CARIBOU RIVER - After he had been missing for six days, 11-year-old Nelson is finally home with his parents.
Nelson was returned home on Saturday. And though he was weak - he hadn't eaten in days - and tired, Harry and Gabrielle Kropp say he'll be fine in a few days. Nelson is their golden retriever. The pair, who live in Caribou River, say it's difficult to put into words what it's like to have their beloved dog back home.
"He's like a child to us," said Gabrielle.
Nelson went missing on Jan. 6 in Plymouth. Gabrielle and Harry were in their native Germany at the time and had left him with a dog sitter. "He wouldn't normally run away but people were skeet shooting nearby and the sound terrified him," Gabrielle said. "When he couldn't get back into the house, he took off."
When Harry and Gabrielle returned home the next day, they received word their dog was missing. Their only clue as to Nelson's whereabouts was a tip that he'd been spotted the morning of Jan. 7th in front of the Department of Transportation. The pair immediately set to work to find their dog.
They put flyers in every mailbox in Plymouth and Thorburn. They created colour posters - 500 to be exact - and posted them all over Pictou County. They phoned dog catchers and the SPCA. And for six days, they searched all day and night, from 6 a.m. to midnight, in search of their missing pet.
Harry and Gabrielle also left Nelson's blanket and her pillowcase outside the Department of Transportation in the hopes that the scent would bring Nelson back. Their tireless search for their dog drew hundreds of supporters; some of them were friends and neighbours, others were strangers. One man, then a stranger, went above and beyond to help Harry and Gabrielle find their dog. He sent thousands of e-mails, created laminated posters and he even provided the pair with cellphones so that they could keep in touch during their search.
"The support was absolutely outstanding," Harry said.
Gabrielle nodded. "It was overwhelming. We don't have any family here, so the support we got really meant a lot to us."
On Saturday, Charlene MacLeod of MacLellan's Brook called and told the couple she had spotted Nelson once again outside the Department of Transportation. "The scent (of the blanket and pillow case) played a big part in his coming back," Gabrielle speculated.
Nelson was back home later that afternoon.
"I was in tears last night," Gabrielle said. "We didn't know if we'd ever see him again."
Home sweet home
Home sweet home
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- Published on January 14, 2008
- Published on December 30, 2009
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Cait MacIntyre
Pampered pooch back with parents after six-day adventure
CARIBOU RIVER - After he had been missing for six days, 11-year-old Nelson is finally home with his parents.
Nelson was returned home on Saturday. And though he was weak - he hadn't eaten in days - and tired, Harry and Gabrielle Kropp say he'll be fine in a few days. Nelson is their golden retriever. The pair, who live in Caribou River, say it's difficult to put into words what it's like to have their beloved dog back home.
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Comments
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- raymond
- - January 18, 2010 at 14:16:58
such a welcome relief to see Nelson back home with his Family--on a personal note seeing as this occurred in our neighbourhood,it takes good responsible people like the Kropps to make a pets life comfortable/safe,congrats to them for such dedication.
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- pictou county
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:52:06
So glad to hear that Nelson is back home! I would do everything the Kropp's did if my dog ever went missing. She's treated just like the kids are!
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- Relieved and Happy
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:52:01
I heard about Nelson last week while talking to Mom on the phone. I was rooting for everybody involved, and am so glad to hear that Nelson made it back! A big ovation to everyone involved, from the owners, friends and the kindness of complete strangers! It's great to see a Happy Ending in the news once and a while.
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- Lori
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:49:18
This is truly wonderful! Welcome home Nelson! In a time when we usually read in the news about people who are treating animals like inferior beings...to see a community come together to bring another's member of the family home to thier loved ones! True compassion... Lots of belly rubs for Nelson!
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- Mike&Ardith
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:34:44
So glad that Nelson is finally home. This was an ending right out of a Disney movie. It couldn't have turned out any better for two of the most kind and gentle people you would ever meet. I'm sure there were alot of sore necks this week, from looking for the most famous dog in Pictou County.
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- Congratulations
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:30:54
I saw these posters and am sure the Kropps are having their first good sleep in days; I'd be frantic if the furkids went astray and cringe a bit when I see pets running loose (even if they know to come home, it's dangerous especially in high-traffic areas). Microchipping is one thing but if they ever come out with an Onstar for Dogs, I'll be first in line.
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- cindy
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:19:58
I was thrilled to hear the news early Sunday morning that Nelson had been found. I have two golden retrievers of my own and they are a very important part of our family, myself and a friend took several drives in and around Plymouth and Maclellan's Brook, hoping to spot him. Prayers were answered and we are so glad!!
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- Daniel
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:04:48
I would just like to add that the young ladies name who found Nelson is actually Sharlane MacLeod. She had recognized the animal from one of the lost posters. She then caught and cared for Nelson while waiting for his owners to come pick him up.
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- Gwen
- - January 18, 2010 at 13:03:32
Well I am very happy that the dog made it home I joined a group that was started on facebook and was very glad when they posted the news. As an animal lover I would be the same way if any of my animals went missing, they are part of the family and are very important to complete a family that is for sure. Welcome home Nelson.
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- Harold
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:40:30
I'm so glad Nelson is back in his Loving Home. My wife and I and our two girls stayed at the Cottages that Harry and Gabrielle rent, and we know how much a part of the family Nelson is. Welcome back Nelson.
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- Diane
- - January 18, 2010 at 12:39:39
It is so great to hear that Nelson has made it home safely. It's wonderful to see a feel-good story in the news for a change!
