(April 23) -- After being apart for three months, Bree Keeran was reunited with her dog, Roxy, in Sikeston on April 13. But that is only part of the story.
On Jan. 15, near Springfield, Missouri, Keeran took Roxy and her other dog, Dante, for a walk. Both are purebred Catahoula Leopards, and each wore e-collars to keep them close to the home. However, during the walk, the dogs were let off the e-collars and Keeran said they did not get them back on and both Roxy and Dante were missing.
“Dante had gone to visit a neighbor dog in the past, but had always returned in an hour or two,” Keeran said. “When they didn’t, we searched tirelessly. We called everyone, made posters, and put them up from west Springfield to Mansfield.
“I even drove out to Cabool one night on a possible sighting, (with) no luck.”
Keeran said just as they were losing hope, they were tagged in a post made by the Animal Health Center in Sikeston. Roxy had been seen walking around Sikeston, near the YMCA.
“I jumped up and left without having any information yet, I only knew without a doubt that that was my girl,” Keeran said. “I got in contact with Jackie from the vet clinic and she told me Roxy had finally been caught and was being held at Sikeston P.A.W.S.”
Sikeston P.A.W.S. wasn’t open when she arrived but Keeran was not going to give up.
“Jackie came to my rescue again and said she was sending someone,” Keeran said.
Sikeston DPS Chief Jim McMillen arrived and helped Keeran find Ruby and get her out.
“He was so kind and helpful,” Keeran said. “He, like everyone else, could not believe she had been found so far from home and after so long. He refused to take any payment from me. He claimed it was a miracle and just happy to be a part of it.”
Keeran said she has no idea how Roxy got so far away, but it is possible she walked it. Purebred Catahoula Leopards are known for their hunting and tracking and have the ability to go for miles.
“Roxy is the only dog I’ve ever known to catch birds, squirrels, and voles with extreme accuracy,” Keeran said. “I don’t know how or when she and Dante were separated. Both are skittish and people shy. I honestly can’t imagine someone taking her very far, she gets terribly car sick.”
Keeran said she would love to know what happened in the three months she was gone and where Dante may be.
“Unfortunately, (Roxy) isn’t telling,” Keeran said.
While Roxy is back home, Dante is still missing and Keeran hopes to be reunited with him soon as well. If anyone has seen Dante, please contact Sikeston P.A.W.S. at (573) 471-7387.