Kelsy's search for Rudy

9/22/2011    Rudy is a small, cute, friendly dog who dug under the fence of his backyard in Auburn.  I advised the owner that small dogs like Rudy are usually picked up quickly, and that large neon signs would be more useful than a search dog in such a case.  I explained that the presence of a search dog can inspire the finder of a little dog to come forward and return the dog.  Rudy's owner opted for a search after being told the low likelihood that Kelsy would find Rudy. 

Now for Seattle, WA (98166)

Temp: 74F
Feels like: 74F
Mostly Cloudy
Humidity: 56%
Wind: WSW at 8 mph
Updated: 9/22/11 2:25 PM PDT

Name:		Track 077
Date:		Sep 22, 2011 1:55 pm
Map: (valid until Mar 20, 2012)		View on Map
Distance:		0.71 miles
Elapsed Time:		37:33.8
Avg Speed:		1.1 mph
Max Speed:		5.8 mph
Avg Pace:		53' 06" per mile
Min Altitude:		219 ft
Max Altitude:		422 ft
Start Time:		2011-09-22T20:55:23Z
Start Location:
	Latitude:	47.316718º N
	Longitude:	122.257666º W
End Location:
	Latitude:	47.316779º N
	Longitude:	122.256739º W

 Kelsy followed this scent trail slowly, even though it was less than 24 hours old.  I attributed this to the high heat and low humidity.  The trail led around the block in a loop almost 1 mile long, and ended right near the point of escape.  I imagine that Rudy did a little exploring and then returned home.  The neighbors who found him said they picked him up right near his home.  They claimed not to have seen Rudy's fliers the previous evening.  Another possibility is that they were toying with the idea of keeping him until they saw the large neon posters, the volunteer searchers, and the search dog.  They called the owner to report finding him just as Kelsy and I were completing the loop.

I would not have started Kelsy on this search if I had known it would go on for almost a mile.  I expected the scent trail would go a few houses and end.  Also, the weather map showed rain coming, but that rain evaporated before it reached us.