Stella - Reunited 1/3/25

✔️✔️ WE GOT STELLA! ✔️✔️

Routine. It's something we all rely on—everyday habits that become second nature. But every now and then, even the simplest of routines can take an unexpected turn, and suddenly, life feels anything but normal. That’s exactly what happened when a quick trip outside for Stella turned into a weeklong adventure her family will never forget.

It was a typical day when Stella’s owner let her outside, assuming everything was just as it always was. Her husband was out in the yard, and she felt confident that Stella was safe. What she didn’t know was that the gate had been left wide open. Before her husband could warn her, Stella took off, and just like that, she was gone.

Panic set in quickly. By the next day, Stella’s family reached out to Anakin’s Trails for help. They weren’t wasting any time. Team member Sharon took the call and immediately stressed the importance of flyers—lots of flyers. She instructed the family to place 30-40 flyers within a two-mile radius, focusing on busy roads, intersections, and stop signs. The family got to work, covering their community with Stella’s picture and their hopes of bringing her home.

Days passed, and there was nothing.

No sightings. No leads. Nothing.

With each passing day, the family’s hope faded a little more. In desperation, they reached back out to Sharon for guidance.

“Go further out with the flyers,” Sharon told them.

They did exactly that. And that’s when things finally started to change.

Almost immediately, the calls started coming in. Sightings of Stella began pouring in—two or three in a single day! She was moving, exploring, but never too far from the area. It was clear she was still out there, and now, the family finally had hope again.

One week after Stella went missing, the family received several calls about her being seen at one particular spot. Not just once, but multiple times over the past 24 hours. This was her hangout, her comfort zone.

Instead of setting a food station, Sharon suggested it was time to go straight for the trap.

We met at the location that morning, determined to bring Stella home. I studied the map while Beth worked on securing permission from property owners to set the trap. Looking at the map, I spotted trails leading in and out of the area. These trails were the key—paths that Stella had likely followed, taking her further away from home.

The trap was placed, baited, and fitted with surveillance. With the winds picking up, we were hopeful that the scent would carry far enough to catch Stella’s attention. Her owners were instructed to walk around the area, spreading their scent near the trap to guide her back to familiar smells.

As night fell, the family’s hopes began to waver again. It was cold and windy—a tough night to be outside. They didn’t think tonight would be the night.

But these are the moments when I’m grateful to be wrong.

A little past nightfall, there she was. Hungry and cautious, Stella approached the trap. Slowly, she crept inside, drawn by the scent of food. Click. The door shut behind her, and she was safe at last.

The reunion was tearful. As Stella looked up to see headlights pulling in, she realized it was her family. Her wagging tail and delighted barks said it all—she was ready to go home.

No more wandering around Lyman, Stella. It’s time to be back where you belong, just in time to beat the cold front.

Welcome home, sweet girl. 💙🐾