Radar’s rescue brought out the best in islanders
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 8, 2020
As 2019 drew to a close, islanders were told to be on the lookout for a dog named Radar.
The Boston terrier was reported as having escaped from her pet sitter on New Year’s Eve, according to Vashon Island Pet Protectors. Amind the irony that a dog named after a detection system that uses radio waves to find objects were lost, at least everyone knew that she was headed north and wearing a raincoat. VIPP urged islanders who saw her not to chase or call her name if they spotted her.
On Jan. 3, residents were asked by VIPP to “help monitor and slow traffic” when Radar is seen or “line a perimeter” to keep her from getting away. A few residents said they had spotted Radar, but unable to catch her.
And then, this past Saturday, VIPP reported shortly before noon that Radar is “SAFE and back home with her family” after the organization set up a live trap for her.
Whether you’re a dog lover or not, Radar’s rescue served as a heartwarming tale to kick off the new year and decade. And let’s admit it: It’s hard not to find a soft spot in your heart for sweet pictures of Radar, a small dog with big eyes — and likely an even bigger heart.
Here on Vashon, people seem to care deeply about animals. If you doubt that, read the lovely commentary in this week’s paper by former Beachcomber editor, Leslie Brown, memorializing her beloved dog, Terri.
And Radar’s brief adventure outside the home also showed the care and compassion many people have for furry friends. Just look at the comments about it on Facebook as examples.
“Oh no! Go home, Radar,” islander Catelyn Alumbaugh wrote. “At least she is dressed for the weather.”
On Saturday, when VIPP thanked everyone who helped, there was plenty of online reaction. Facebook user Jude Spaith commented, for instance, that she “can’t stop thinking about how warm and dry and loved … she must be feeling” now that Radar is home.
Islander Diane Grob seemed to sum up the island’s feelings with this post: “I imagine I speak for many of us who are wondering how Radar (and [her] human family) are doing today.”
We’re thinking those same warm, fuzzy thoughts about Radar, too. The young pup could certainly use some loving attention from her family and friends after being away from home for several days.
The incident should also serve as a reminder to all islanders that you never know if, on these often fog and rain-filled days, if there will be another domestic animal on the loose. According to the American Humane Association, approximately 10 million dogs and cats are “lost or stolen in the U.S. every year and one in three pets will be lost at some point in their lifetimes.”
So, in this new year, let’s wish for a happy and healthy future for Radar’s well-being — and if another pet leaves home, that islanders will show the same amount of tenacity they did in finding that Boston terrier.
