Search for runaway dog with past of abuse proves difficult

A runaway dog in a Dollard-des-Ormeaux park continues to elude searchers, despite West Islanders' best efforts to track her down.

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Stephen Buscemi, who lives in the Town of Mount Royal, adopted Mia, a cocker spaniel, 10 months ago, from Mascouche.

While he was at his father's house in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Mia escaped through an open door and into Centennial Park. Mia hasn't been seen since May 21.

"It's like losing part of your family," Buscemi said. 

After several Facebook posts which have received more than 2,000 shares, many residents on the West Island have mobilized to find Mia.

"People have been in contact via text, and there's a blog on Facebook where people have posted different sightings," said Isabelle Turgeon, who works at Animal 911 Veterinary Hospital.

Though several people have seen the cocker spaniel in Centennial Park, bringing her home has proven difficult – not just because of the size of the park, but also because the rescue dog has been a victim of abuse in the past.

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"It's tricky to catch any lost dog that had been scared," Turgeon told CBC Montreal's Daybreak. "When they're in survival mode, they don't recognize their name, their owner."

Mia is also on medication, which she needs, according to a Facebook post from Buscemi.

Turgeon, who is involved in the search efforts, said Mia's fragile state means volunteers looking for her have to be extra careful.

"The plan is to gather at the park, but the key is to be still, quiet." she said. "You have to be still and low to the ground – and wait."

Turgeon said at least two to five people have been searching for Mia on a daily basis and she expects to see more people in the coming days. 

To increase their chances of finding Mia safe and sound, Turgeon said nearby residents have been leaving food outside, and volunteers have been searching as early as 4 a.m. because animals in survival mode tend to move around at dawn and dusk.

"If no one budges, and everybody stays still and low, it can take 30 minutes to start having the dog just come in hand's reach, and then you have to gain her trust, you can't grab her." Turgeon said.

The search for Mia continues tomorrow from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Centennial Park. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stephen Buscemi at 514-497-2623.