CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The search for a missing two-year-old purebred German shepherd continues.
Sara Brehaut, who heads up the search team and helps run a Facebook page dedicated to the effort, says they haven’t given up hope despite the fact that Gucci went missing from her Suffolk home since March and there have been no sightings in weeks.
“Sadly, no,’’ Brehaut said Tuesday when asked if there was any new developments. “But I am thinking it is time to ask people to check their traps or snares on their property.’’
Gucci is not wearing a collar and is microchipped.
Brehaut stresses that the dog will not approach people so anyone who thinks they spot her is asked not to approach or call the dog. People are asked to try and take a picture with their smartphone and send it to the search team as well as document where the dog was spotted (a civic address number) and what direction it may be headed in.
An animal expert at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown recently told The Guardian that domestic animals can survive for a long time in the wild as long as they have access to food, water and shelter. The expert pointed to feral cat colonies as an example.
Tanya Thompson of Suffolk had just adopted Gucci from the P.E.I. Humane Society only to have her slip off her leash three days later.
More than 100 Islanders, including dog experts in other provinces, have been involved in the search since — and physical distancing rules have been adhered to.
Hampering search efforts is the fact the dog led a sheltered, non-human-contact life of isolation in a barn with many other dogs and litter mates. Gucci suffers from anxiety and bolts at the slightest sound or if anyone approaches.
Anyone who spots Gucci or has information on the dog is asked to text or call 902-316-0939 or 902-393-0553.
There is also a Facebook page set up called Come Home Gucci.
