Missing dog Charlie, left, is pictured with owner Abigail Reinhard, a senior at Calvary Christian School. His brother, Buddy, who also went missing on Feb. 6, was quickly found and returned home. Charlie is distinguished by two white spots on the top of his head. If you have any information, call Courtney Reinhard at (937) 441-8966. (Tyler Reinhard Photo)
It’s been over two months since the Reinhard family’s dog Charlie chased a rabbit into the woods near their house … and didn’t come back. He took off with his brother, Buddy, who was quickly found. But Charlie hasn’t been seen since Feb. 6, when he was near the intersection of State Route 540 and County Road 25.
Charlie’s owner, Courtney Reinhard, has been diligently, exhaustively searching for their dark red golden retriever without success. In doing so, she’s discovered how many similar dogs are missing. What sets hers apart are two small white specks on top of his head and one on his right leg.
“We have been overwhelmed with the kindness of strangers who have helped us search for Charlie,” Reinhard said. “This community has definitely shown us there’s a soft spot in their hearts for animals.”
Unfortunately, lost dogs—and cats—isn’t as uncommon as we might wish. And after the March 14 tornado hit the Indian Lake area, the number increased. Posts about missing pets pop up on social media regularly.
Gina Wenger, who runs Home Away from Home (HAFH), a pet boarding facility in Huntsville, has seen the impact of the tornado on animals. Since the March 14 disaster, she’s sheltered approximately 60 dogs and cats in need of a temporary home.
Though they typically don’t take in strays, the disaster created an exception.
“The building was empty when the tornado hit,” Wenger explained. “I opened it for pets that don’t have a home to go to or are trying to reunite with families after being displaced.”
HAFH has an extra facility with kennels they use mostly for holiday overflow. Many of the animals they took in are now back with their owners. As of Friday, April 5, they were still caring for 18 dogs and 14 cats.
Fortunately, they know the owners of these particular animals. HAFH is keeping them free of charge until their families can take them home.
Wenger emphasized the importance of not picking up wandering animals and taking them away from the area. “They’re not always abandoned,” Wenger said. “It might just be lost and someone is out looking for it.”
When you see an animal that seems lost, the best thing you can do is snap a photo and share it to Facebook pages like Bellefontaine or Indian Lake (Ohio) In the Know, Dog Warden of Logan County, Lost and Found Pets of Logan County Ohio, and Pet FBI Ohio.
Wenger stated this is a good reminder of the importance of microchipping your pets. “You may not need it, but it’s that one time when they go missing that it would be helpful,” she added.
In the meantime, the community has helped with donations of dog food, cat food, leashes, collars, toys, treats, cat litter and kennels. They have enough to send pet supplies back with the families as needed. Residents of the Indian Lake area are also able to pick up food, cat litter and other supplies from HAFH.
Logan County dog warden, Deputy Boyd, has certainly been busy since the tornado disaster. He’s currently holding five dogs in his four kennels.
And with all the good comes the bad, and even pet owners are susceptible. Fake posts on Facebook. Scam phone calls. Threats of holding lost animals until someone pays.
Boyd encourages pet owners to verify everything. “If it doesn’t sound real, it probably isn’t.” He echoed the importance of microchipping and registering your dogs.
To register your pet, contact the Logan County auditor’s office by calling 937-599-7209, or use the online application at co.logan.oh.us. Also, make sure to leave your name and phone number if you’re looking for an animal so Boyd and other dog rescuers can get in touch.
Meanwhile, watch out for scams. Getting your dog back “should never come at the expense of your checkbook. They can’t hold your dog hostage,” Boyd said.
If you want to help HAFH with donations, find out more at their Facebook page, Home Away From Home Family Pet Care, or visit their website at hafhpetcare.com.
As for the Reinhards, they continue to hope Charlie soon makes his way back home. Their two-and-a-half year old boy, who was recently diagnosed with Lymes disease, is missed by his family.
“I feel for the families affected by the tornado,” Courtney said. “I know what it’s like to not have your pet at home with you.”
If you spot a dog you think might be Charlie, call (937) 441-8966.