Famished, frazzled, & fearful

I didn't post yesterday due to "things" going on, as well as Mr. Teddy pulling a "no show." However, he arrived this morning as stated above...famished, frazzled, and fearful. He was walking the back yard when he heard a loud truck in the distance (we are pretty far from a main road) and as you can see by the photo on the left, he startled. Notice his stiff stance, pulled up neck, and ears perked -he's ready to run. I managed to snap this right before he bolted and disappeared. That is how quickly he reacts to any noise!

We're going to send out flyers again with a little more info in hopes of learning who may be feeding him, and where he is being seen, so perhaps we can focus our efforts even more. Also, hopefully our local paper will run the letter to the editor that Janine is putting together, as soon as possible. Crossing fingers here!

As always, appreciate your prayers for the safety and hopeful rescue of this beautiful creature!

Frazzled and hungry...

It always seems that when he hasn't come around for a day or two that he returns more frazzled and absolutely famished. He really was scouring the yard in an almost frantic search this morning. Since I don't have any alternatives, I would like to set-up the trap AGAIN. I started placing his food inside the trap which is locked in the open position, but if I get it in too far, he'll leave it like before. We have been wondering if he is getting food from another source, although he still is very thin. My dog oriented friends and experts felt that he must be getting food elsewhere too. Sure enough in talking with a neighbor yesterday, another neighbor (who complained about the dog being in her garbage cans_-to which I responded "tell her not to chase the dog and call me to come and clean up," told her that HER neighbor feeds him some times in the morning. Ah Ha!

I'm trying to get a name and phone number for that person or I may just drive down. We have to try to get everyone in sync and network-it's the only chance we have to rescue him. I also asked our shelter friend Janine about writing a letter to the editor of the local paper explaining to folks about the dog and ask them not to chase him, etc. If we can get everyone on the "same page" with this boy, I think our chances will increase and so will his. I am very hopeful once again that once we put all these things in place, we will be successful! Pray for our mission and for the continued safety of Teddy!

And please pray for all who are trying to help in any way!

Full plate...

I was a little busy this a.m. so only had time to sporadically check the yard for a black and white flash. By the time I had to leave I hadn't seen him, but that didn't necessarily mean he hadn't been there. He's quick most days and one has to keep an eye out for him.

After returning from delivering his breakfast, I discovered I brought home two additional "friends." Unfortunately they are not cute and can wreak havoc if allowed to stay. I'm talking about ticks...just in case you didn't know. They love me! If I can get them while walking through a cleared yard, imagine what our Teddy has on him. Just one more reason to try to capture him and bring him to safety and health!

When I returned home later this morning I checked his area...plate still covered and filled with food. Teddy has not returned yet today. It has been damp, rainy, and dreary but no T-storms, so I haven't a clue as to why he didn't come back today. Since he returned so consistently for so long, and these past two weeks he's missed some days here, I truly think he must be getting food some where else, although he is still very thin. I really don't have much of a chance in getting him, if I can't use the food as bait, because nothing else gets his attention. So if there is any one out there who may be feeding him, please let me know so we can combine our efforts!

The only way I will ever capture him is by food and he has to be relying on my food. Of course, who knows, since living on the mountain perhaps he's also become a connoisseur of fresh berries. As always I can only imagine...

Keep praying for his safe capture...thank you!

Skinny and hungry...

Our boy arrived this a.m., obviously hungry as he scavenged the back yard for his additional treats. I started trailing him down closer to our fence again, hoping one day to make friends or get him inside without panicking him. I am at a loss for what else to do except be patient which isn't easy. He just reacts so quickly that I can't even gently toss him a treat without him bolting away for the day. I wish I could figure out a way to get him to come back several times a day, with the hope that he may get attached, but I don't know how to do that. I really wish I knew if someone else was feeding him too.

Oh well...we'll keep plugging away with high hopes and lots of prayers.

Special thanks to Teddy's human friends Bud & Jule for their generous donations to his food supply and treats-you both get a star in your books at the Rainbow Bridge.

Well...

He arrived a bit later this a.m. and unfortunately I wasn't expecting him. One of my dogs spied him first and barked from inside the house and spooked him. Hard to imagine in all the time he's been running that a barking dog inside a building still sends him off. I'll have to be more aware tomorrow.

After yesterday's breakfast remains were removed, I closed up the trap with full intentions of setting it again this morning. But I didn't set it. I decided to start all over again and put his plate of food on the edge of the trap, eventually hoping to open it and move his food further and further inside-back to a slow process. He's just so fearful and probably smart enough not to go in a place where there doesn't seem to be an exit. I wish I could borrow a bigger trap, something like a humane bear trap-I think I'd have a better chance of trying to get him to enter a less "tight" area. I've searched and searched and haven't come up with any larger humane traps.

While I am thankful that he is returning once again, I just wonder how long he can go on. It's a difficult life especially for a domesticated animal, and one who is so fearful. At least wolves/foxes in the wild are not in constant fear, only when they sense danger or are being attacked. This guy is fearful ALL the time. He doesn't even look twice before he runs away. I think I've spent enough time observing him to know he runs mostly on adrenaline supported by fear. I never saw a dog, even one with issues, startle so reactively and constantly and run without provocation or seemingly instinct or thought. I hope if any one sees him that they will not chase him, as I am sure this is part of the reason he has become even more fearful that before he was lost.

This is truly a sad story...and I will continue to pray it will have a happy ending.

A pleasant surprise...but disappointed

I decided no matter what, I needed to set the trap just in case he might return. I don't know whether it is my stress or his I'm worrying about at this point (just kidding). I figured if he came back perhaps he'd really be starving and so desperate to eat that he would forget himself and walk into the trap.

I loaded up a delicious assortment of smelly foods, piled high on a plate and placed them inside the trap. I figured he might pull out the blanket covering part of the floor, so I made sure to place the food beyond that point. I filled his water dish with fresh clean water and retreated to the house and waited.

I sporadically checked the area with binoculars hoping to catch a glimpse of a black and white flash. The fog blinded me at times, but it eventually cleared permanently, giving me a clear view. And then I saw him...

He paced and pawed at the trap ever so careful so as to not set it off. I hoped the trap wouldn't go off with his pawing as for sure I'd lose him then. I so wanted today to be the day he was rescued. I watched as he paced, and my heart broke for him. I can't imagine being so hungry yet fearful of eating. I felt like I was being mean, but my dog warden friend told me that I have to stay firm in keeping food inside or he'll never go in. Unfortunately...I don't think he WILL ever go in. Because he has been running for so long I doubt that a humane trap is going to entice him beyond his fears enough to capture him.

He walked around the area for some time and then I lost sight of him. I slowly walked up mid way in the back yard and suddenly he came from behind part of our fence. I backed off slowly and I don't think he saw me. I waited and waited but he didn't come back to the area. I needed to check the trap to make sure it didn't lock without him in it. So I made my way slowly to the area and found no Teddy in sight.

The trap had not gone off but the blanket was as I expected, pulled from the trap. The food still aromatic sat at the back of the trap beyond the set plate. I reached into get it and the trap closed on me-scared the you know what out of me! I can only imagine what it might do to a frightened animal. I couldn't reach it and was not enjoying crawling around in the mud, and then I remembered the hatch in the back of the trap-duh! I noticed at the back of the trap our friend has obviously been pawing and digging to try to obtain the food, but was not successful naturally. He really wanted it but I guess not bad enough to enter the trap-bummer! Major bummer!

I can only assume that he is getting some food from another source, whether it be wild, some one's garbage, or someone else is feeding him. I can't imagine why he if he was indeed starving, he would pass up some chicken, liverwurst, hot dogs and beef-but then again, I'm not him. I can only imagine what goes on his fearful mind.

I moved the food forward a bit inside the trap in case he might return, but I am doubtful of that for today. I can hope for tomorrow. There has got to be a way to capture him safely.

Once again our prayers were answered...Teddy returned. Although I feel bad that he didn't (at this point) have a nice meaty meal. I know I have to be strong, but it is so hard thinking of his empty belly. Maybe we need to not only pray for Teddy to return, but perhaps that he now gets rescued, and ask God to guide him into the safety of kind humans. Let's try...thanks!

And again...so far

Well it is close to 8 a.m. and he hasn't made an appearance. Naturally, I fear the worst and hope for the best. There are so many things that can happen on the mountain-snake bite comes to my mind. Because he startles and runs so quickly I fear he may run into a snake or even a coal hole. He looked so worn out the last time he was here. I'm sure he's loaded with ticks and probably is anemic. This of course will leave him even more weakened and less able to run or protect himself if need be. He must be so very tired. I had always hoped since he returned so regularly all this time, that if something did happen and he had the strength that he would come "home" here, but who knows?

I guess if he is a no show again tomorrow, it will be time to head up the mountain for a search. My heart breaks to think that this beautiful scared boy may be lying somewhere injured and in pain subjected to who knows what. I can only pray that this is not so, and that he will return here, and will be rescued.

Please keep in your prayers!

Not again...

Well our friend did not return or at least dine this a.m. or up until now (it is 5 p.m). I'm not sure why all of a sudden he is not returning regularly as he has done in the past. Could it be because there are more animals out of hibernation? Perhaps more people on the mountain? Or maybe because daylight comes so early now, and our typically quiet neighborhood was a little noisy this a.m. with lots of barking dogs? I wish I HAD the answer, but only Teddy knows. It just worries me so when he doesn't come to eat, I am always fearful he will not return , ever. I remember last year I never saw him at all, and it was only after the winter months that he showed up in my sight, and that's when I began feeding him.

I wish we could get some publicity in our plight to find/save him. I'd like people to report when and where they see him and would also like to know by chance if any one else feeding him. I want people to understand how frightened he is of EVERYTHING including the human voice, and would ask if they see him not to speak. Also, I would hope that people would feel some compassion for him and perhaps not "shoo" him or chase him if they see him. But most of all I would really wish that a miracle would occur and he would be safe. I just figure the more people who know about him, the more eyes there are to see him and help save him.

For now all we can do is pray for tomorrow.

Okay...

Just a quick update...he returned and devoured his food and treats. I have also taken to placing fresh water at his site as well. When he finished he trotted back up the mountain...if only he would stay around. I'm sure fear prevents him from staying anywhere for very long...I bet he hasn't even slept for more than minutes at a time in almost a year. Can you IMAGINE?

He's back....but

Well prayers were answered this a.m. as I traveled the back yard to "his" area. I saw a black and white flash making his way through the woods, obviously he was unaware of my presence, so I stood still. As he perused "his" area and started out to the open field toward our house, he spied my concrete like form. He startled and bolted for the mountain. It's been 35 minutes and he has yet to return. Hopefully he will, he must be very very hungry.

I can only assume from his very strong, quick and fearful reactions to me, that he has spent the last two days and nights being chased by whatever or whomever. He is more fearful and reactive than ever. He doesn't even hesitate to see, he just runs.

It is times like these that I can't help thinking...this is a situation that didn't necessarily have to be. One only has to see him react and actually try to imagine what he has seen and felt to develop a bit of anger that he is in this situation. It should not be.

"Teddy" has been running for his life for almost a year now. It is obvious his young life has been nothing but fear, and suffering. This guy has had no opportunity to feel safe, have a warm clean bed, and know the love of a human. It should NOT be for him or any other animal, or any living and breathing creature. It tears my heart to know he is so close but yet STILL cannot trust even me, the one who has been feeding him for months.

I'll do my best to continue this quest to Save Teddy...with all the prayers offered! Thank you!

Every thing but...

It is now 10:40 a.m. and still no sighting of our friend...

I've managed to see all types of creatures in that back yard this morning-wild turkeys, huge crows, eastern bluebirds, and all kinds of birds (almost got beaned by an over zealous humming bird), but no beautiful black and white dog. So the worry continues...

So far...not good

Well it's almost 7 a.m. here and no Teddy. With the haggard way he had looked the last few times I saw him, I can't help but fear the worst. Hopefully I am wrong and he will return. In this instance I want to be wrong.

I removed the cover from the new trap thinking that perhaps he saw it yesterday and spooked. The trap is not open or set at this point just in case the newness of something in his area has him fearful. Oddly enough my husband spotted three beautiful deer in the open yard, where Teddy would usually roam. I didn't want the deer, I wanted the dog.

I hope we don't need to go on a search and pray that he will return on his own as he has done before. Please pray for that also.

Stressful worry...but I can't complain

I shouldn't complain given all that this poor dog has faced for the past several months, but every time he doesn't show up (which is rare), I panic. We've come so far and I just keep hoping for a "bit more." Needless to say it is 2 p.m. here and he hasn't returned today. I will be heading up to mow the grass in "his" back yard and will be equipped with a bag of juicy hot dogs, just in case.

I was hoping to set the trap tomorrow, but now will wait for him to get used to the new trap being up. Of course could that be the reason he didn't return? Hmmm...maybe...but doubtful as I watched with binoculars this a.m. around "his" time and I didn't even see a flash of black and white fur. But then again...who knows.

Hopefully he will return to his regular schedule and we can move forward. I hope to one day soon report...he is safe!

Looking thin...very nervous

Well he saw me this a.m. bringing his breakfast, or should I say I saw him. He was quite a distance away from me but his black and white fur makes him relatively easy to spot. I stood still and he stood still, the longer I stood it seemed the further (albeit slowly) he moved away. I eventually gave up and retreated to the house. He soon came down to dine. He is a smart guy though, as he broke the cardboard base free (the one I had lined the bottom of the first trap with, and tacked it down) and pulled his food from the trap. He just figures any way not to go in.

I cooked up a storm today of meats from our freezer. I will begin offering some of these delicacies with his meal as teasers, and then one day hopefully entice him inside the larger trap when it is set. I fear I will have to get him on the first try, that's why I'm being exceptionally cautious, as I am concerned he will be so spooked after a missed attempt I may lose him. But maybe not...this guy is just so fearful.

I caught a glimpse of him running scared in our back yard a little later. He kept turning around and startling, but again I didn't see anything. He definitely looks much thinner and seems so much more nervous if that is even possible. I just wish I could get a message out to any one who encounters him to please NOT chase him or even talk to him, it only instills more fear.

Well...we can only hope and pray for a happy ending one day soon-real soon!

Ready...not set...

Well our friend arrived a little later this a.m. looking more frazzled and thin. Something spooked him as he worked the trail of treats as he turned to look and ran with his tail between his legs. (I didn't see anything, but with this poor guy, who knows). He hasn't returned to finish his treats but the main dish was licked clean.

I wonder where he goes during the day. I would think (hope) that he would stay around where he was getting food, but that doesn't seem to happen. We live in a relatively quiet and safe neighborhood, but then I guess he doesn't know that. Some times I do think he lurks close by as it seems I no sooner leave the "chow" area and he arrives.

I admit I had high hopes of gaining his trust when he stood in front of me a few weeks ago, when I was cutting grass in "his" area. But that seems to be a distant memory as he acts even more scared than ever.

The larger trap is going to be placed in the area, mostly covered and not set, just open. I'll be covering the bottom as well with a blanket. I'll begin feeding him in the area of this trap with the eventual hope of moving the food inside and setting the humane trap. It's going a little slower than I would like but he is just so darn hyper sensitive and aware that the slightest change or noise spooks him away.

Keep your fingers crossed and your prayers going up!

Weathering the storm...

Teddy did not make an appearance yesterday, nor was his food eaten. My husband brought it to my attention that we had a storm the night before and reminded me that it seemed that always kept him away. I thought about and said, "is it possible that when it storms that he runs far away to try to escape?" I guess it is possible.

We had a wicked storm last night. But? Teddy arrived this a.m. very nervous, as he caught a glimpse of me from the distance and bolted. I retreated to the house and watched him closely. He looked very haggard and thinner than usual, he almost looked like he was exhausted, perhaps from a night of running or trembling-who knows? And then I remembered what my shelter friend had told me..."Teddy was returned to the shelter after an adoption due to his fear of thunder storms." And there it was... I thought of my own little puppy and how upset she was last night with her first storm and how we tried to console, distract, and comfort her fears, and there is poor Teddy, out there, all alone in fear. Breaks my heart!

Now I guess I have to admit my husband might be correct. And even more so...we've got to get him-thunder storm season is just beginning. Big time plans for this coming week!

Something different to try...

My friend will be delivering the larger humane trap this morning (bless her!). Hopefully the few inches difference in size may eventually make a difference. As per her suggestion and experiences, we will leave the other trap as it is and place this one semi-covered and not set, in the same area, and see how it goes. Eventually planning to lock it open and try to entice him inside to eat, and then naturally at some point setting it, and hopefully capturing him. We'll also be placing a blanket with the scent of a female in season although he is neutered, we'll have to see how he responds to that one.

This morning he arrived as usual, but still seemingly more nervous than previously. I placed his food a bit further in the open trap, and while he did his little grab, gobble, startle dance, I believe he ate (I'll check later). As time goes on and if we seem to be moving forward I will be getting some additional good smelling foods like a roasted chicken (and yes I will have to pick it off the bones), Vienna sausage has been suggested, perhaps some liverwurst, and any other strongly aromatic substance I can find. Keep your fingers crossed that we are approaching a happy ending!

A sigh of relief...sort of...

I stood vigil at the door this morning hoping and praying in earnest that he would return, and lo and behold he did-thank God! He seemed much more nervous as he gobbled his breakfast, startling frequently and almost bolting many times. As he worked his treat trail he was hyper vigilant and looked up and around frequently, and started to run several times. God only knows where he has been and what has happened to him in the last 48 hours. This is why I say "a sigh of relief...sort of..." It is difficult to fathom what he may experience in a day and night. I am glad that he has returned, and seemingly looked "okay," but my heart sinks in knowing he runs and knows no security. It only has made me more determined, we've got to get him and it has to be soon. A friend who is also a warden will be bringing me a larger (hopefully) humane trap. I have a few other calls to make to see if we can obtain some assistance. I'll keep you posted and as always pray for Teddy's safe rescue REAL soon!

Thank you to those who volunteered to help search, it is so good to know there are others out there who care. Obviously at this point we don't need to try to find him, he has found his way back, for now.

Getting more concerned....

It is now 11:15 a.m. here and Teddy's breakfast dish is still full. He obviously hasn't returned at this point. My only hope is that before nightfall (I need to remove the food before dark so as not to FEED wild critters), he returns. If not I will try again tomorrow and Friday (Correction-I mean Thursday). If he doesn't return Friday (Correction-Thursday) a.m., I would like to try and get a search party together. If any one is local and could spare a few hours on Thursday(possibly) please email me. I don't know if we'll find him, but feel we need to try. Last time he didn't show was the week before Easter. My husband and I hiked the mountain for over two hours on Good Friday, only seeing paw prints in the mud. We traveled the mountain north, and now know he has been spotted on the southern direction of the mountain, so perhaps we should head that way. I hope it doesn't come to that, but would like to know if any one can help if it does-thanks!

Very worried...

It is now 7:45 a.m. and Teddy's breakfast plate and trail of treats sit untouched, except by the nuisance crows. He hasn't been this late coming down the mountain in weeks. It is always a concern and fear that something might happen to him. I always hoped we could get him before something else did. Let's just hope he got side tracked and will return soon...

It was torture to watch...

I noticed yesterday's breakfast plate was further inside the trap than I had originally placed it, so I decided to try and place the food just a little further inside again. I probably placed it about 6 inches from the opening. Well true to form after I retreated to the house a few minutes later Teddy appeared devouring trail of treats, which always ends close to our fence now, with a jackpot of treats as he gets closer to our home/fence. He then returned to his dining area and I watched from the window. It took him a long time to eat as he'd stretch to grab a mouthful of food inside the trap and startle backwards, it was torture to watch him be so hungry and yet so afraid. After 10 minutes I couldn't stand it any more, I decided to go up and bring the food out for him. Much to my surprise, he HAD taken the plate out of the trap via the removal of the cardboard which covered the base of the trap. (Smart dog, or should I say survivor dog) I was glad to see that he persevered and ate even though he startled frequently throughout his meal. It is hard to watch him fearfully struggle imagining what he has been through, but maybe just maybe someday we can get him via the trap OR preferably by trust.

I've also incorporated a two pitched whistle which I now use whenever I bring his food hoping as usual that this will one day bring him some familiarity. Hoping as always....

Face to face...well not quite

As I walked up our back yard (I was in the fenced in portion yet), Teddy came trotting down the upper back yard unaware of my presence obviously. When I spied him I held the aromatic plate of food in front of me and froze. Whether he caught the scent of the food or me, he stopped and froze momentarily too. There we were for a brief few seconds looking right at each other. I wanted to toss a piece of liverwurst but I knew I was too far away, and he would probably perceive me as throwing something AT him, so I just stood there. I secretly hoped he would come to the fence, but reality soon took over as he turned and ran to the safety of his mountain. Momentarily crushed again, I shook it off, and placed his breakfast right inside the trap, and left a trail of special treats for him. I took my liverwurst and sat behind the fence again and waited. He did not return within 2o minutes, and it was a tad chilly this a.m., so I left (left some good chunks of liverwurst right outside the fence too). About 30 minutes later, I saw him eating. I am so glad that he returns, but I really wish he would show some familiarity with me at this point. It's odd to me that he doesn't, because even non-domesticated animals will begin to trust given time. There were two chipmunks that lived here that would take peanuts right from my hand, and run right up to almost anyone who came on our property. Same with rabbits, squirrels and other critters, I just don't know what happens to him all day and all night that might prevent him from trusting me, the one who always feeds him. It is perplexing and frustrating, but it is a challenge I will continue to try to meet. Thanks for your prayers!

Like a huge gust of wind...

Well I got up at the crack of dawn today determined to beat him to the back yard. Pockets filled with treats, his breakfast piled high, and some nice smelly liverwurst ready to entice, I headed up the back yard as the sun barely rose over the trees. And I waited....

After laying the trail of treats and placing his breakfast right on the inside edge of the trap, I proceeded down to our fenced in yard. This time I brought the trail of treats closer to the fence, and as I got closer made the piles bigger and laced them with chunks of good smelling liverwurst. Then I sat right inside the fence with a hand full of liverwurst and waited...and waited...and waited. My arm was starting to go to sleep from holding my tantalizing treats on the fence post fearful of moving too much, when suddenly I saw the black and white fur. He made his way down the trail and actually stopped to look at me several times (at least I think he did). He didn't run, so I felt good about that for surely he could catch my scent nearby. I sat ever so still and he came closer and closer to the fence. I found myself holding my breath as this was the closest I had ever seen him. Oh is he beautiful-it's amazing that he looks as good as he does considering what we think his life has been! He face is full and pure black and he has some gray/black spotting on some of his white fur. His eyes are quick and fearful as they darted back and forth scanning his environment. He IS on the thin side, contrary to what people think. It also looked like he has something on both lower eye lids,not sure as I didn't have my glasses. I wondered if they might have been ticks. I could hear his breaths as he munched on treats, that's how close he was. I just wanted to reach out and touch him, but I knew that wouldn't work. I could smell his dampened fur. As he got close to my statuesque position I tensed, should I hold out my hand with the liverwurst or should I drop it? I decided on the latter as I was sure he wouldn't take it from hand. When I dropped it I actually heard a whoosh and in a split second the black and white flash was gone. I actually heard that sound-it startled me! He is so quick to react and startle, one can only imagine what has happened to him. Disheartened I tossed the liverwurst onto the last pile outside the fence hoping for his return. He did return but as I watched from afar, he was so nervous; when he ate he startled big time twice and went to run at something he heard/saw in the neighbor's yard. I didn't see or hear anything, but then I'm not him. He didn't finish the last pile as he was too nervous, maybe later. He went up licked his plate clean and left for his daily travels. I need to be positive...one day he will know. Keep him in your prayers.

Update...

Just wanted to let you all know...he did return to eat after approximately 4o minutes. I'm still searching for a bigger solution, but am sooooooo glad he came back!

Fear trumps empty belly....

Yesterday afternoon, I opened the trap and secured it in the open position. I placed the cardboard pieces that he had been dining on for the past few weeks inside the cage covering the entire floor. He was early again this morning and the terriers spooked him initially, but he returned very quickly after I left his area. I watched from the balcony as he worked the trail of treats, this time I brought him closer to our fenced in yard. He then made his way to his main dining area and longingly looked at the food I placed barely 8 inches inside the open cage. He stretched, and jumped. Grabbed a few morsels and jumped back. He so much wanted the food but was not about to set foot inside that cage. It was very emotional to watch as I know how hungry he is but yet his fear over rides any hunger. After quite some time he gave up and slowly began to ascend the mountain. I couldn't stand it so I quickly went up to bring the food out of the cage, hoping he would see me and return. It's been 30 minutes and he hasn't come back yet. This is what I always hoped would not happen, and obviously this is what happened before when others tried to trap him, he is too afraid. The trap is narrow, so he is quite aware that he is entering something. I've been looking for larger traps to no avail. I was absolutely crushed when I saw his reaction as I thought I was taking it all slow enough that he would adjust, but I was wrong. I won't give up, I just need to rethink things again. Keep us both in your prayers and thoughts for a viable solution to present itself and bring him to safety. Thanks!

Disheartening...a little

The early riser was here again...early. I was somewhat disappointed as I made my way up the back yard with his food and treats, that he trotted away, up the mountainside. I thought by now and with other times he didn't bolt, that he might linger a little closer, but he didn't. He didn't run but trotted away with his ears pinned back on his head. I started to consider why he might be different on some mornings-is it possible he spent a night of fear, running from who knows what? Perhaps he met a hunter along his way this morning that startled him. Maybe he was "shooed" by an unknowing or perhaps uncaring human, who doesn't know we're trying to catch him. So many things can happen to him, that only he knows about, so patience and time is what needs to be given. As I write this, Teddy is dining on his trail of treats in our back yard. The plan is to continue on...

Early riser again...

Boy he sure is trying to get me and my dogs up at the crack of dawn! He was very early this a.m., and of course my dogs saw him first. Naturally they barked and he bolted. However, he did return later to eat his breakfast and mark some turf. I couldn't tell whether he was watching me from afar this morning or not as the trees are beginning to bud and blossom, filling the once open spaces in the woods. I still would rather get him to come to me, but doubt that will happen for quite some time. On with plans....

Still hungry

Teddy was down for breakfast before I was, must've been very hungry. I had hoped since I have to move really slow (due to my knee) that perhaps he might linger and approach me holding his delectable plate of food. But...he turned and trotted up the mountain a short way. However...he did SIT and WATCH me from afar. He thought I couldn't see him, but little does he know his black and white fur sort of sticks out in the woods. I watched him from the corner of my eye as I placed the trail of treats and finally his plate of food-he didn't move a muscle. As I hobbled back down the yard after placing the food, I continuously peaked around but saw no Teddy close. I no sooner made it inside the gate and he was at his plate, devouring it. A few minutes later he was wandering in our back yard, cleaning up the trail of treats, looking for more, and "marking" territory. Hmmm.... A little while later my husband said, "It looks like he's still hungry, he's still looking for food." So I thought I'd seize the moment (the entire time hoping he'd come to me for seconds), and prepared another aromatic plate of food. Of course, he saw me coming and trotted up the mountainside. At this point, I do not know if he returned for seconds or not...bummer. At least he is getting closer to the house, now if I could only get him closer to me. My knee should be good enough by next week, and if nothing else pops up, I plan on feeding him IN the trap (not set yet). As always...keep your fingers crossed!

Is he claiming us?

Interestingly I am wondering if Teddy is now claiming his territory as I watched him come all the way down from the back yard and lift his leg right at the gate that we use to bring his food. It was kind of funny to see him do this and be that close ( not that I'm fond of dogs urinating randomly on items-haha). I'm not really sure how our only male of the house Trevar will take it either, the next few days should prove to be interesting.

He took a different route this a.m. after dining-he went across the back of our neighbors' yards instead of heading back up the mountain. I hope he doesn't get "shooed" or meet up with any turkey hunters-it is always a worry.

I feel we are so close (at least closer than before) to getting him, and worry that something will happen before we can close the story with a happy ending.

As always...keep him and our efforts in your prayers, please.

Seems odd...

Well it seems Teddy was a little anxious this a.m. and bet my husband to the feeding area. Needless to say when Teddy saw him, he bolted. However, I knew he would return, which he did. Oddly,it seems that Teddy works the trail of treats first, before heading to his main dish, unless he just goes back to lick it clean. Unfortunately, I know this dog has been chased by humans so much, as the mere sound of a voice sends him running (my husband assured me he did not say a word to him). How sad! Hopefully one day he will be comforted by a gentle voice. I worry about catching him and I worry about NOT catching him. I fear when he is caught his panic will be great and I worry if he's not caught soon he will eventually meet his demise on the mountain OR become unreachable. So...let's hope for a soon to be rescue!

No worries thus far...

Well having the trap camouflaged didn't seem to deter Teddy from dining. He was seen eating yesterday and we saw him this morning, so we continue to move ahead. I'm considering another step in between-securing the trap in the open position for a while to see if I can get him to enter a few times. That way ideally he will become accustomed to the trap and hopefully...well you know. I'll try to post a pic or two to show the area as soon as I can hobble up the yard. Keep him in your prayers and thanks for checking in!