I want to preface what I’m about to say with some background info. Many of you found my blog because the Mugsy story is catching on and you’re not aware of my background. I’m a former police officer-turned-pet detective and founder of Missing Pet Partnership, a nonprofit organization. I’ve spent the past 13 years struggling to develop my organization and the concept of community-based lost pet services known as “MAR” or Missing Animal Response. Yeah, what a concept…we have every service available under the sun for our pets but when you LOSE a pet, sorry, you’re on your own.
During the past 13 years there have been plenty of opportunities for me to jump into action and respond on high-profile cases in order to garner media attention. I could’ve easily responded with my K9 pet detective partners when Paris Hilton lost her Chihuahua Tinkerbell, Jesse Jame’s pitbull CinnaBun was lost, or when President Bush’s cat Ernie were all lost. But I didn’t. Why? Because my goal was not to help celebrites so that I could garner media exposure and donations for my organization. My goal was (and still is) to help pet owners and pets in my own community. So please keep that in mind.
I’m preparing to head up to Snoqualmie today with only 4 wildlife cameras. I really wish I had 8.
This (above) is a picture of Zorro, a long-haired Siamese cat who jumped from the second floor of his apartment in Kenmore, WA on June 20, 2010. Although no one ever actually saw Zorro, our Moultrie camera captured him on film daily and proved that he remained hiding in the apartment complex, even during 4th of July fireworks. Jan, Zorro’s owner, was able to capture Zorro 3 1/2 weeks later only because the camera gave her the confidence and hope that he was still there.
So here’s my plea. Many are asking how they can help Mugsy. I’m not sure how you can directly help Mugsy since we don’t need an army out looking for her. However, you can help Missing Pet Partnership be better prepared for future Mugsy-like cases by donating the equipment that we need so we can help more families find their lost pets. Please either order a $140.00 Moultrie Camera or a $99.00 Tru-Catch humane trap (or order both!) and have it shipped to:
Missing Pet Partnership
Attn: Brian Newsham
1229 SW 326th PL
Federal Way, WA 98023
Your donation is tax deductible and MPP will send you a receipt.
How long will it take to catch Mugsy? I don’t know, but I’m in it for the long haul. Just like Zorro (3 1/2 weeks) and Sophie the Bernese Mountain Dog (7 weeks), Missing Pet Partnership is accustomed to sticking with cases until we get the animal back home. If we don’t catch her in the next five days, we might need to line up volunteers willing to drive up to the pass to assist with checking the cameras and traps. We will let you know if it comes to that. In the meantime, your prayers for Mugsy’s family are much appreciated.
