Facebook tip brings missing dog Barbara home after 65 days

A Facebook post helped reunite Barbara, a dog missing for 65 days, with the Arche Noah animal shelter in Graz, ORF reported. An animal keeper travelled to a reported sighting and caught her near Graz with a dog trap.

Barbara had been living at the shelter after authorities took in nearly 100 Shar-Peis in February and March. She escaped during a trial stay with prospective adopters and spent more than two months alone in the surrounding area. Despite numerous sightings, she had not been caught.

Arche Noah staff member Bernd was able to respond after receiving permission to travel beyond a movement radius set by authorities. He had first come to the shelter through a programme run by the NEUSTART association, completing court-ordered community service. He is now a permanent member of staff.

The shelter said Barbara is being given time to rest, eat and recover. Her caregivers are monitoring her health, and she will not be considered for adoption for now.

Arche Noah has also bought several GPS trackers for particularly anxious dogs at risk of escaping. They can be used during the sensitive trial-stay period.