A tiny rescue dog named Burt has captured hearts after surviving two weeks lost in the wild near Thousand Oaks.
The 9-pound Yorkie mix, who was feared to have been hit by a car, is now safe thanks to the tireless efforts of animal lovers and volunteers.
Burt’s adventure began three months ago when he was found in the orchards of south Bakersfield. Kim Sill, founder of Shelter Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to finding homes for stray animals, was cautiously optimistic about Burt’s future with a foster family. However, the unthinkable happened when Burt slipped away from his handler.
In response, Sill’s team plastered Thousand Oaks with flyers and sifted through countless tips to locate Burt within a 10-mile radius. Despite rumors of Burt being hit by a car, hope was renewed when he was spotted alive. Sill recounted a call she received: “Your dog is hiding under our car right now. It’s 2 o’clock in the morning, and there were three coyotes tapping on our car.”
Burt’s survival instincts, while impressive, made him difficult to catch. He was unsocialized, wary of humans, and adept at navigating the terrain. Volunteers from Dog Days Search and Rescue set up cages with water and cameras to track his movements. Over the following week, they captured footage of Burt’s encounters with busy roads, coyotes, and even a mountain lion.
Burt’s safe return is a testament to the community’s dedication and his own will to live. Sill offered advice for those who lose a pet: contact professionals with resources to help, and write “don’t chase” on posters to prevent dogs from running further away.
For more on Burt’s incredible journey, visit KTLA and Yahoo Lifestyle.
Recent Comments