Numbers not current, though you can see distribution of visitors. Each of us tells 2 neighbors, and 2 friends...
Status: FOUND
By Alex Weilhammer
Published: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 11:43 a.m.Last Modified: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 5:18 p.m.http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150729/ARTICLE/150729653/0/search
SARASOTA - Only Abby knows how she ended up in Atlanta, some 500 miles from her Sarasota home.
The 3-year-old miniature Australian shepherd was lost on July 3 after she bolted from her owners' yard when fireworks frightened her. She was found in Atlanta on July 24th (corrected).
Michael Epstein, Abby's owner, is a family therapist based in Sarasota. He created http://findabby.com/ to spread the message about his lost dog and printed a multitude of posters. He used Facebook, as well. (see link for remainder of the article).
Published: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 11:43 a.m.Last Modified: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 5:18 p.m.http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20150729/ARTICLE/150729653/0/search
SARASOTA - Only Abby knows how she ended up in Atlanta, some 500 miles from her Sarasota home.
The 3-year-old miniature Australian shepherd was lost on July 3 after she bolted from her owners' yard when fireworks frightened her. She was found in Atlanta on July 24th (corrected).
Michael Epstein, Abby's owner, is a family therapist based in Sarasota. He created http://findabby.com/ to spread the message about his lost dog and printed a multitude of posters. He used Facebook, as well. (see link for remainder of the article).
Sat July 25th @ 9:23AM "While roadside talking to Joyce about a reported dog on Fruitville, I received a call from Fulton Animal Services in Atlanta. They have Abigail! I'm headed there now. Details to come..."
7/25/2015
9:23AM
While chatting with Joyce of Animal Services after a tireless search for a hit dog that “looked like Abby” alongside Fruitville Rd, the call came…
Fulton County Animal Services (Atlanta) called to report they “have Abigail.”
9:32AM: "Abby has been found! I just received a call from Atlanta Georgia - animal services in Fulton County. I'm leaving to go get her in about 20 minutes"
9 :41AM: Sarasota Animal Services (Joyce) reports: The owner received a call that Abby has been found. He is headed to get her. He will update everyone later.
1:21PM: Hi this is Maddie :) Called off work and cancelled rehearsal to drive up to Atlanta today with my dad. Heard my dad said "Abby found" in the kitchen this morning, not sure if I heard it right. I walked out and he confirmed it. Hugging for joy, but moments later rushing to leave. Some of you want to know how Abby got to Atlanta; we don't know yet. The animal services agent mentioned something about Abby found in a park, but we aren't sure. It will be about 8pm before there is any new news. Will keep you posted!
1:30PM: Shared Abigail’s posting from Fulton County Animal Services (see images): "En route to pick up Abby in Atlanta. Will give details as I know" them
3:19PM: Just a note about the SNN blog entry. We want all the readers to realize that is NOT the news station. In fact, the SNN news station has joined all of you in congratulating us in Abby's safe return. Since I have all this time on the road, my dad wants me to thank a bunch of people...
Firstly, each and every one of you that have visited FindAbby.com.
Next, the animal advocate groups for lost, missing, and abandoned animals- these groups are amazing and fully devoted to the care and rescue of animals.
Along the way, several businesses have been very supportive of our search for Abby. Notibly, Sarasota County for allowing us to post anywhere without interfering with traffic regualtions, Max from ABC 7 news, 7 Eleven on Tuttle & 12th street, the UTC mall, and there's more but we are in a torrential down pour right now while navigating several accidents. Will post more later :)
4:30PM "The blog at FindAbby.com has our status - will update after 9 PM tonight”
5:05PM: "10mins away….”
7:15-7:58PM: The REUNION at Fulton County Animal Services (see pics and vids)
8:07PM Called Brittany, “finder" of Abby, to obtain details
8:30PM Posted “reunion” with Abby
We have Abby! Uploaded videos and photos here; will post the details of Abby's finding at FindAbby.com within the next couple hours. The finder is as sweet as Abby.
9:38PM: Brittany found Abby on Friday, July 24th about 7:30AM during her morning runs... she spotted Abby in a large park in Atlanta, Georgia... no collar and looked scared and lost with leaves in her hair. Abby was skittish at first but let Brittany come up to her. Brittany had work in an hour so she took Abby into her car and left her at her apartment with her fellow roommate who then bathed, fed, and played with Abby- even buying her a toy. After work, around 5-6pm, Brittany and her roommate took Abby to the Fulton Animal Services where she was scanned for a microchip.
"This makes me feel so great.. I mean like she just look so scared like you could tell that she was so distraught... Totally didn't know where she was but you could tell she had been with somebody. I mean she wasn't starving or anything, but I was like 'she's too pretty of a dog to be roaming around.'" -Brittany
The Life Line Animal Project with Fulton county Animal Services were diligent, compassionate, and efficient with getting Abby back to us. Importantly, a microchip said months of searching for Abby.
9:46PM Maddie's Blog entry: The Life Line Animal Project with Fulton County Animal Services did more then just hold Abby. They did:
-ear cleaning
-nail checking
-heart worm test (gave her a heart worm pill)
-flee treatment
-shots for Bordatella & DA2PP
9:56PM: Maddie's Blog entry: No one will know how she got to Atlanta, only Abby knows. We only know that Brittney was the women who found her roaming in an Atlanta park and took her to the shelter.
7/26/15
5:50AM Arrived home! Abby squealed with delight pulling into the driveway. Nathan waited up and greeted us at the car. We were all snoozing minutes later.
9:55AM Abby was laying patiently for the magic words, "do you want to go outside?" She jumped from the bed and waited by the door. Normally she'd go out for a few minutes without me; not this morning. She wouldn't let me out of her sight. Once outside she ran to find her collection of balls (2 soccer and 1 tennis). She brought the tennis ball over and we played catch for about 5 minutes. She was so happy! Then, back to the house. That's all for now. Wanted the events posted.
Oh, please check back to get details on the "Welcome Home Abby" celebration to benefit the organizations that help lost, missing, abandoned, or injured pets. Of course, pets will be welcome!
7/26/15 @ 11:50AM: See our post of gratitude to LifeLine and Fulton County Animal Services:
Abby has been missing since July 3rd, from Sarasota, FL She was found on July 24th in Atlanta, GA.
Thank you LifeLine and the staff of Fulton County Animal Services: Special Thanks to Michelle George, kennel manager Myles Swain, front end supervisor Pamela Bryant, customer service rep Gregory Bachman, Adoptions staff, Briea Milde, Karen Milde, and Kim Meeks, and Kennel staff Andy Pants. This doesn't include the other staff/friends Abby made while while cared for at the Fulton County Animal Services shelter.
We are so grateful that Abby sought out a beautiful spirit named Brittany to save her - we will be forever grateful. Details of Abby's story may be found at www.FindAbby.com
Please report...
Did you see a dog anywhere that looks at all like Abby? Blog it here (click on "comments"), or fill out a comment form on the home screen.
=== PAST
Sun 7/19: Country Oaks sighting was a different dog, one that was sighted a couple weeks ago - older, larger and actually different in color. Thanks to all that shared the information that helped confirm this is not Abby.
... Many of you have done drive-bys, and this community is on the look out. Please report if you have knocked on doors of any homes here. Country Oaks (strongest sighting): Dozens of postcards were placed for each house in a Country Oaks neighborhood, along with2 medium signs in response to this exchange... Late last night I received a message that someone's adult daughter had seen (almost picked up) a dog like Abby in Country Oaks. While debating what to do (had another dog in car - incompatible) another woman drove up... see message thread, Sun 7/19@ 10:24PM.
Blog entry 7/22: Country Oaks update (sighting was about July 8th, reported 7/19: still no visual on the van. Clarifying, she confirmed the dog was soft, but unsure if colors are same (it was dark); noting to demeanor, "the dog came right to her and sat next to her outside of her car." The lady in the van, had "short dark hair..." and was "older (in her 40's) maybe Italian or Hispanic."
==
SUN 7/19 @ 10:24PM Report & exchange:
I received you message, thank you! Please see Abby's pics - is that the dog your daughter found? Could you send me a pic to my phone?
941-773-0570. Michael Epstein
She's not sure at night but when she called me she said it was like a small collie
Are you close to country oaks?
Yes Where is the dog now?
She lives in Country oaks? Behind the Applebee's she said the dog had a collar doesn't think it had tags
Just weird same weekend same kinda dog
She couldn't take the dog in her car because of her Rottweiler
But a lady came up in a small mini van gray/ light color newer at the stop sign by the pool
And said she would take the dog until she finds the owner
Yes She knows she went into the
Cul da sac pass the pool
Go to the stop sign turn right
Back in there
Does your daughter know if the dog was mostly black & white?
Somewhere that's where she came from and went to before going to Walmart
She said it was dark same kinda dog but not sure
This helps... I'll look for a light colored minivan
What night was that?
I saw this and wasn't sure
... it was July 8
She is not white not full Hispanic
In her 40s
Dark hair
Ok. Thank you so much.
So hope that helps my daughter said just watch that cul d sac closely.
For the minivan
Could you describe what the woman looked like thinner or heavyset
Not heavyset
She didn't get out she opened the sliding door to let the dog in
She said she had 2 dogs at home she would find the owner
She said the van was very clean
We checked out an old Australian Shepherd that was a blue merle in a similar scenario and country Oaks.
Trouble finding where to go.
Could you pull it up on a map and send me a picture
Ok when you go pull in country oaks
Go to the stop sign at the pool
You can only go right or left...GO RIGHT
At the first stop sign
You come to see the tennis courts
Off Lockwood
I would do a flyer and put one at each of the homes in that area it's a a big circle. Tape it to the mail box even if it's the other dog one of those homes she went too ..could help either yours or she'll call you and say it was the other dog..I just hope she didn't just keep your baby.
Once you see the tennis courts that's the pool next to them. You come to a stop sign. Turn right
Thank you. I'm at that four can I see the pool on the left. Where did your daughter see the dog - here in country Oaks or by Applebee's
Right at that corner
Slags pulled in at the pool lot
Dog came right to her
She said it went that way she says looks real clean like
a Toyota type
Silver grey light in color
Maybe tan it was dark no street lights all she knows the van was not dark in color
Ok, thank you
I'll put a card on each house
Thank you. I'm coming back with more fliers I ran out
It's a big circle keep looking narrow all of them u see
Ok hope it helps!! I will keep my eye out too.
7/25/2015
9:23AM
While chatting with Joyce of Animal Services after a tireless search for a hit dog that “looked like Abby” alongside Fruitville Rd, the call came…
Fulton County Animal Services (Atlanta) called to report they “have Abigail.”
9:32AM: "Abby has been found! I just received a call from Atlanta Georgia - animal services in Fulton County. I'm leaving to go get her in about 20 minutes"
9 :41AM: Sarasota Animal Services (Joyce) reports: The owner received a call that Abby has been found. He is headed to get her. He will update everyone later.
1:21PM: Hi this is Maddie :) Called off work and cancelled rehearsal to drive up to Atlanta today with my dad. Heard my dad said "Abby found" in the kitchen this morning, not sure if I heard it right. I walked out and he confirmed it. Hugging for joy, but moments later rushing to leave. Some of you want to know how Abby got to Atlanta; we don't know yet. The animal services agent mentioned something about Abby found in a park, but we aren't sure. It will be about 8pm before there is any new news. Will keep you posted!
1:30PM: Shared Abigail’s posting from Fulton County Animal Services (see images): "En route to pick up Abby in Atlanta. Will give details as I know" them
3:19PM: Just a note about the SNN blog entry. We want all the readers to realize that is NOT the news station. In fact, the SNN news station has joined all of you in congratulating us in Abby's safe return. Since I have all this time on the road, my dad wants me to thank a bunch of people...
Firstly, each and every one of you that have visited FindAbby.com.
Next, the animal advocate groups for lost, missing, and abandoned animals- these groups are amazing and fully devoted to the care and rescue of animals.
Along the way, several businesses have been very supportive of our search for Abby. Notibly, Sarasota County for allowing us to post anywhere without interfering with traffic regualtions, Max from ABC 7 news, 7 Eleven on Tuttle & 12th street, the UTC mall, and there's more but we are in a torrential down pour right now while navigating several accidents. Will post more later :)
4:30PM "The blog at FindAbby.com has our status - will update after 9 PM tonight”
5:05PM: "10mins away….”
7:15-7:58PM: The REUNION at Fulton County Animal Services (see pics and vids)
8:07PM Called Brittany, “finder" of Abby, to obtain details
8:30PM Posted “reunion” with Abby
We have Abby! Uploaded videos and photos here; will post the details of Abby's finding at FindAbby.com within the next couple hours. The finder is as sweet as Abby.
9:38PM: Brittany found Abby on Friday, July 24th about 7:30AM during her morning runs... she spotted Abby in a large park in Atlanta, Georgia... no collar and looked scared and lost with leaves in her hair. Abby was skittish at first but let Brittany come up to her. Brittany had work in an hour so she took Abby into her car and left her at her apartment with her fellow roommate who then bathed, fed, and played with Abby- even buying her a toy. After work, around 5-6pm, Brittany and her roommate took Abby to the Fulton Animal Services where she was scanned for a microchip.
"This makes me feel so great.. I mean like she just look so scared like you could tell that she was so distraught... Totally didn't know where she was but you could tell she had been with somebody. I mean she wasn't starving or anything, but I was like 'she's too pretty of a dog to be roaming around.'" -Brittany
The Life Line Animal Project with Fulton county Animal Services were diligent, compassionate, and efficient with getting Abby back to us. Importantly, a microchip said months of searching for Abby.
9:46PM Maddie's Blog entry: The Life Line Animal Project with Fulton County Animal Services did more then just hold Abby. They did:
-ear cleaning
-nail checking
-heart worm test (gave her a heart worm pill)
-flee treatment
-shots for Bordatella & DA2PP
9:56PM: Maddie's Blog entry: No one will know how she got to Atlanta, only Abby knows. We only know that Brittney was the women who found her roaming in an Atlanta park and took her to the shelter.
7/26/15
5:50AM Arrived home! Abby squealed with delight pulling into the driveway. Nathan waited up and greeted us at the car. We were all snoozing minutes later.
9:55AM Abby was laying patiently for the magic words, "do you want to go outside?" She jumped from the bed and waited by the door. Normally she'd go out for a few minutes without me; not this morning. She wouldn't let me out of her sight. Once outside she ran to find her collection of balls (2 soccer and 1 tennis). She brought the tennis ball over and we played catch for about 5 minutes. She was so happy! Then, back to the house. That's all for now. Wanted the events posted.
Oh, please check back to get details on the "Welcome Home Abby" celebration to benefit the organizations that help lost, missing, abandoned, or injured pets. Of course, pets will be welcome!
7/26/15 @ 11:50AM: See our post of gratitude to LifeLine and Fulton County Animal Services:
Abby has been missing since July 3rd, from Sarasota, FL She was found on July 24th in Atlanta, GA.
Thank you LifeLine and the staff of Fulton County Animal Services: Special Thanks to Michelle George, kennel manager Myles Swain, front end supervisor Pamela Bryant, customer service rep Gregory Bachman, Adoptions staff, Briea Milde, Karen Milde, and Kim Meeks, and Kennel staff Andy Pants. This doesn't include the other staff/friends Abby made while while cared for at the Fulton County Animal Services shelter.
We are so grateful that Abby sought out a beautiful spirit named Brittany to save her - we will be forever grateful. Details of Abby's story may be found at www.FindAbby.com
Please report...
Did you see a dog anywhere that looks at all like Abby? Blog it here (click on "comments"), or fill out a comment form on the home screen.
=== PAST
Sun 7/19: Country Oaks sighting was a different dog, one that was sighted a couple weeks ago - older, larger and actually different in color. Thanks to all that shared the information that helped confirm this is not Abby.
... Many of you have done drive-bys, and this community is on the look out. Please report if you have knocked on doors of any homes here. Country Oaks (strongest sighting): Dozens of postcards were placed for each house in a Country Oaks neighborhood, along with2 medium signs in response to this exchange... Late last night I received a message that someone's adult daughter had seen (almost picked up) a dog like Abby in Country Oaks. While debating what to do (had another dog in car - incompatible) another woman drove up... see message thread, Sun 7/19@ 10:24PM.
Blog entry 7/22: Country Oaks update (sighting was about July 8th, reported 7/19: still no visual on the van. Clarifying, she confirmed the dog was soft, but unsure if colors are same (it was dark); noting to demeanor, "the dog came right to her and sat next to her outside of her car." The lady in the van, had "short dark hair..." and was "older (in her 40's) maybe Italian or Hispanic."
==
SUN 7/19 @ 10:24PM Report & exchange:
I received you message, thank you! Please see Abby's pics - is that the dog your daughter found? Could you send me a pic to my phone?
941-773-0570. Michael Epstein
She's not sure at night but when she called me she said it was like a small collie
Are you close to country oaks?
Yes Where is the dog now?
She lives in Country oaks? Behind the Applebee's she said the dog had a collar doesn't think it had tags
Just weird same weekend same kinda dog
She couldn't take the dog in her car because of her Rottweiler
But a lady came up in a small mini van gray/ light color newer at the stop sign by the pool
And said she would take the dog until she finds the owner
Yes She knows she went into the
Cul da sac pass the pool
Go to the stop sign turn right
Back in there
Does your daughter know if the dog was mostly black & white?
Somewhere that's where she came from and went to before going to Walmart
She said it was dark same kinda dog but not sure
This helps... I'll look for a light colored minivan
What night was that?
I saw this and wasn't sure
... it was July 8
She is not white not full Hispanic
In her 40s
Dark hair
Ok. Thank you so much.
So hope that helps my daughter said just watch that cul d sac closely.
For the minivan
Could you describe what the woman looked like thinner or heavyset
Not heavyset
She didn't get out she opened the sliding door to let the dog in
She said she had 2 dogs at home she would find the owner
She said the van was very clean
We checked out an old Australian Shepherd that was a blue merle in a similar scenario and country Oaks.
Trouble finding where to go.
Could you pull it up on a map and send me a picture
Ok when you go pull in country oaks
Go to the stop sign at the pool
You can only go right or left...GO RIGHT
At the first stop sign
You come to see the tennis courts
Off Lockwood
I would do a flyer and put one at each of the homes in that area it's a a big circle. Tape it to the mail box even if it's the other dog one of those homes she went too ..could help either yours or she'll call you and say it was the other dog..I just hope she didn't just keep your baby.
Once you see the tennis courts that's the pool next to them. You come to a stop sign. Turn right
Thank you. I'm at that four can I see the pool on the left. Where did your daughter see the dog - here in country Oaks or by Applebee's
Right at that corner
Slags pulled in at the pool lot
Dog came right to her
She said it went that way she says looks real clean like
a Toyota type
Silver grey light in color
Maybe tan it was dark no street lights all she knows the van was not dark in color
Ok, thank you
I'll put a card on each house
Thank you. I'm coming back with more fliers I ran out
It's a big circle keep looking narrow all of them u see
Ok hope it helps!! I will keep my eye out too.
Prior Findings:
Hundreds of cards and large posters have been up; thousands of you have spread the word. Thank you... here's the latest...7/21/15 @ 11PM 5301–5505 Middle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234The caller was with 2 buddies; they initially called for the dog, but it didn't come; they they walked after it. I discouraged chasing a lost dog, but moreso advised they take a pic, then lure and wait patiently.
I initially began looking into the woods just slightly to the east of Middle Avenue & south of Desoto Rd. Caller clarified the dog entered the woods off Desoto, closer to the first driveway to the east of Middle Ave (just past the yellow bike sign)
Michael Sanford Epstein: I cautioned anyone searching, that too many people might scare her, if it's Abby. I requested people check Desoto and then the road to the south, and the road east of Middle Avenue (Shade). The caller was their with 2 buddies; they initially called for the dog, but it didn't come; they they walked after it. I discouraged chasing a lost dog, but moreso advised they take a pic, then lure and wait patiently.
==SUN 7/19 @ 11:30PM a report she was on Capitan (off Desoto somewhere). I sent a follow up message inquiring about this, "I saw her on Captins but that was 3 maybe 4 day ago there was a woman who looked like she owned the dog? UPDATE: "Sorry she was blonde about 5" and there was another dog that looked similar but not the same."
7/16/15: SIGHTING (near Stardust on 12th St, across from Oriole's stadium):
A report (today, 7/16) was of sighting yesterday (7/15). Reporter (14yo female) stated that after looking at the pictures on Facebook, texted my son: "it looked just like Abby... She was trotting, towards stardust skating rink, kinda skinny"
7/15/15: NOT ABBY :(
A few minutes ago I received notification that the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office Animal Services received a dog. I left a voice message and was about to drive over when they called: "This dog is NOT Abby" ID#A405913; female, tricolor Border Collie mix. age unknown... at the shelter since Jul 14, 2015. The dog they have is much older, and more a beagle than a collie.
Hundreds of cards and large posters have been up; thousands of you have spread the word. Thank you... here's the latest...7/21/15 @ 11PM 5301–5505 Middle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234The caller was with 2 buddies; they initially called for the dog, but it didn't come; they they walked after it. I discouraged chasing a lost dog, but moreso advised they take a pic, then lure and wait patiently.
I initially began looking into the woods just slightly to the east of Middle Avenue & south of Desoto Rd. Caller clarified the dog entered the woods off Desoto, closer to the first driveway to the east of Middle Ave (just past the yellow bike sign)
Michael Sanford Epstein: I cautioned anyone searching, that too many people might scare her, if it's Abby. I requested people check Desoto and then the road to the south, and the road east of Middle Avenue (Shade). The caller was their with 2 buddies; they initially called for the dog, but it didn't come; they they walked after it. I discouraged chasing a lost dog, but moreso advised they take a pic, then lure and wait patiently.
- Nothing yet, there's a bike sign slightly to the east of Desoto; went down the driveway. I went on the driveway knocked on one of the doors spoke to the other home to left- he hasn't seen her (he had a brown and white dog in that house barking at me ferociously unsure emoticon I will circle from Middle Ave East
- The men were confident they saw the dog in the poster - to doublecheck went to the website. One key feature of their sighting: the dog had a leash (cloth) dragging behind.
- Hard to call for her, suspecting the trauma of the last 18 days may overshadow my voice and my scent
- Guidance needed; I'm thinking it's another unconfirmed sighting. Returned home to get food... someone mentioned something about a trap?
- Put together a food & water; sat within 20 feet of about where dog reportedly went into woods.
- Max Winitz looked too but found, "Nothing but opossums."
- Even the reporter of the sighting and his buddies drove around looking for nearly an hour
- I met & spoke with caller & his friends several times during my search.
- I put out fish & chicken cordon bleau - both put off a strong odor. Mosquitos were bad; I retreated to the car with windows closed. 84% humidity, 81F.
- Btw: for those wondering... "An Australian Shepherd's nose is his greatest sensory organ. A dog's sense of smell is so great he can follow a trail that's weeks old, detect odors diluted to one-millionth the concentration we'd need to notice them and even sniff out a person underwater." http://sakariaustralianshepherds.weebly.com/five-major...
- about 1:30AM Nothing :( Left the food and water - going back tomorrow morning. Guess dogs turn off their their noses to sleep..
==SUN 7/19 @ 11:30PM a report she was on Capitan (off Desoto somewhere). I sent a follow up message inquiring about this, "I saw her on Captins but that was 3 maybe 4 day ago there was a woman who looked like she owned the dog? UPDATE: "Sorry she was blonde about 5" and there was another dog that looked similar but not the same."
7/16/15: SIGHTING (near Stardust on 12th St, across from Oriole's stadium):
A report (today, 7/16) was of sighting yesterday (7/15). Reporter (14yo female) stated that after looking at the pictures on Facebook, texted my son: "it looked just like Abby... She was trotting, towards stardust skating rink, kinda skinny"
7/15/15: NOT ABBY :(
A few minutes ago I received notification that the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office Animal Services received a dog. I left a voice message and was about to drive over when they called: "This dog is NOT Abby" ID#A405913; female, tricolor Border Collie mix. age unknown... at the shelter since Jul 14, 2015. The dog they have is much older, and more a beagle than a collie.