The Journey of Chance: A Boxer’s Return Chance was no ordinary dog. With a chest as broad as his heart and eyes that gleamed with wisdom, the handsome brindle colored boxer had lived through more than most pups ever would. He had been surrendered from Illinois into the caring hands of Mid Iowa Boxer Rescue, a group that gave him a second chance at life after hardship — hence his name. On April 11, Chance disappeared. It was supposed to be a routine day. He had just moved to a new adoptive home, still adjusting to unfamiliar sights, smells, and voices but bonding well with his new dog Mom. Three days into his new life his dog mom was in a terrible car accident and had to be hospitalized leaving Chance at home without her. Afraid and unsure of the other new people in his life, Chance saw an open door opportunity and he took it. He bolted out the door — muscles firing, ears back, heart pounding. Instinct took over and he vanished into the Iowa countryside. The rescue community rallied quickly. Flyers went up. Volunteers drove miles in every direction. Hope never faded, even as days turned into weeks. Sightings came in. A flash of brindle in a field. Paw prints in the mud. A tipped-over water bowl someone had left out just in case. He was out there — living in survival mode. Skittish. Smart. Elusive. Paws of Hope joined the search, known for our skills and compassion in tracking lost dogs. We brought with us experience, patience, and a special tool: The Missy Trap. This is a humane enclosure designed to gently capture scared and wary dogs without harm. We set the trap in a quiet clearing where Chance had been seen several times earlier in the week. Baited it with his favorite delectable foods and irresistible scents and then they waited. Today, May 29, over six weeks later, the trap’s door finally clicked shut — and inside stood Chance. Tired. Thin. But safe. At first, he paced nervously, eyes wide and body trembling. But as the rescuers approached, calling his name softly, something in him remembered. A voice. A smell. A feeling of safety. He lowered his head. Let out a long sigh. And wagged his tail. Chance was finally going home. The people at MidIowa Boxer Rescue wept tears of joy as did the volunteers at Paws Of Hope Animal Rescue. His foster family was ready with soft beds, full bowls, and open arms. His story — one of resilience, community, and the deep bond between humans and animals — reminded everyone watching that hope is never lost, and that some dogs truly live up to their names. Chance had been lost. But now, he was found. And his second chance has just begun. 🐾💛 💛We would like to give a special thanks to Tracy and Jayme Rullestad and Dennis and Kimberly Heintz for alerting us to their sightings and for allowing us to take over their property for the week. We absolutely couldn’t have done it without your help.💛 #boxer #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #chance (fb)

GET THOSE FLYERS OUT! Frightened and disoriented, lost dogs are often drawn to farms where there’s a steady source of food—like outdoor cat dishes or spilled grain. Farms also offer plenty of places to hide. These dogs may take shelter in barns, sheds, or beneath old equipment, typically emerging at dawn or dusk to eat. If they aren’t causing problems for livestock, farmers might allow them to stay, assuming the dog was abandoned, and may not take steps to locate the owner. This is why it’s crucial to distribute flyers to every farm within at least a 10-mile radius of where your dog disappeared. Speak directly with property owners and hand them a flyer. Ask if they’ve seen a dog that matches yours hanging around or passing through. If you don’t get any leads, expand your search to 20 miles or more. Don’t give up! Lost dogs have been found safe weeks, months, even years after they vanished. Your dog is counting on you to bring them home. (fb)