Bruno’s Cold Night: A Successful Recovery in Campton Hills - SmithicAir

Описание: ​Bruno had been in his new Campton Hills home for only 36 hours when he unlatched his backyard gate and vanished into a nearby forest. SmithicAir was contacted and responded immediately that same day. ​While en route, the owners received a call from someone claiming to have found Bruno—but the caller was demanding $400 for his return. We recognized this as a heartless scam and advised the owners to contact the police immediately.
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​Once on-site, our thermal equipment picked up a heat source almost instantly: it was Bruno. The owners arrived and were able to watch Bruno in real-time on our monitor as he began digging a bed to stay warm for the night. ​To ensure a safe recovery, we coordinated with a dedicated dog search volunteer and Deputy Peeler of the Kane County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Peeler went above and beyond, even lending the owner her coat to stay warm during the recovery process. ​Despite trying to lure him with his favorite treat—hot dogs—Bruno was too spooked to be recovered by his owners, coming within eight feet before retreating. We made the difficult but necessary decision to back off and let him settle.
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​A second selfless volunteer arrived at 3:50 AM with a 5-foot humane trap and a fresh batch of warm hot dogs. By 4:30 AM, the trap was set and the long wait began. ​At 6:30 AM, a school bus broke down right next to the trap, threatening to scare Bruno off. Fortunately, the bus eventually cleared the area. Just before 7:00 AM, Bruno emerged from the tree line and walked straight into the trap!
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​Secure and fed, Bruno was wrapped in blankets to warm up while he awaited his family. Bruno is now officially SAFE and doing well!
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​This search serves as a vital reminder: Scammers often prey on pet owners at their most vulnerable. Never send money to anyone claiming to have your dog before you have verified their identity and the safety of your pet. ​Special Thanks to:
​Our two incredible (and anonymous) pet search volunteers.
​Deputy Peeler of the Kane County Sheriff’s Department.

​@SmithicAir