Dog escapes trial home and returns to Graz animal shelter

A six-year-old shepherd dog mix named Bud returned unharmed to the Arche Noah animal shelter in Graz after escaping from a family’s home, ORF reported.

Bud had spent several months at the shelter after being rescued from a foreign breeding facility that was used only for puppy production. Staff helped the fearful dog adjust to a daily routine and socialise with people.

A family from Graz found Bud a week and a half ago and took him in on a trial basis. He initially gained confidence, but a loud noise frightened him several days later. Bud jumped through an open window and ran away.

The family immediately alerted the police, fire brigade and animal protection services. The Active Animal Protection organisation also set live traps during an intensive search, but Bud was not found.

After three days and nights, Bud appeared at the shelter on Monday morning. The shelter said his return was understandable because he had known the Arche Noah for months and had developed a sense of security and routine through daily care, while he had only been in his new home for about a week and a half.

Bud is now being cared for at the shelter again. His future home has not yet been decided, but staff said they were looking for a particularly quiet environment for the easily frightened dog. The family that had hoped to adopt Bud and had made extensive efforts to find him is to be offered another dog.