Missing Service Dog, Owner Reunited In Berks County

Missing Service Dog, Owner Reunited In Berks County

Posted: Updated:
WYOMISSING, Pa. -

In Berks County, it's a happy ending to a "tail" of lost and found: Finley, the golden retriever, is back with his companion.

"It was, relief, like, I can't believe it," 46-year-old stroke victim Denice DeAntonio told FOX 29's Bruce Gordon Friday, while seated on the couch of her Fleetwood home, with her service dog by her side.

Volunteers, including handlers with tracking dogs, had combed wooded areas in nearby Wyomissing in search of the 2-year-old golden Retriever since his disappearance Tuesday evening.

Around 9 a.m. Friday, a woman living about half a mile southeast of the search zone called to say Finley had turned up in her backyard.

"I think definitely my first reaction was...prayers were answered," said DeAntonio.

First stop was the Oley Valley Animal Clinic, where Finley was checked out and found to be in good shape, though a few pounds lighter.

"Diagnosis is he's going to be just fine," says Dr. Nicole Hart. "I told them, 'Go home, give him small, frequent meals today just to ease his stomach back into eating, since he went for a couple of days without eating.'"

Denice says she'll let Finley rest and recuperate for a few days.

Then, they'll resume the training, the practice, the bonding that had just begun when the pair were separated.

Denice says her stroke four years ago left her in a dark place, but that the kindness of strangers – in person and online – has her re-examining her life.

"Finley is home, we can move in the direction that we were headed, but I think that a bigger lesson is learned: that ... just how good people are," she said.

  • Bruce Gordon Reports

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
    Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
    Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 6:14 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:14:04 GMT
    Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
    Parents at a Port Richmond playground say they fear for their kids' safety. They feel intimidated by a street person living, nearly full time, in the park!
  • Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-06-12 22:34:31 GMT
    The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
    The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
  • Local News

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
    Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old.  This morning,
    Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old.  This morning,
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:22:31 GMT
    Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls.  They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
    Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls.  They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:44:27 GMT
    An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
    An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
Powered by WorldNow

KSAZ-TV & KUTP
511 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 257-1234
Fax: (602) 262-0177

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices