FOUND AFTER 6 MONTHS!
We had 7 years of joy together until the morning of March 14, 2002 when we were involved in a tragic auto accident in which the car over turned, on the Route 9 Bridge, Northbound in Woodbridge/Perth Amboy, NJ. He escaped before rescue personnel arrived at the scene. A witness saw him run from the scene. I, was pinned in the overturned car. I awoke in the hospital to discover, I had shattered the 6th vertebra in my neck and many lasserations. The pain I was in, was nothing compared to the pain I felt when I heard that my Ted E. Bear was missing!
I was so scared from the operation and was told of the "difficulties" I would have to prepare for. I was in extreme pain but all I could think about was my poor Ted E. Bear. I was more scared for him! I thought to myself, "I can't stay in this hospital for two weeks!!! I have to find Ted E. Bear!!"
To this day, I do not know how, but I got out of that hospital bed the very next day after the operation. I know for a fact that I shocked the nurses by walking down the hall. The Doctor came to see me and I told him that I had to go home. I some how had to find Ted E. Bear. I do think he was a bit reluctant but he could see my stubborness and strong will. He did release me the following day.
The first couple of weeks, I was forced to stay in bed. I was in a brace that covered about half of my body to support my neck. During that time, I did try to find information about Ted E. Bear's whereabouts but with no luck. I was so frustrated and felt so helpless. I had to find my "Baby"!
After a couple of weeks, I managed to get out of bed and get to my computer. I think the only time, I wasn't searching for Ted E. Bear, on the computer, is when I managed to get a few hours of sleep. Then I would get back on the computer and continue my search.I posted missing ads in any pet site that I could find. I compiled a list of shelters in New Jersey and emailed all of them, informing them that he was missing. I called what rescues, humane societies and shelters that I could. A few month's went by and I made a web page for Ted E. Bear, along with a printable flyer. I then emailed all of the shelters, again, enclosing a link to his web page and flyer, asking them to print it out and post it at their facility. I asked, if that was not possible, I would appreciate it if they could sent the flyer on to someone that they thought may be able to help.I did this periodically for seven long month's as to inform everyone that he was still missing.
I did find two websites that were extremely helpful in my search. Petfinder.com and Lostdogsdatabase.com. I found their message boards, not only informative but emotionally helpful, also. I do not think I could have continued my search for so long if not for the support of the wonderful and caring people that I have met through both websites! Although, I still followed up on any lead that I thought could possibly be Ted E. Bear, I was loosing hope of ever finding him again! I felt that after six month's, it would be impossible.
With the help of a wonderful rescue volunteer, who I will be forever greatful, she went to the shelter, picked the dog up and met my Mother and I half way. It was a day that I will never forget!
The volunteer pulled up with the dog in the back of her van. He was just sitting in the back corner. They did say, at the shelter, that the dog did not respond to anyone or anything. He just seemed dazed. He got out of the van and we just looked at each other. I said his name and told him to come to Mommy. He was a bit reluctant but came over to me. I just took one look at his face and knew immediately. I checked him over just to be sure. He did look quite different as he was shaved down. (No one quite knows where or who shaved him down. He was picked up that was a few weeks prior by the Roxbury Animal Control and then brought to Noah's Ark.) It was so obvious that he was Ted E. Bear as there was an immediate bond. As the volunteer, my Mom and I were talking, Ted E. Bear was just sitting in my lap, I don't think any of us had a dry eye as we were all crying tears of happiness.
"arrested".
I urge anyone, who has ever lost a pet, DO NOT GIVE UP!!!!! Notify everyone that you can! Post flyers, if you are able. Place an ad in newspapers and please, do post your pet missing on the internet. Do all of these things immediately and do follow up. I was not able to leave my house to go and search for Ted E. Bear!!!! I don't know that I could have found him, if not for posting and searching online.
I must also add, that finding a missing pet after seven month's is very unlikely but obviously not impossible. Ted E. Bear is living proof of that!
lostdogsdatabase.com