Michigan Rescue Dog Missing for 8 Months Captured in Warren

If only Oakley could talk, he'd probably share some wild tales about being on the road, escaping captivity for eight months.

Oakley's Story

Oakley is an Australian Cattle Dog that was rescued from an abusive situation last summer. After just two weeks in a rescue home, Oakley's attention was caught by a stray cat and he took off after it.

Oakley then went on the lam for about five months.

Then about three months ago, Warren Animal Control began to receive reports of a dog that looked like Oakley hanging around near Van Dyke Avenue in Warren. They tell the Macomb Daily that animal lovers started sharing information and tracking Oakley's whereabouts on social media.

Trapping a Wild Dog

Michael James is the director of the 'Help Us Help Them Dog Rescue.' He knew Oakley would be elusive and in order to catch the pup he put the word out for people to stop feeding him.

“When a dog is in this kind of situation it is very intense because he is in survival mode,” James said. “They are in fight or flight mode and if they are in flight mode, they will run even if it is a familiar face that is pursuing them.”

He goes on to tell that paper that trapping Oakley was tricky business. He set a trap with treats inside, but the dog was wise and tried to dig under the trap in order to elude being caught.

After several days, James was able to catch Oakley.

Rehabilitation for Oakley

James says the pooch is on his way to recovery.

“We put him into a quiet environment to decompress for about eight hours,” said James. “He was severely fearful and skittish, but now when he sees me he starts wagging his tail and he likes to play with toys."

 

What's Next for Oakley?

Help Us Help Them is currently looking for someone to foster Oakley or someone who wants to give him a permanent home. Contact the organization through their Facebook page.