LEESBURG — It’s something that officials with the Humane Society of Lake County say happens every year.
Cooler temperatures in Florida feel like warm summers to snowbirds who flock from the North fleeing frigid climates or to visit friends and family members who have moved to the state.
And every year, according to the Humane Society’s J.R. Medell, snowbirds lose their dogs.
This year, Kathy Weber of Parma, Ohio — a suburb of Cleveland — has lost her youngest Yorkshire terrier, Belle, a show dog.
Kalyn’s Kentucky Belle is the two-year-old’s registered name. She’s one show away from being a United Kennel Club champion, and Weber had big plans to show her pride and joy in obedience trials, too.
It’s been more than a week since 2.5-pound Belle disappeared, but Weber hasn’t given up hope.
She’s called all of the groomers and veterinarian’s offices in the phone book, knocked on doors in her neighborhood and recruited mail carriers, furniture-delivery people and others who might have the opportunity to spot “Baby Belle” in a home.
She’s even contacted “pet communicators,” who have told her that her dog is safe and that she was taken by a man.
Weber has offered a $1,000 reward for Belle’s return — $500 of her own money and $500 contributed by a friend.
Weber said she’s been coming to Leesburg to visit family for about 17 years and has been traveling with dogs for two decades.
“It’s the first time I’ve had anything really bad happen,” she said.
She brought seven Yorkies on this trip and is afraid she will return to Ohio with only six.
Medell said it’s not uncommon for people from out of state not to realize threats to their animals that are unique to Florida.
There are ponds and wetlands along the Leesburg cul-de-sac where Weber stays every year with her father. Not only are alligators a danger to small, wayward dogs, said Medell, but birds of prey are as well.
“An eagle nearly carried off my dachshund once,” he said.
In addition to natural threats, Medell said small dogs like Weber’s are particularly desirable to people.
“Nine out of 10 people who walk into our shelter are looking for little dogs,” he said. “When they’re lost, we very seldom have a little dog brought to the shelter.”
He personally has witnessed fist-fights break out at the Humane Society’s shelter when word gets out that a litter of small dogs is there.
“We have to hide them,” he said.
His advice to visiting pet owners is never to let their small dogs out of their sight and to make sure they wear identifying tags.
He said Weber’s best bet is that a conscientious animal-lover finds Belle. The second-best is that someone spots her reward fliers.
Those who stay in local RV parks for parts of the winter should go straight to their respective clubhouses when searching for lost pets.
If anyone finds a dog matching Belle’s description, Weber asks that they call her at (440) 781-2588.
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