Dog travels 10 miles to return to shelter

February 9, 10:52 AMPet Rescue ExaminerSharon Seltzer

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Chip returned to the animal shelter that
saved him after being on the road for one
week.

If Chip, a 2-year-old Blue heeler mix, could speak he would give a glowing testimony to the staff that took care of him at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, PA. He bonded so well with everyone that even after he was adopted the dog embarked on a one week odyssey to return to them.

Chip was adopted on January 30th by Sarah Grabel. Less than 3 hours after she got the pup settled into her home, the young dog broke through a partially closed door with his mind set on finding his way back to his home at the shelter. Grabel organized a search party of family and neighbors, but the dog eluded them.

Rescue workers at ARL also began looking for Chip. They had a hunch the dog was trying to find his way back to them, but they worried about the dangerous 10-mile journey. The weather had turned bitter cold and they knew Chip would have to cross a busy highway.

Then one-week after his disappearance, as a shelter worker was closing up for the night, Chip ran to the door and pressed his face up against the glass. Fortunately, he was healthy after his 10-mile trek. The dog had a patch of frostbite on his lip, sore and worn down pads and had been apparently sprayed by a skunk. He was welcomed home by all the staff and is recuperating nicely.

Harry Brown III who is the executive director for ARL said, “I’ve been here 20 years and this is a first.” “He must feel this is his home, and he wanted to come back,” said Nicole Van Art who is the Kennel technician.

The Grabel family has decided to let Chip remain with the animal rescue group and she will look for another dog to adopt.

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County has been caring for stray and abandoned pets since the 1950’s. They are the largest animal shelter in their area. The organization also offers spay/neuter services, a full medical clinic and a boarding facility. ARL is instrumental with investigations of animal cruelty cases in the Berks County area, as well.
 

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