GPS Collar Leads Distraught Owner to Missing Foster Dog and the Special Pup Watching Over Her (Exclusive)

**Daring Rescue of Two Dogs After Snowstorm Flight in Massachusetts**

In a remarkable demonstration of community spirit and loyalty, a rescue mission spanned over 23 hours after two dogs bolted from their home in Attleboro, Massachusetts, following a heavy snowfall. The adventure began when Shy, a seven-month-old rescue dog fostered by local resident Joan Murphy Bowie, managed to escape, prompting her companion Bow, Bowie’s own dog, to chase after her.

Joan Murphy Bowie, a first-time foster pet parent, was introduced to Shy through the Brown Dog Coalition earlier this year. Attracted to the idea of fostering because of the essential role it plays in animal rescues, she remarked, “Pups deserve a soft place to land.” This commitment ensures that dogs are given care and loving homes, as the coalition relies solely on foster families.

Bowie was informed prior to Shy’s arrival that the puppy had a propensity for running away, a risk that heightened during the aftermath of a recent snowstorm which blanketed the area with 37 inches of snow. Despite Shy initially showing no desire to wander from Bowie’s side, she seized an opportunity to escape through an uncharacteristic opening left by the snow removal efforts.

While gearing up for a walk, with her leash still attached, Shy darted out of the house, prompting Bow to instinctively follow. According to Bowie, “She loves nothing more than holding a leash in her mouth, so she was going to go capture that leash attached to her new friend.”

Upon realising her dogs had gone missing, Bowie immediately alerted the Brown Dog Coalition and received enormous backing from the community. The response included dedicated groups like Missing Dogs of Massachusetts, as well as local residents who joined the search, motivated by messages shared across various social media platforms.

Equipped with a Fi GPS collar, Shy’s whereabouts were traceable in real-time. The device directed Bowie to the Bungay River Conservation Area, a sprawling 243-acre expanse of thick woods and underbrush rendered treacherous by snow. “There were no street names, or street lights for that matter, it was just thick brush,” Bowie recounted, highlighting the challenges faced during the search.

In the face of adversity and harsh weather conditions, volunteers traversed the snow-laden terrain, driven by their commitment to retracing Shy’s steps. After painstaking efforts, Bowie and her friend Laurie Brasil finally located Shy after 23 hours of frantic searching, astonished to find her in good spirits alongside Bow. “Shy’s leash was wrapped around a tree, and then frozen in a small puddle of water. They looked great! They were cold but managed to get through the night without becoming pupsicles,” Bowie stated.

What struck Bowie most was Bow’s unwavering loyalty. Even though the two dogs had known each other for only a day, Bow remained steadfastly at Shy’s side, refusing to abandon her even when the opportunity arose. “Bow was not tethered to a tree; she could have left at any time,” Bowie noted. “The loyalty she showed to a pup she had just met two days earlier was inspiring.”

The pair was eventually aided by retired fire captain Tim Birch, who arrived on snowshoes to facilitate their safe return from the treacherous terrain. Bowie expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, emphasising that “the best outcomes are the direct result of humanity helping humanity.”

After the harrowing experience, it became clear to Bowie that the bond between Shy and Bow was profound. She decided to adopt Shy and has since renamed her Maizie. “Maizie and Bow are best buddies,” Bowie shared, delighted at the inseparable bond that has developed between her two dogs.

With the ordeal behind them, Bowie reflects on the significance of their journey and how critical it was to enlist the community’s help in the rescue. “I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of their story,” she says, filled with contentment. The loyalty displayed by her dogs and the kindness of strangers encapsulate a heartwarming tale of perseverance and companionship in the face of adversity.