The internet is many things, to many people. It has had it's share of bad press, which relishes in pointing out the dark side of the World Wide Web. However, as with everything, there are two sides to every story.
The message was posted in mid June. Vicki's boxer, Gertie, was missing. Vicki lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Vicki was waiting to move into a townhouse that allowed dogs. In the meantime, she took up residence in an apartment where she could not have Gertie. Vicki entrusted Gertie's care to a friend, who assured Vicki that Gertie was welcome to stay with her until Vicki was able to move into her townhouse. Vicki visited Gertie often, and took her for walks, and to the park.
Upon arriving at her friends house for an outing with Gertie, Vicki was informed that Gertie had been given away to an acquaintance who was moving to Arizona. Vicki was stunned beyond belief and did not know where to turn.
Not knowing what else to do, Vicki posted her plight to a member of The Boxer Mailing List. Her message was forwarded to me as well. Shortly thereafter, Vicki's situation was broadcast on both boxer mailing lists and all the dog related newsgroups on the internet. As well, Gertie's picture and description was posted to several "Lost dog" web sites.
Support for Vicki poured in from all over the world. Most people could not offer any practical assistance, but the emotional support Vicki received gave her the strength to pursue her search for Gertie.
After what seemed an endless amount of time, Vicki was able to get the address of the person who had Gertie in Scottsdale.
That's when our on-line community really sprung into action. A list member in Phoenix was contacted. She, armed with documentation from the Arlington Heights police, approached Detective Dan Courtney of the Phoenix Police Department. After verifying the details, Detective Dan was able to apprehend Gertie and release her into the custody of our Phoenix list member. It was July 18, 1997. Hundreds of boxer lovers world wide, shed tears joy and relief, knowing Gertie was in safe hands.
However, Gertie's journey was not yet over. How to get Gertie from Scottsdate, Arizona to Arlington Heights, Illinois ? An appeal was broadcast to the mailing lists to organize a CUR (Canine Underground Railway) Run. The CUR run was put together within a couple of days.
Gertie went from Scottsdale to Albequerque, NM, from Albequerque to Oklahoma City, then the final leg from Oklahoma City to Arlington Heights Illinois. The people who undertook this CUR run were all members of The Boxer Mailing List and Boxer-Friends Mailing List.
On July 25, 1997, Gertie and Vicki were reunited, a short 7 days after Gertie was found in Scottsdale.
If you consider the logistics of this story, it is truly incredible that Gertie was able to make it home to Vicki. The people who helped get Gertie home had never met one another. Without the internet, and our on-line boxer community, I don't believe I would be writing this story. Let this be a lesson to us all, never give up.
That day would have been Hondo's 10th birthday.