Volunteers set out with leashes, canned pet food and even packets of hotdogs today to search for Perseus, a dog that has been missing since the Plaza explosion almost two weeks ago.
At least 50 volunteers are out searching right now for Perseus, a dog missing since the explosion at JJs restaurant Feb. 19.
Two animal lovers, Ron Larson and Jamie Straley, said they both got the idea to organize a search for today. When they heard about the other’s search, they combined forces, rallying about 50 people to help.
Setting out from the Plaza Starbucks at 1 p.m., the search party divided up areas of the city where they thought the dog might be found: Brush Creek, Plaza parking garages, parks and other areas. They also planned to hand out fliers across Midtown and to check fast food restaurants to see if a two-year-old yellow lab might have been hanging around their dumpsters.
Volunteers were warned to be careful if they spotted the dog. Rather than yelling his name and possibly frightening him, organizers recommended sitting down and trying to lure him in with aromatic treats.
Perseus was last seen in a video taken right after the explosion at JJs which killed one person. He was with his owner who worked at the Plaza Physicians Group, which was also destroyed in the blast. Since then, people have been searching for the dog and sharing information on social media sites.
Perseus was last seen on February 26 at 42nd and Campbell near the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Animal experts say Perseus will most likely be found within a five-mile radius of the Plaza business where he was last seen.
Larson and Straley say they are optimistic that Perseus will be found.
“There could be a good Samaritan out there who has taken him in and who hasn’t heard on the news that he’s missing,” Straley said.
Details
- Perseus is a two-year old yellow male lab. If found, please call John Verstraete at 816-210-4942
- Perseus was wearing a camouflage collar and tags when last seen
- The dog likes to spin in a clockwise circle
- There is a $1500 reward
- Download the flier to distribute in your neighborhood
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