Imagine your beloved furry friend vanishing into the vast, unpredictable wilderness.
For pet owners in Colorado’s high country, this fear is a harsh reality.
But thanks to Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a dedicated non-profit, those fears often turn into heartwarming reunions.
Co-founded by Melissa Davis and Brandon Ciullo, this incredible organization has reunited nearly 1,200 pets with their distraught owners in just five years!
The story of Thyme, a shepherd mix foster dog, perfectly illustrates the heroic efforts of these volunteers.
Thyme bolted from her temporary home in Frisco, embarking on a harrowing 13-day journey that saw her dodging traffic on Interstate 70 and eluding capture.
Despite numerous sightings, this clever pup was a master of evasion.
The team, a force of over 20 tireless volunteers, sprang into action.
They deployed scent stations, set up food-baited traps, and used trail cameras, working from dawn till late into the night, seven days a week.
The urgency intensified when Thyme was spotted limping, likely after a car collision.
After countless attempts to earn her trust with patient, back-turned approaches and tempting treats, volunteer Chris Becker finally lured her into a trap with a dollop of peanut butter.
Thyme, now safe, is recovering from a dislocated hip at the Summit County Animal Shelter.
This incredible rescue highlights the vital role of these unsung heroes and reminds us all to keep our pets leashed, tagged, and safe!