PRESS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Melanie Norton, Director of Public Relations

Escondido Humane Society

Day (760) 839-7976 / Evening (760) 505-9893

FALLBROOK COUPLE FINDS WOUNDED DOG, POSSIBLY

SET FREE BY OWNER

January 10, 2002—Escondido, CA—Brian and Sally Church, of Fallbrook, have sought the help of the Escondido Humane Society after exhausting all efforts to find the owner of an Australian Shepherd found injured and wandering in their orange grove the day after Christmas.  The dog, which the couple calls “Bumper”, was found wearing a collar with a piece of twine attached to it.  The twine appeared to have been cut and the dog set free.

            According to Mr. Church, “There’s no doubt that the twine was cut.  There were no chew marks or anything.  It was a clear, clean cut.”  Furthering his suspicions, Mr. Church says, “Since we found her, we’ve posted signs up all over the community and looked for lost dog signs.  We’ve also run ads in both local papers.  Every day we scan the newspaper just looking for leads.  At this point, I can only assume that because of the circumstances, her owner isn’t looking for her.”

            When the couple found “Bumper” she was in good health except for fresh wounds that indicated an attack by coyotes.  The couple took “Bumper” to the vet where she was treated for the wounds and is recovering well.  The veterinarian estimates that Bumper is ten to twelve years old and appears to be at least partially deaf.  Otherwise, she is in good health. 

            If you have any information on the whereabouts of her owner or are interested in helping, please contact Brian or Sally Church at (760) 728-5035.

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