The Agony of a Missing Pet
If you’ve ever experienced the anguish of a missing dog, you understand the uncertainty and fear that come with it. Fortunately, for a small dog named Toto in Rockland County, New York, his story had a happy ending thanks to the dedication of local police.
Toto’s Disappearance
Toto, a 16-year-old Lhasa Apso, didn’t wander off on an adventure to the Land of Oz, but his tale was no less dramatic. After the death of his previous owner, Anna Marie Miller, a neighbor, adopted Toto and had cared for him for over eight years.
One Tuesday, while Anna was away, Toto slipped out of the house when Anna’s niece momentarily opened the front door during a smoke alarm scare. Upon returning home, Anna discovered Toto was missing and immediately sought help from her community via Facebook. Despite the neighborhood’s collective effort to find him, Toto remained elusive.
A Desperate Search
Anna’s distress was palpable. “I thought maybe he was in a ditch someplace, or he was in the woods and that he died,” she said, holding onto hope that Toto would be found. “You get attached to them. They’re just like part of the family. And, he is a good dog.”
The Rescue
Three days later, a neighbor walking near Anna’s house heard a faint barking. Following the sound, she discovered Toto trapped in a storm drain, likely stuck there without food or water since his disappearance. She quickly alerted Anna and the police.
The Haverstraw Police Department documented the rescue on Facebook: “This morning, PO Walter Vega and Sgt. Steven Rosado, along with the Village of West Haverstraw DPW, rescued a small dog from a storm drain that had been missing for three days. The dog was reunited with its owner 🐾.”
Aftermath and Recovery
Toto was visibly traumatized by the ordeal. Anna, relieved and grateful, immediately took him to the veterinarian since he had not eaten since his rescue. “He’s not eating or anything. But, I think it takes time, you know?” she shared, optimistic that Toto would soon recover.
Gratitude for the Heroes
Thanks to the swift and skilled actions of the Rockland County police and fire department, Toto was safely returned to Anna. Their efforts highlight the profound impact of community and first responders in ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved pets.
