Dog News

Runaway Doberman Lost for Six Days in Chicago is Found

by Katherine

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When Madison, a Doberman mix from Texas, was rescued from the unusual bitter cold front the Lone Star state is currently experiencing, she never expected to find herself lost and injured in a colder state – Illinois, but that is just what happened.

Madison after being found in Chicago. Photo Credit: Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
Madison after being found in Chicago.
Photo Credit: Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus

Corridor Rescue animal rescuers saved Madison and her puppies from terrible living condition from a Texas’ home. The puppies were placed with a local rescue group and through network, the rescue momma, who display signs of abuse – a broken back, received a rescue/foster home with Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin (DRAW).

Travel arrangements were made, and the dog arrived at Chicago’s Midway airport on Jan. 17, 2014. A volunteer from Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus (IDR+) was set to take the pet to Wisconsin via car, but while at the airport on a potty break, the canine got spooked, slipped her leash, ran away, and got lost in Chicago’s South side.

IDR+ immediately organized a team to help locate Madison. Locals called to report sightings but the scared pet managed to avoid people and continued on the run.

Flyers, news reports, and social media were used to inform the public about the lost canine, and six days later, the runaway pet was safely back with IDR+.

During six cold days and night Madison walked the South side Chicago streets and somehow survived the bitter Chicago winter.

On Tues. night (Jan. 21, 2014), a local Chicago woman, coaxed the dog into her garage, offered her food and a warm place to spend the night. The following morning while shopping at a corner store, the woman saw a “Lost Dog” flier with Madison’s picture and called the number to report the found dog.

Relieved the lost dog had been found safe, IDR+ picked up the Texan rescue pup and took her to a veterinarian for evaluation.

Madison when rescued in Texas. Photo Credit: Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus
Madison when rescued in Texas.
Photo Credit: Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus

According to IDR+’s Facebook page Madison showed problems walking, but these were probably due to ripped-up paw pads and possibly her known spinal injury.

Upon further examination, Chicago veterinarian specialists discovered the dog’s spine was broken in two pieces and it would be best for the pet to receive treatment immediately instead of continuing with her travel plans.

LDR+ was ready to offer Madison a place in their rescue group, and after consulting with DRAW it was agreed that it would be best for the dog to stay in Chicago and receive treatment.

“[Madison] will have surgery with the specialty vet on Tuesday,” said LDR+. “It will be months before she is ready for adoption.”

The estimated cost for the surgery is $3,000 and if you would like to help Madison, you can make an online donation at http://www.ildoberescue.com/featureddog/madison/.

We are happy to know that after surviving six days lost in Chicago with a serious spinal injury, during one of the city’s coldest winter, Madison is safe and on her road to recovery.