Dog Missing for Weeks in Alaska Wilderness Still Lost After Ignoring Cheeseburger Traps

Dog Lost for Seven Weeks in Alaska Wilderness

A German shepherd-husky mix named Jackie has been missing in the Alaskan wilderness for seven weeks, sparking a community-wide search effort to bring her home safely. Initially facing possible euthanasia at an overcrowded Los Angeles County animal shelter, Jackie was saved and transported to Juneau, Alaska, just days before wildfires struck the area in early January. After being fostered and then adopted on Feb. 15, Jackie escaped from her collar the very next day and has been roaming the wilderness ever since.

Despite extensive efforts by the Juneau Animal Rescue (JAR) team to lure Jackie back with food traps, including cheeseburgers, dog food, cat food, and beef dumplings, the resilient pup has evaded capture. Mike Mazouch, JAR’s animal control and protection director, revealed that Jackie has been slowly warming up to the search team and has been observed staying close to her nesting area. However, with the reemergence of black bears and the proximity to a busy road posing additional risks, the urgency to find Jackie has intensified.

Juneau animal control officer Thom Young-Bayer, along with his wife Skylar, has been dedicating their free time to locating Jackie. Despite the challenges of catching a wary and independent dog like Jackie, the couple remains determined to reunite her with her adoptive owner, Eulaysia Rayne Bostrack. Bostrack, deeply connected to Jackie’s plight due to her own experiences with the stray dog population in Los Angeles, has been devastated by Jackie’s prolonged absence.

Rick Driscoll, JAR’s director, emphasised the importance of reporting any sightings of Jackie to their team, as she is unlikely to approach strangers for help. The ongoing efforts to capture Jackie have been described as a “battle of wills” by Mazouch, highlighting the resilience of both the search team and the missing dog. Despite the challenges ahead, the community remains hopeful that Jackie will be safely reunited with her loving owner soon.

Jackie’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and companionship that dogs offer, even in the face of adversity. With the collective efforts of the Juneau community and the unwavering dedication of the search team, there is optimism that Jackie will soon be back home, safe and sound. Stay tuned for updates on this heartwarming tale of survival and determination in the Alaskan wilderness.