Dog missing from Springfield, MO found in Sikeston

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – A dog missing from the Springfield, Mo. area for three months was recently found in Sikeston.

Bree Keeran was reunited with her dog, Roxy, in Sikeston on April 13.

On Jan. 15 Keeran took Roxy and her other dog, Dante, for a walk near Springfield, Missouri.

Both are purebred Catahoula Leopards. Each wore e-collars to keep them close to the home. During the walk, the dogs were let off the e-collars. Keeran said they did not get them back on and both Roxy and Dante went missing.

“Dante had gone to visit a neighbor dog in the past, but had always returned in an hour or two,” Keeran said. “When they didn’t, we searched tirelessly. We called everyone, made posters, and put them up from west Springfield to Mansfield.

She said she even drove out to Cabool one night on a possible sighting, with no luck.

Keeran says just as she was losing hope, she was tagged in a post made by the Animal Health Center in Sikeston. Roxy had been seen walking around near the YMCA in Sikeston.

“I jumped up and left without having any information yet, I only knew without a doubt that that was my girl,” Keeran said. “I got in contact with Jackie from the vet clinic and she told me Roxy had finally been caught and was being held at Sikeston P.A.W.S.”

Sikeston P.A.W.S. was not open when she arrived.

“Jackie came to my rescue again and said she was sending someone,” Keeran said.

Sikeston Department of Public Chief Jim McMillen arrived. He helped Keeran find Ruby and get her out.

“He was so kind and helpful,” Keeran said. “He, like everyone else, could not believe she had been found so far from home and after so long. He refused to take any payment from me. He claimed it was a miracle and just happy to be a part of it.”

Keeran said she has no idea how Roxy got so far away, but she thinks it is possible Roxy walked it. Purebred Catahoula Leopards, known for their hunting and tracking, have the ability to go for miles.

“Roxy is the only dog I’ve ever known to catch birds, squirrels, and voles with extreme accuracy,” Keeran said. “I don’t know how or when she and Dante were separated. Both are skittish and people shy. I honestly can’t imagine someone taking her very far, she gets terribly car sick.”

Keeran said she would love to know what happened in the three months she was gone and where Dante may be.

“Unfortunately, (Roxy) isn’t telling,” Keeran said.

While Roxy is back home, Dante is still missing.

Keeran hopes to be reunited with him soon.

Anyone who sees Dante is asked to contact Sikeston P.A.W.S. at (573) 471-7387.