A tight-knit team of dog-lovers that has been searching for Sassy, a black lab mix, was rejoicing Friday after bringing her home.
Folks in the group joined together through word of mouth, Facebook and the Double Dog Rescue group out of Harwinton and spent hours each day looking for the dog and trying to lure her into capture.
But it took a special touch to bring her home.
The group raised enough money to fly Sassy's former owner, with whom she'd lived for her 2-year life, up to Connecticut to call the dog back. Her owner had given her up for adoption for financial and medical reasons and through Double Dog Rescue, Sassy was placed with a foster family in Farmington.
Sassy's owner and her sister, Stripe, who had also been placed with a family nearby, helped with the effort too.
According to moment-by-moment accounts on Facebook, Sassy's owner and sister Stripe cornered Sassy underneath a porch and were able to coax her out.
Sassy is recovering with food and plenty of affection after her long journey.
The group who worked so faithfully to find her is rejoicing with her and marveling at the support of the dog lovers in the area.
"What a truly amazing experience to work with people (new community) who just loves a dog and dogs they don't know, but willing to reach their hand out. Each one of you are amazing and should like you are cloud 9, even if you were sending prayers/ on foot searching/ in the car, whatever give yourself a pat on the back," Todd Brayne posted on Facebook.
Stephanie Zapor said, "The Sassy adventure has brought so much warmth and courage to my heart."
Donna Denehy joked "What will we do tomorrow?"
But the group already has an answer - look for Ellie, another missing dog.
"Yes... On to the next dog for sure!!!! Donna, gas up the car!!!!" wrote Lisa Malenfant.
