Never give up!

by Heinz and Krista Ober, Stevensville

Our nightmare began July 12. Our German Shepherd “Shelby,” so rattled by construction noise, escaped a fenced yard and ran. Normally obedient, but now skittish and traumatized by gravel trucks, the many people searching for her had no luck. 

Our first tip came nine days later from an anonymous caller who saw the Humane Association post on Facebook. Shelby was still within the construction zone south of Stevensville on Eastside Hwy. Our many trips through that zone were disappointing, but we stopped at the construction camp and handed out copies of our color photo ad in the Bitterroot Star. Construction workers were spotting her. 

August 3, day 22, another early morning worker sighting next to the kennel business. This time we had to act, not just react. A big “thank you” goes to Missoula Animal Control for loaning out-of-county a large live trap with detailed instructions. 

Trapped… on the first try! Skinny and exhausted, but not injured, our beautiful six year old shepherd is bouncing back. Animals are so resilient. NEVER GIVE UP.