06/29/2026
🐾 Sometimes, your best judgment is just as important as following general guidance. 🐾
While we generally discourage searching for a lost dog on foot because frightened dogs can easily be spooked, chased, and pushed farther away, there are times when using your best judgment is important.
Every lost dog situation is different. In some cases, especially when there have been no sightings for an extended period or when certain areas haven't been ruled out, a careful on-foot search can be the right decision. This is especially true in areas where drones cannot legally fly, which is often the case in parts of our county. 🚫🚁 Even if a drone had been available, it likely would not have found Nina because she was trapped inside an old building. 🏚️
🌡️ With the extreme heat sticking around for the next week, it was imperative to find Nina as quickly as possible. Time was not on her side, making it even more important to thoroughly search and eliminate every possible location.
Nina had apparently jumped down into an old foundation, about a 2-foot drop, but was unable to get herself back out. Her size and weight were likely factors in preventing her escape.
As I searched the property, I called her name a few times before reaching the doorway of the building. 🐕 When I looked inside, I couldn't believe what I saw. Nina came from the far corner and walked right over to me. ❤️ I had been determined to thoroughly rule out the property, and thankfully, I did.
👏 A huge thank you to the Conifer Park and security staff for allowing me to search the property and for helping me safely get Nina out.
🏡💕 The best outcome possible—Nina is safely back home where she belongs with her family! 🐾❤️