A K-9 Miami police officer went missing earlier this month, but thanks to social media and a Good Samaritan, was reunited with his human partner.
‘Santa’, a nine-year-old Belgian Malinois, is resting after her solo adventure on the street of Miami. Exactly when Santa took off to see the sights is unclear, but the last time she had been seen by her handler, Detective Young, was on the evening of May 12 in her kennel.
Young, who has worked with Santa for six years and been with the Miami police department for over a quarter of a century, said this was the first time the dog had done this. He speculated that the medication she was on for a recent illness may have been a contributing factor.
Santa was rescued by Juan Giraldo who, while driving, saw the dog running near the road in the early hours of the morning. Concerned it might be hit by a car, Giraldo stopped, opened his door, and offered the dog a ride.
When the pair went into the Sunset Feed and Supply to stock up on dog supplies. Ann Rhymestine, an employee, recognized Santa from her picture posted on social media. The search for the missing dog was called off and Detective Young was called to take Santa home.
As effective as social media was in this case, the services supplied by flyer printers in finding missing animals remain highly effective.
