Internet helps reunite lost dog and his owner

Never underestimate the power of the Internet. Historic City News started on the Internet, 15-years ago, with 200 “Constant Contact” subscribers. We give thanks for over 15,000 daily readers whose watchful eyes participate in the highly technology-based news reporting and communications process we use today.

The Internet is indispensable for news and information delivery of all types. Social media portals, like facebook and twitter, have encouraged millions of people to board the information superhighway; making electronic media usable for everyone.

This week a local real estate agent recovered a runaway Labrador retriever named Boadie. The dog was found uninjured and wearing a leather collar. Boadie, who had been spotted on US-1 near Target, obviously belonged to someone.

“He’s a perfect gentleman, all boy, very healthy, no chip, and around 2-4 years old,” the agent, Win Kelly, posted to her facebook. “Anyone know a heartbroken owner – this is a well-loved, well-cared for, well-trained dog.”

Accompanied by a digital photograph, the announcement may have been the most powerful effort that could have been taken to identify Boadie’s owner. In addition to facebook readers near St Augustine who saw the post, 1,462 readers shared the post with their friends. The power of sharing drove the impressions even higher.

It seems Boadie is an escape artist. He was lost Tuesday morning on SR-207, found and returned to his owner Tuesday night. He escaped again Wednesday morning, and was picked up by Kelly on Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, our pets can’t speak for themselves and, according to a local veterinarian who checked Boadie, did not have a microchip ID. He was wearing a collar but it had no tag. Kelly says many caring folks helped her contact every pet center, animal control, and veterinarian in search of Boadie’s home.

Boadie was finally claimed by his owner Sunday night.

“I want to thank everyone who cared, because Boadie is a great dog,” Rebecca Romaine, a co-worker, wrote on Kelly’s facebook. “The owner went through a rough time last week, and the dog frequently escapes. He is home safe now and I hope he and his owner both have peace.”

We still occasionally find potential sponsors and advertisers who are reluctant to publish their promotional messages on the Internet. Their numbers are quickly dwindling as more and more readers have their own positive experiences, like Boadie.