For more than a week, Caitlin Pumphrey and Steve Brunton of Haverhill have been searching for Merlin, their 10-year-old miniature greyhound who slipped his collar while just outside Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital on Route 110 and took off into the surrounding area.
But yesterday, the search for Merlin drew several random people into the fray after they reported seeing the fleet-footed dog inside St. Joseph's Cemetery down the road, at the on-ramp to Interstate 495 at Route 150 and at other nearby areas.
The search also made it to the social networking world, as those who spotted Merlin posted their news underneath a photo of the dog uploaded by the hospital on its Facebook page.
"Owner is there looking. I searched when I saw him but must have hid. He looked OK, just scared. Seems to know to avoid road," wrote one poster yesterday who saw him yesterday on the Interstate 495 on-ramp
A day earlier, Merlin was spotted on nearby North Martin Road and another wave of Facebook messages were posted on the same page.
"People are so generous, everybody is so, so helpful," Pumphrey said yesterday afternoon while continuing her search inside St. Joseph's Cemetery, a few hundred yards from the animal hospital.
Pumphrey described Merlin as a sweet dog who can be a little skittish around people. But since Merlin is probably hungry, tired and cold, there is hope that someone offering him a treat will be able to lure him close enough to be captured, she added.
Pumphrey said she has run off 3,000 Merlin fliers and has offered a $500 reward for Merlin's safe return.
According to an employee at Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital who declined to give her name, people were seen yesterday parking their cars at the hospital and combing the area after hearing about the most recent sightings.
Merlin was heading into the animal hospital on Feb. 1 for an appointment when he was able to free himself from his owners.
"He's so fast; he has his blinders on, and he's taking off running," the employee said.
Since Merlin's disappearance, the hospital has left food outside its door, but so far, there has been no sign that Merlin has touched it. The employee said that hospital staff are more worried about Merlin freezing to death than starving, as the dog is likely to be scavenging for food.
"Hopefully, he stays close by," the employee said.
Those who might come across Merlin or any other lost dog should never chase after the pup, according to a list of strategies and advice provided on the Granite State Dog Recovery's website, granitestatedogrecovery.com.
The best way to get a scared dog to approach you is to crouch down to its level, since the lower someone is to the ground, the less threatening they appear, the website says. It's important to avoid eye contact with the dog and to place your hand as low to the ground as possible with a treat. Avoid sudden movements and keep as silent as possible, the website says.
Those with information regarding Merlin's whereabouts are encouraged to call Pumphrey at 413-822-6866 or 978-397-3802.
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