.m.
For the Love of Louie *Michigan Lost Pet Lookers* Facebook page helps reunite a lot of pets with their guardians. Worth a try.
alnan
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 7:11 p.m.
Prayes are with you and Sitka from down here in Cincinnati, OH. And thank you sir for your service to our country. God Bless YOU!!
clownfish
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 7:03 p.m.
If I see her, she will be with you as fast as the speed limit allows. I hope it turns out well!
Normal Park Neighbor
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 6:24 p.m.
Normal Park in Ypsi is such a wonderful neighborhood! I'm so glad we inspired the Irvines to pay it forward!
pest
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 5:51 p.m.
I'm praying that she is found. I have spread the word to people I know who live in Saline/Milan/Ypsi areas. Mr. Anthony, if you read this here are some tips to help a lost dog. Leave some of Sita's things near a location where she was spotted. her kennel, food dish, blanket, toys etc. Anything with her or your scent on it. If there is another dog that she is familiar with, take the dog with you while you look. She may pick up that dog's scent, especially urine. With this heat, she may instinctively search out water - creeks, ponds, etc. Also, you know your dog best. If she is very dog friendly, she may approach someone's dog in a yard. I have to be near Pitman/Willis road later today, and I will be keeping my eyes open. Good luck and God Bless! You have my prayers!
Little Patience
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
I pray that this dog is found safely!
average joe
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 4:58 p.m.
That would be "west Willis Rd", not Willow rd. I spoke with Mr. Anthony this morning when he was dropping off some flyers, and he said that Sita was spotted near Willis & Pitman rds either last night or early today. I hope they are reunited soon.
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Jul 16, 2013 : 12:01 a.m.
Average joe, are there any planned searches? I would be willing to drive out to help. One suggestion- ask some neighbors in the area of the sighting to grill bacon- it worked to bring a dog I know of home- she smelled that fragrant bacon- brought her into a yard where she was reunited.
Amy Biolchini
Mon, Jul 15, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
Thanks for pointing that out. It's been corrected.