OT: Anyone here from Iowa City?

A dear friend of mine, Shirley Chong, lost her service dog. The dog, Hunter, a Belgian Tervuren, was staying with Shirley's mother. Hunter is Shirley's 24-hour a day companion and was distressed at being separated from her. He managed to escape the care of Shirley's mother and went looking for Shirley.

News reports at:

Picture and contact info at: Shirley's most recent report is as follows: We have a volunteer from Pet Hunters (an organization that does an Animal Planet show) driving in from Wyoming with her tracking dog. She's willing to do it for expenses and a donation (amount not specified).

The most recent sightings sound like Hunter is injured and carrying a rear paw, only touching it down as absolutely necessary. Needless to say, this makes me feel sick.

Friends of mine are coordinating a "Hunter Come Home" fund, which includes funds for a reward, for his possible vet expenses and to cover our expenses while we stay in Iowa City. This is the information they've been sending out:

Donations can be made via PayPal to Cher McCoy's charitable organization Virginia Share A Pet, email address lexpet @ cfw .com (remove the spaces). If you prefer to mail a check directly to Cher, please contact me privately at goodet @ gmail . com (remove the spaces)

Hunter has been spotted but appears to be injured. We need funds to cover the costs of Cathy Orde (the pet tracker coming in from Wyoming) a possible reward, Shirley and Jim's motel and expenses, and veterinary care for Hunter when he is found.

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Please help any way you can.

- Sandy