Family Determined To Find Their ‘Perfect’ Rescue Dog After She Runs Away

Leia was rescued during a puppy mill raid but luckily found a loving home with Amanda’s family. The foxhound became a beloved member of Amanda’s family and for 7 years everything was wonderful. But a fateful visit to a neighbor changed the family’s life dramatically. A door at the home was accidentally left open and Leia caught the scent of an animal and sprinted away. The family searched and searched. They posted flyers and posted on social media. They made calls and canvassed neighborhoods. But Leia was nowhere to be found.

Three weeks later, an older couple out driving spotted Leia standing in the woods. But the dog was in panic mode and ran away. Amanda, with help from an animal rescuer, set up food stations and traps in the area. Amanda grew more worried as three weeks turned into three months and the weather was getting colder and colder.

Then, Leia was spotted in the woods by an office worker in a completely different area. So they moved the food station and traps. During the stake-out, Leia was very cautious and would not approach the pen for weeks. But finally, 100 days after she had gone missing, Leia entered the trap and was rescued!

It took Amanda sitting down in front of the cage and letting Leia smell and lick her for the dog to recognize her. But the moment Leia registered it was mom, she let out a howl. Amanda says that Leia had lost 1/3 of her body weight and was very anxious. But she’s getting better and is a lot snugglier than before. We’re so glad Amanda and her family refused to give up and that Leia is back where she belongs!