In Co Tyrone, located in Northern Ireland, Cooper, a Golden Retriever had been surrendered to a shelter with his brother George by his former owners because they were no longer able to care for the dogs. It wasn’t long however, that a new family adopted Cooper.
After a successful meeting with Molly, I got all the arrangements sorted, and Cooper’s microchip was transferred to my name. I paid his rehoming fee, and we went home for a new start. But I was just about to get the dogs out of the car on their leads for their first walk together when Cooper bolted. He literally jumped over Holly, pried the car door open enough to get past me and ran for it.
Nigel Fleming
It seemed as if it had been just minutes when Cooper had been introduced to his new canine mate, Molly, when Cooper made the dash out of the car and was gone. For almost a month, Cooper was missing, and it is estimated he traveled over 40 miles to return to his previous home.
According to Belfast Live, Lost Paws Northern Ireland think that Cooper walked through the woods and main roads. It is unknown how he found food, but the clever dog avoided humans at all costs likely sleeping in soft holes which he felt were safe for a few hours of shut eye.
It still baffles professionals who don’t know if Cooper missed his former home so much or if he missed his bonded brother George. But one thing for certain; Cooper didn’t have any maps, and it had to have been that remarkable nose and the scent of smell humans can’t even imagine.
There had been groups of animal lovers trying to locate Cooper as he passed through different towns and sheep fields.
That was on April 1 with the help of a lot of people, I finally got him back today, April 26. I was determined not to give up on him and with the help of Lost Paws NI, co-ordinated searches, sightings, social media and sheer determination got us there in the end.
NIgel Fleming
Today we received a call from a member of the public stating that he recognized Cooper from our posts and that he had seen him running towards his old property (25 miles as the crow flies) and was certain it was him. We quickly contacted Nigel his new owner and around 20 minutes later a photo arrived in our inbox of a disheveled but breathing Cooper, something we were absolutely elated to see. Cooper crossed main A roads,
Lost Paws NI
Even though Cooper is very thin, he is now getting food to slowly gain weight. He’s resting, building up his strength and according to his new owner’s Facebook page, this sweet dog is settling in and hopefully enjoying his new life.
