A concerned Anza couple is offering a $500 reward for the return of their neighbor’s lost dog Holt, who has been missing since Thursday, Jan. 4.
Mike Frank and Heather Gallant have posted flyers and made pleas for the dog’s safe return on Facebook.
“I’m choking on tears thinking of how cold it will be tonight,” wrote Gallant on social media Jan. 7. “We are now offering a cash reward of $500 in hopes he will be found and returned to his owners.”
Gallant said that though the dog does not belong to her, both she and Frank care deeply about him. Holt is a medium-sized brindle short hair dog and very friendly to people.
“Holt who had no name when Mike and I first noticed him at this property down the road from us,” she said. “His owners called him Dog.”
Frank convinced the neighbors to allow the couple to help have the dog neutered, as he was constantly getting out of the fenced area and it was hoped neutering him would reduce his desire to roam.
“With the help of Hope Ranch he was fixed and spent his recovery time with us at our home. Then Holt’s owner said he needed him back. We went to the gate every night to be sure he was fed and watered and grew very fond of him over a period of about 5 months.”
When they noticed their pal was missing, Frank and Gallant sprang into action, plastering the town with flyers and social media with posts about the pooch.
“Holt’s not even our personal dog,” Gallant said. “We heard he got out, but the neighbors were unable to look for him. He’s such a good dog, too. I pray someone has him safe – he would go with anyone, I’m sure. But I fear he’s still out and maybe packed up with other strays or dead. It just breaks my heart.”
The couple has received many tips of possible sightings but all have resulted in dead ends.
“It’s been over three weeks and the search continues,” Gallant said.
If anyone see a dog that matches Holt’s description, please call or text (760) 997-3706.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
