Social media post sparks 4-day search for missing puppy in Mechanicsville

HANOVER, Va. (WWBT) - A Facebook post sparked a four-day search that involved trail cameras and infrared, heat-seeking drones before concluding with a happy reunion.

The search began on Christmas Eve and continued through Sunday Dec. 28.

The manhunt was for River, a 5-month-old golden doodle who escaped from her groomer. The puppy had more than 30 people searching for her through the woods.

“When I got the call, I just panicked, thinking about her running across 360, because that’s such a busy road,” said Jamie Laabs, River’s owner.

But the golden doodle was determined, and according to eyewitnesses, the dog made it’s way across Route 360 and settled in a heavily wooded area behind Battlefield Park Elementary School.

Looking for help, Laabs turned to social media for assistance.

“My cousin’s mom texted me and said ‘I’m gonna tag Curt Autry, I’m gonna tag him.’ And everybody kept tagging you (Curt) and tagging you - and eventually I was like - oh my gosh, he reposted,” Laabs said.

Through Curt’s Facebook repost, Laabs connected with professional animal tracker Christine Quaiff, and tracked and drone pilot Jut Updyke.

Over several days, River stayed in the same general vicinity, never venturing far from a 200-yard triangle she had established as a home base. Searchers put out four trail cameras, the blanket she slept on, a trap and plenty of food.

“In order to lure the dog into that location, we used liquid smoke, very smelly food, canned chicken, vienna sausages and scent items from the owner,” Quaiff said.

And voila, after four long days, River was finally caught and ready to go home.