Last Updated on June 20, 2023 by Fumipets
Bold Canine Adventure: Missing Dog Turns Sheepdog After Car Crash, Returns Home Safely
A captivating tale unfolded recently when Tilly, a 2-year-old Border Collie, and Heeler mix, ended up unexpectedly herding sheep on an Idaho farm after a car accident led to his disappearance.
A Road Trip Gone Awry
The story begins with Linda and Mike Oswald embarking on a road trip from Hayden, Idaho, to Everett, Washington. Their adventure was abruptly cut short near Rathdrum, Idaho, when a car crashed into their SUV. While the family escaped with no severe injuries, the collision forced Tilly out of the vehicle, causing him to run across the expansive Rathdrum Prairie.
In Linda Oswald’s recount to The Washington Post in 2021, she explained how she unsuccessfully tried to chase after Tilly. A heartbreaking 10-hour search ensued, ending in disappointment and despair. Oswald was distraught and said, “I was so upset—Tilly’s my baby.” She then turned to Facebook, posting about her missing pet and offering a reward for his safe return. Meanwhile, Idaho State Police issued a notice via North Idaho News Facebook page, appealing to everyone in the vicinity to keep an eye out for Tilly.
An Unexpected Shepherd Found
The narrative took an intriguing twist two days later when Tilly was found in an unexpected place, performing an unexpected task. Three brothers on a Rathdrum farm noticed a foreign addition to their sheepdog team. On closer inspection, they identified the newcomer as an eager Tilly, happily trying his paw at herding.
Travis Potter, one of the brothers, spoke to the Spokesman-Review, humorously noting, “I think that dog was trying to herd.” The brothers, realizing that this was the dog featured in Oswald’s Facebook post, promptly got in touch with the worried family.
A Joyful Reunion and a Grateful Community
Subsequently, Tilly was joyfully reunited with his family. Oswald shared how relieved she was to have her “baby” back, mentioning how Tilly was always prone to herding, even attempting to corral people at the dog park. This heartwarming saga of Tilly’s unexpected adventure also highlighted the power of community support, with Oswald expressing gratitude for the kindness shown by strangers in helping find Tilly.
The Silver Lining
The emotional roller coaster that Linda Oswald went through after losing Tilly has a bright side. “I just cried every day,” Oswald confessed. To her, the ordeal seemed insurmountable, “but you get so emotional over your pets.” However, the outpouring of support and kindness from the community was a welcome surprise. It showed her that even in challenging times, people were willing to extend their help.
The return of Tilly, thanks to the quick thinking and alertness of the Potter brothers, marked a happy ending to the Oswald family’s nightmare. This inspiring story reminds us that adversity can bring out the best in people, fostering a spirit of unity and goodwill.
A Canine Hero’s Welcome
Upon his return, Tilly was celebrated as a canine hero. His temporary stint as a working sheepdog made him a local celebrity, demonstrating the instinctual herding abilities inherent in his Border Collie and Heeler genes. His family, overjoyed at his safe return, couldn’t wait to share his story.
Linda Oswald joyously stated, “He’ll herd anything.” Tilly’s propensity for herding – be it sheep or people at the dog park – had turned into a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and pure animal instinct. The extraordinary tale of Tilly’s survival and homecoming has warmed the hearts of many, both in Oswald’s local community and far beyond.
This delightful episode has left us with a reaffirmed belief in community spirit and the fascinating adaptability of our canine friends. Whether it’s about a lost dog trying his paws at herding or a family who wouldn’t give up on their pet, Tilly’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the undeniable bond between humans and their pets.
https://scoop.upworthy.com/missing-family-dog-shows-up-to-herd-sheep-on-a-random-farm-two-days-later
