06/10/2026
Our team received a call regarding a German Shepherd running in and out of traffic on Route 106. We posted a "Do You Know Me?" alert with a photo that had been shared on the Loudon, NH community page. Throughout the day, no owner came forward. Concerned for the dog's safety, we contacted the police department to see if they had received any reports.
As the hours passed, we decided to head to Loudon and place two feeding stations near where the dog had last been seen, hoping he was still in the area. Our team member, Jenn, had just arrived in Loudon when we received a call from the family asking if we had found their dog. The timing could not have been more perfect. The family was not active on social media and had not seen our posts.
While speaking with the family, we learned the shepherd's name was Bruno and that he had recently been adopted. The family had been outside playing fetch with him. He had been happily returning the ball, but after one final throw, he suddenly took off and ended up near Route 106.
We mapped the location where Bruno was last seen and compared it to where he had gone missing. It was literally straight through the woods, only about a half-mile away. We knew we needed to focus our efforts there. Newly adopted dogs will often circle back to the point of escape if they are not chased or called after.
That evening, around midnight, Bruno appeared at the feeding station and enjoyed what must have felt like the meal of a lifetime. (Your donations help provide these meals.)
The following evening, the trap was set. As Jenn arrived, Bruno was spotted in a nearby field. She completely ignored him, hoping he would not bolt. He stayed and watched what was happening for a short time before taking off once again. He was truly operating in survival mode and was firmly in fight-or-flight.
Late last night, Bruno returned and safely entered the trap. Jenn made the trip back to Loudon to help bring Bruno safely home. We never release a dog outside of the trap, as there is always a chance they could panic and escape again during the transfer.
The trap and Bruno together weighed well over 100 pounds, making for quite a lift. Once safely inside the garage and released, Bruno immediately showed his true personality. He wanted to play, receive affection, and continue eating the food that was still available. He is an incredibly sweet boy.
A huge thank you goes out to Loudon community member Jill, who worked alongside Jenn to place feeding stations, assist with setting the trap, and help move this big boy after he was captured. Thank you also to Jill's husband, Ian, who came out to lend a hand. We are incredibly grateful to the Loudon community members who took the time to report sightings and help ensure Bruno's safety. Remember: if you see something, say something.
Welcome home, Bruno!
Without your donations, we would not be able to maintain satellite cameras and cover the monthly service fees they require. Your support also helps provide food for feeding stations and traps. Even items such as liquid smoke, one of our most effective tools for attracting lost dogs, are expensive but essential to successful recoveries.
As NH Gives enters its final hours, please consider making a donation so we can continue our mission of bringing lost dogs home safely. Every dollar makes a difference and helps ensure we are ready when the next call comes in.
Donate using the link below:
https://www.nhgives.org/donate/Granite-State-Dog-Recovery
