Winston Is Home - Reunited 1/10/26

Boxers have a way of stealing hearts. Their soft faces, squishy noses, and big expressive eyes make them hard to resist. That’s why when a couple named Lupe and Craig saw a boxer listed on Craigslist, they felt compelled to save him.

They named him Winston.

On Christmas Eve, what should have been a joyful day quickly turned into a nightmare when Winston slipped out of his harness and ran. The couple contacted Anakin’s Trails for help, and an intake was completed right away.

A food station was placed, flyers were hung, and the waiting began.

At the same time, reports started coming in about a boxer going from porch to porch in another area, often looking for food. Winston had learned how to survive by visiting neighborhoods and even helping himself to cat food when he could find it.

Eventually, Winston was captured on a trail camera at one of the food stations. For the first time, his family felt hope.

A humane trap was set, and the team waited.

Winston appeared on live camera and ran right past the trap. After that, he disappeared for days. The team continued moving food stations, watching cameras, and waiting through long hours with no success.

Still, no one gave up.

A public plea for sightings finally brought new information. A local vet tech spotted a boxer in the woods near her home. The team immediately placed a new food station and camera in that area.

More waiting followed.

Then, one morning, Winston appeared on camera again.

The team rushed to the neighborhood, set a humane trap, and prepared to wait as long as it took.

That evening, as the neighborhood grew quiet, Winston walked into the trap.

He was finally safe. Tears of relief were shed as his family was called with the news. Although they were out of town for work, they knew Winston would be waiting for them when they returned.

Until then, Winston is staying with an Anakin’s Trails team member.

No more wandering. No more porch hopping.

At Anakin’s Trails, we are not a rescue. We are a stray and pet recovery organization that helps animals be located, trapped, or recovered so pets can be reunited with their families and strays can find a new forever home.

Winston is going home. 🐾❤️