What started as a small group and friends has grown into a fast-growing community of people spreading the word and searching for Dixie and an alarming number of other dogs believed to have been stolen.
Dixie, the Maremma dog of Aynsley Foss who turns three tomorrow (Dec. 14), disappeared from the Big Hill Springs Provincial Park on Nov. 27. Her theft was reported to the RCMP after her AirTag was found discarded along Hwy. 22 just north of Cochrane shortly after 10 p.m. the same evening.
"We know Dixie was stolen because her Apple AirTag was manually removed from her collar," says Foss. "The AirTag was in a case that was weaved through her collar and could only be removed by a human."
Two weeks later, it has snowballed into an army of people who have come together to expand the search for this beloved guardian dog, and others.
Monique Chaisson says hundreds of people are joining the Facebook group daily.
"This Facebook group is filled with dog sightings, possible leads, encouragement, and love for Dixie and her family (humans and animals alike). What an amazing act of humanity that is unfolding, not only for Dixie but now also for the numerous other guardian dogs that are missing."
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Dixie with owner Aynsley Foss. (photo supplied)During her search, Foss discovered Dixie isn't the only dog to have been stolen recently. Since the end of November, she says nine dogs have disappeared.
"I have come to learn that all of the stolen dogs are from rural locations. These dogs are mostly guardian dogs whose jobs are to protect their homestead," she says.
"When speaking with all other victims, I have been told that their dogs diligently carried out their duties, and it was unlike them to just up and vanish nor do they have evidence via trail cameras of predator interference."
Foss says the RCMP initially told her there was nothing they could do, something she says has been echoed by several other victims.
She was encouraged to go back and file a report since dog theft is considered missing property.
"One victim was told that since their dogs were not microchipped, they would be unable to do anything for them, but the victims still pushed to file a report. With police dismissing stolen dogs, it is then an under-reported crime and therefore the resources to investigate these crimes are limited."
She's encouraging people to be on the lookout for suspicious activities and to take steps to protect their own animals.
"Moreover, if you believe your dog has been stolen make sure to file a police report, if your report is dismissed, then speak with another officer, as dog theft is a crime and it is on the rise."
The $5,000 cash reward for the return of Dixie, no questions asked, is still available.
"We thought she would have been back by now, and it’s been two very rocky weeks. We are hoping she is home for Christmas along with all the other stolen and missing dogs."
Here are a couple of ways you can keep in touch and assist with the search.
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