After almost two weeks of elusive sightings near his home in Thurman, New York, a Great Dane with a seizure disorder was finally rescued with the help of drones, video cameras, and a large amount of food, local news reported.
Houston had quietly slipped out of an open door at his home one morning. After a two-day search with friends brought him no closer to finding the dog, Houston’s guardian, Andrew Fish, began hiring drone operators to help. They were able to home in on the area where Houston was roaming, but he evaded their rescue attempts. Three days later, Fish got in touch with Jen Atchinson and her volunteer organization, Alfie’s Rescue, for additional support.
Atchinson and another animal rescuer, Jill VanAlstyne, set up food stations to lure Houston into a trap and attached cameras to trees to track his whereabouts. The plan was simple: A door would close automatically behind him when Houston entered the trap to get the food. The two volunteers worked day and night, grilling food and moving the trap around to the different locations where Houston had been spotted.
After Houston had been missing for more than a week, Atchinson decided to hire Skywatch Drone Search and Recovery to help. Just four days later, Houston was finally caught in a trap and reunited with Fish.
“When I walked upon the scene, I saw Houston laying down next to his dad and Andrew giving him all the love he could,” Atchinson posted about the happy reunion on Facebook. “It was the best feeling ever!”
Despite his ordeal, Houston was in decent shape.
“His vet said other than a few quills and losing 20lbs 😱, he looks good for being on the run for 13 days!” Alfie’s Rescue posted on Facebook.
The Sun reported that Houston’s family — including his canine pal, Stan — were overjoyed to have him home. Lady Freethinker commends Alfie’s Rescue, VanAlstyne, and everyone who kept an eye out for Houston. Thanks to the tenacity and compassion of the community, Houston is home safe.
