In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, a former stray dog named Jackie found herself on a new path. Rescued from a crowded shelter in Los Angeles County, where she faced the possibility of euthanasia, Jackie was relocated to Juneau, Alaska, in mid-February. However, her stay in her new home was short-lived as she slipped her collar on the first day and fled into a nearby forest.
Since fleeing, Jackie has been living in a pocket of woods, evading a food trap set by animal control workers and volunteers who have expressed concern for her safety. As she roams the forested area, the risks increase due to the proximity of a busy road and the re-emergence of black bears from hibernation. In an effort to mitigate these dangers, volunteers have ceased placing food items to avoid attracting bears.
Thom Young-Bayer, an animal control officer in Juneau, indicated the challenges faced in locating Jackie. "Maybe this is what she wants, is to be free and feral like this," he noted, emphasizing the dangers Jackie now faces in her independent existence. The Young-Bayers, including Thom and his wife Skylar, have been conducting nightly searches, striving to build trust with Jackie. Their attempts have been met with limited success, as Jackie often hides among the forest floor's soft moss to evade them.
Young-Bayer has utilized an infrared camera to capture images of Jackie, where her red heat signature can be seen against the forest backdrop, reminiscent of something from the film "Predator." On one occasion, he spotted her moving stealthily through the underbrush but was unable to capture her. Additionally, reports indicate that Jackie was last seen trotting across a frozen pond in the area, highlighting her increasing elusiveness.
As of recent weeks, Young-Bayer noted progress, mentioning that Jackie is becoming more visible than before. Previously, she would immediately flee upon sighting a person, but recent encounters suggest a gradual trust-building process. Juneau Animal Rescue, a local pet adoption agency managing animal control, is urging residents to report any sightings of Jackie while limiting the number of individuals actively searching to minimize stress for the skittish dog.
Information about Jackie’s past remains scarce. She entered a California shelter as a stray in early January, just days before the destructive wildfires. It is believed she is between 2 to 3 years old and was described on her intake forms as quiet but exhibiting moderate anxiety and stress levels. Skylar Young-Bayer played a crucial role in arranging for Jackie and two other at-risk dogs to be transported to Juneau for potential adoption.
In contrast to Jackie’s story, other dogs have gained attention for their escape attempts; for example, a 17-pound terrier mix named Scrim was recently recaptured in New Orleans after months on the run. Mike Mazouch, the animal control and protection director for Juneau Animal Rescue, acknowledged the minimal time Jackie had to bond with her new family before her escape. Concerns about using tranquilizers for capture were raised due to uncertainties over locating her once sedated.
During one recent trip to the forest, Mazouch observed Jackie within 50 feet while on a frozen pond. His effort to document her was met with a photo opportunity amidst the tall, skinny trees. He described the situation as “a battle of wills,” highlighting both Jackie’s determination to remain elusive and the unwavering commitment of the volunteers and officials in their search for her.
