I lost maggie tonight!!

[StephenAndKyleigh]

She's smart enough to still be looking for home I'm sure. Can't hurt to still be looking. Probably just a really big area to look.

Stephen and I are going out looking again tonight after work. But frankly, I'm reaching the point where exhaustion is starting to take it's toll. I've walked somewhere around 8-10 miles per day since Saturday looking for her... and at this point I'm sleep deprived, a bit dehydrated, and well, basically just to the point where I'm fried... But I'm going back out after work tonight. And I continue to hope.

However, she could be anywhere, and that approach is kind of needle in the haystack. The point of putting out all the flyers, and talking to people, and doing social media, and doing all those pet finder calls is to get other sets of eyes alerted to the fact that she's out there.

She's too big to miss. When someone sees her, I want them to know to call me, and not just blow it off.

My best chance for success will be getting that call, I think.

Problem is my phone stopped ringing.

Your fried and I'm fresh. The drive here took a bit longer and I got a late start in Dallas. The worst thing we can do is not look. I can be your extra set of eyes today.

 

[GreatBlue320]

Hang in there, Mark. You have done everything humanly possible, as you said. With so many people praying for you and Maggie, I just have to believe you will be reunited soon.

I'm glad to hear Stephen is there with you tonight - perfect timing since you have reached your "wall". Having him there will be a comfort.

Continuing prayers for you and Maggie.

 

[RatAtaT2693]

Drones will run you anywhere from $50-1000 for one with a camera. If you really want one, Amazon is great. And I use a bike to hunt the husky down. You can cover better ground at 6-8mph and there's no real engine sound to competernity with.

Wish I was closer (VT). I'm unemployed. All I have is time.

 

[Birdman666]

Good news/bad news.

Good news. We had another sighting. She's still in the same general area of Adams Hill. Bad news, she flew off. I missed her again by about one hour...

She's alive, and around the area. She's only about two miles from home. One mile or so from the park.

 

[Kiwibird]

I am so glad she was at least sighted and is still in the vicinity. Fingers crossed tomorrow will be the day!

 

[Moose]

She's close. She's confused probably, and scared. You be strong, and keep going. I know it's really tough, but you've done the best you can.

My Italian Greyhound escaped from a rickety fence at a rental property 2 years ago. We plastered the neighborhood with fliers, as well as the mailboxes. I was adamant that my step brother not tamper in anyone's mailbox...he did so without my knowledge.

Two days passed. I had given up hope of ever finding her. I couldn't eat, I couldn't move....everyone in my family was looking for her. Outside our home, my girl is shy and nervous. I knew she'd bolt from anyone who came close that wasn't me.

I got a call on the third day from our postal carrier. She'd seen all the fliers in the mailboxes of her route, and while driving around, she caught a glimpse of her. She called her boss and explained the situation, then tracked her down to wooded area and waited nearby until family members could come to catch her. I was trapped at work. She stayed until she was safe in the arms of someone she knew.
People can be good, as you've seen.
You're right. They are what will make a difference. You can't be everywhere. Dinah and I are hoping that someone is there for you like that sweet woman was there for us. I owe her more than I could ever give.

Hugs.

 

[2greenconurestostart]

Good news/bad news.

Good news. We had another sighting. She's still in the same general area of Adams Hill. Bad news, she flew off. I missed her again by about one hour...

She's alive, and around the area. She's only about two miles from home. One mile or so from the park.

Smart girl! She's staying close. Just continuing our prayers for your strength and her safe return!

 

[RavensGryf]

It's such a relief to hear that she has stayed close! She recognizes the area and is smart enough to stay around. It's only a matter of time before we hear the good news... I feel that you WILL get there at the right time during one of these sightings since she is sticking around the neighborhood!!

 

[Scott]

Oh Mark, so very sorry you and Maggie are going through this horrendous period of separation. Just seeing this now and hope you are reunited without delay.

The local sighting seems to imply Maggie is staying in the area. Wonder if a massive flyer campaign delivered to every home and business in the area will help?

Might local humane societies/shelters or even veterinarians be willing to send an email blast to customers in the area?

Thinking hopeful thoughts your way, but it is critical you take care of yourself to enable continued searching. Easier said than done, my friend.

 

[TexasWade]

It may be a dumb idea Mark, but would it be possible to take another bird of your flock to the area where Maggie was last seen and somehow get your other bird to call out? Maybe a loud and familiar voice would draw her in. Or if you can't get a bird to call as needed, maybe you can record your birds and play the recording back loudly while driving in the area.

It's probably useless but I was just thinking sound can cover a lot of area and a familiar sound might bring her back. I feel for you and sure hope you get her back soon and in good health.

 

[miloslave]

Contact calls! That is a very good idea TexasWade! They use it in the wild to call their flockmates!

 

[ChrisWink]

It may be a dumb idea Mark, but would it be possible to take another bird of your flock to the area where Maggie was last seen and somehow get your other bird to call out? Maybe a loud and familiar voice would draw her in. Or if you can't get a bird to call as needed, maybe you can record your birds and play the recording back loudly while driving in the area.

It's probably useless but I was just thinking sound can cover a lot of area and a familiar sound might bring her back. I feel for you and sure hope you get her back soon and in good health.

I think that's an awesome idea!

 

[itchyfeet]

OTHER LESSON:

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS KEEP LOOKING. THEY'RE IN THE AREA AND THEY WANT TO BE FOUND!!! They may just be scared, and in hiding.

BEST WAY TO FIND THEM IF THEY ARE OUT ALL NIGHT IS TO GO BACK AT FIRST LIGHT TO THE AREA WHERE THEY WERE LAST SEEN, WHEN THEY VOCALIZE...

AND BRING A FOOD DISH! They might find you...

That's what you told me Mark, after my fright with Henry. That and to keep looking. Keep looking, and keep calling. You told me it can take weeks. You know this. Taking one of the others with you could be a really good idea!

 

[Brittany741]

I am sending every positive vibe and GPS to Daddy vibes to your sweet girl. I'm an atheist but I do think staying positive can really help.

These sightings are incredible news and reassurance she has stayed close and is looking for you. Having extra eyes, including taking one of your more vocal flock mates will only increase your chances of finding her.

Do you know anyone in the area who may let you camp out overnight? My birds all go crazy during sunrise and that might be the best time of day to look, after a good night's sleep.

My heart and soul, Rocky (he lived to 18, most dog-like cat to ever live) ran away for four days when I was 9 years old. I didn't go to school and I slept by the back door and cried 24/7 in between calling for him. I had given up on that last day and was holding my head in my hands, bawling my eyes out of course. I gave one last, weak call out to him, and in the distance I heard the faintest of meows. We lived on 3 acres and he was bounding through the field toward me! He was back in my arms and I just sobbed into his fur. He was licking me all over. It was truly the most heart wrenching time.

I tell you this story to give you hope. We bond so deeply with our animals and sometimes I wonder if they love me as much as I love them- and the answer is YES! She is looking for you as desperately as you're looking for her. Take care of your physical health first and then don't lose heart.

Sending you every ounce of love and positivity I can muster for a very happy reunion.

 

[Brittany741]

Shared the postings I found on Facebook. I am really really pulling for you both.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Is there a source of food locally she would be around, can you identify what she would go for. Is there a local source of natural foodstuff she would be around?

Birds have a strong instinct to survive, she will source food somewhere.

Still in my prayers to her safe return.

 

[Leah00]

I know nothing about finding lost birds as I still consider myself a novice bird owner, but I agree with the idea of trying to bring another bird to the area.

A couple of years ago my little dog, Jasper, slipped out of our backyard when we let him out to potty. He's a very loving and sweet little guy but when he's stressed he almost reverts in a feral dog. He gets very flighty and terrified. We looked and looked for him. We had family and friends driving and walking around looking and calling for him. Nothing! He was lost for 5 days and no one had even spotted him. Finally one night I got a call from someone who said that they had seen a little fluffy white dog running around behind a gas station. Then they went into the station and saw our flier. It was literally right down our street! I ran down there and called for him. In the very distance I saw him hiding under a bush. I called for him and he just crawled further into the bushes. I slowly walked towards him and he skittered further away. It was maddening!! Finally I had an idea and ran back home and grabbed our other dog, Buttercup. I took her back to the area and told her to "speak". She barked a few times and then I just sat down on the ground and loudly told her what a good girl she was. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jasper belly crawling towards us. I kept excitedly petting and talking to Buttercup. When Jasper got really close I snatched him up like a snake! He squealed for a second until he snapped out of it and realized he was safe. Then he started crying and licking my face.

Sorry for the novel! Sometimes our pets get so stressed that they kind of forget what they know. It's possible that she's hearing you and others call for her but not answering.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Mark, do you want me to record my big macs going off on my phone and sent it to you? You've heard how loud they can be. Perhaps if Maggie hears a call like her own, she'll call back??? Of course you would have to find a way to magnify the call somehow.

:heart: Thinking of you and Maggie! :heart:

 

[Doublete]

I definitely think you should take one of yours in a small cage to the area you know she is in, set the small cage by the play stand and then start searching. Your other bird will probably start calling because you won't be right there. Maybe have someone stay and keep a close eye on that one so she doesn't get too stressed.

Might be an idea. But then you can keep searching and your other bird will help.

 

[wrench13]

Mark,

Keep the faith, Maggie will be found. You and the network of friends are doing an amazing job of searching, I cant believe that the SkyChief will not reunite you two.
Best of luck.

Al Mueller