Although an aerial search of the Saucon Valley last weekend did not produce any sightings of Ruby--a greyhound who's been missing in the area for more than two months--the determination of her family and volunteers to find her hasn't waivered.
According to the frequently updated Facebook page "Ruby the Lost Greyhound," the next tactic planned is a costly canine search to be led by a "Lost Pet Professional."
Donations to help fund that search are now being accepted by the nonprofit Brave Tide Foundation, which also helped Ruby's owners--the Hoffman family of Allentown--with the resources that were needed for the Jan. 19 aerial search.
According to its website, the Boyertown-based foundation "is a non-profit charitable organization committed to strategic humanitarian efforts including: rescue and relocation of animals that are abandoned, neglected, or otherwise in need; emergency preparedness and recovery; and financial aid to support educational programs for economically disadvantaged individuals."
Funds donated to the Brave Tide Foundation via its PayPal page and through the mail will go directly to funding a professional ground search team, according to the foundation's website.
Meanwhile, in advance of the ground canine search, local volunteers are planning another sign and flyer blitz this Sunday in the Hellertown area.
Anyone who wants to help with the blitz should meet at Water Street Parkat 10am.
The last confirmed sighting of Ruby was in Lower Saucon Township, near Lehigh University's Goodman Campus, in mid-December.
However, there have been reports of unconfirmed sightings near Hellertown in the intervening weeks, which is why another flyer blitz is needed in the area.
Ruby is white, 10 years old, and weighs about 50 pounds. She has a scar underneath one eye and a cropped tail (she is a former racing dog).
Anyone who spots her is asked not to chase her, as she is shy. Reports of sightings should be called in to 484-788-8580.
She has been missing since Nov. 13, and a reward is being offered for her return.
To help spread the word of Ruby's disappearance, local residents are being asked to like and share the Facebook page that has become a centralized online information hub for the search.
As of Friday, the number of likes the page has so far received had swelled to more than 1,000.
According to Section 102. Bond (Ordinance 469, June 7, 1976, Section 2) An extra bond of fifty dollars ($50.00) must be posted with the Borough if the seller wishes to post directional signs or advertising. The fifty dollars ($50.00) is a surety that the signs will be taken down by permit holders within forty-eight (48hrs) hours after the sale. Additionally no signs are ever to be posted on utilities poles, but there are signs all over my neighborhood about Ruby. Just saying....
Thank you, Donna Lagomarsino Riegelsville, PA
*completely agree Megan*
The Brave Tide Foundation has a facebook page.... I encourage Readers to check their mission statement about disaster relief for humans and animals. I am not judging anyone... All I ask is that we all take some time to reflect on what is positive in the world - there is so much sadness... This "story" has brought hope and renewed faith to many...
"Megan, please see my comments above to Lori. Shame on you for judging Gerry and Me for stating the obvious. My first post was about disregard for town ordinances and misdirection of financial resources that could really be making a difference somewhere else."
it is so painful and hurtful to read the awful things people have written on this wall !! I hope you NEVER need your community to come otgether and help you with ANYTHING !! p.s. there have been SO MANY stories of HAPPY OUTCOMES of pets and their humans being reunited. There really is no need to be so incredibly mean and nasty. things that RUIN community, MEAN PEOPLE