by Beth A Brooks
February 2, 2006 Issue
Those familiar with ancient history know that Caesar was considered to be a military genius and powerful leader. Those familiar with the story of Caesar, the German Shepherd, might say he’s lived up to his name. As Julius Caesar thought himself to be invincible royalty, much the same could be said about the canine Caesar. Caesar, part of the Thorpe family since he was six weeks old, was reunited with them on Monday, Jan. 9.
The story began on Thanksgiving evening when Caesar vanished from his comfortable Laverock home. For two months Caesar was sighted all over the area — Wyndmoor, Roxborough, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill — even as far away as Conshohocken. Owners Charlie and Barbara Thorpe and son Chris launched an all-out search for their beloved Caesar, who had been part of their household for the past nine years. Chris said he often thought, “If I needed Caesar’s protection, I think he would be there for me. So I wasn’t about to let him down.”
The first sighting of Caesar came from Carole Anne Hensley, owner of Furry Buddies In-Home Pet Service. He was seen at the St. Martin’s stop on SEPTA’s R8 line. As a licensed veterinary tech, who also does rescue work at the Valley Green Inn, Hensley employs 10 women whose duties include walking dogs. It was on one of these walks that a flyer of Caesar was spotted.
“As a business owner, I try and use information to make the connection with owners and their lost pets,” Hensley explained. Hensley is known in the area for reuniting lost pets with their owners. As such she has become a resource for those who need advice on missing and found animals. Spotting Caesar, Hensley called the Thorpes. She also notified her brother [who is always out in the area as the owner of a fencing business] and others in the community about the missing Caesar. Proud of her rescue work and happy to be of service as an “animal advocate,” Hensley can be reached at 215-836-APET.
Carole Anne Hensley (standing, left), Charlie and Barbara Thorpe, and their son, Chris (holding Caesar), are all thrilled about the return of the beautiful German Shepherd.
Every time there was a “Caesar sighting,” one or more of the Thorpes would rush out and canvass the area, sometimes riding around for hours. Papering these communities with flyers, the Thorpes even ran ads in the Chestnut Hill Local, West Oak Lane Leader and Roxborough Review. Charlie and Barbara explained, “You had to be quick when a call came in because Caesar wouldn’t let strangers touch him.”
A house dog, Caesar braved the elements. During the time he had gone astray, cold gripped the region, leaving behind two snowstorms and rainstorms during December.
Barbara Thorpe said, “I couldn’t believe he was gone and thought he would come home on his own. After a couple of days, we really got worried.” Following up on all leads, the family joked that they now know all of the back streets in those neighborhoods where he was sighted. The family thinks it was a miracle that he wasn’t hit by a car, considering the distance he traveled. Chris said he was “glad no one took him and put him in a dog fight.”
Caesar did befriend Marie Ruch of Roxborough, who left food outdoors for him for several days. At first, Caesar ate the cat food he found. When Ruch noticed that, she put dog food out for him. Caesar was even treated to the carcass from her Thanksgiving turkey, but he would run away right after eating. Making her own homemade signs, Ruch hoped to reunite Caesar with his owners. Ruch alerted her neighbors, all animal lovers, about Caesar.
The Friday before Christmas, he was spotted at Waverly and Church Road. That dog really got around!
Spotting Caesar at Fit Life, employee Christine Oliger called Hensley for advice. Hensley immediately called the Thorpes. This last sighting proved to be the one that bought Caesar home.
Racing over there, Charlie and Barbara finally saw their pet for the first time in two months. “If we weren’t quick, Caesar would be gone by the time we got there,” Charlie said. “I couldn’t believe it when I first saw him”.
Every time there was a “Caesar sighting,” one or more of the Thorpes would rush out and canvass the area, sometimes riding around for hours. Papering these communities with flyers, the Thorpes even ran ads in the Chestnut Hill Local, West Oak Lane Leader and Roxborough Review. Charlie and Barbara explained, “You had to be quick when a call came in because Caesar wouldn’t let strangers touch him.”
A house dog, Caesar braved the elements. During the time he had gone astray, cold gripped the region, leaving behind two snowstorms and rainstorms during December.
Barbara Thorpe said, “I couldn’t believe he was gone and thought he would come home on his own. After a couple of days, we really got worried.” Following up on all leads, the family joked that they now know all of the back streets in those neighborhoods where he was sighted. The family thinks it was a miracle that he wasn’t hit by a car, considering the distance he traveled. Chris said he was “glad no one took him and put him in a dog fight.”
Caesar did befriend Marie Ruch of Roxborough, who left food outdoors for him for several days. At first, Caesar ate the cat food he found. When Ruch noticed that, she put dog food out for him. Caesar was even treated to the carcass from her Thanksgiving turkey, but he would run away right after eating. Making her own homemade signs, Ruch hoped to reunite Caesar with his owners. Ruch alerted her neighbors, all animal lovers, about Caesar.
The Friday before Christmas, he was spotted at Waverly and Church Road. That dog really got around!
Spotting Caesar at Fit Life, employee Christine Oliger called Hensley for advice. Hensley immediately called the Thorpes. This last sighting proved to be the one that bought Caesar home.
Racing over there, Charlie and Barbara finally saw their pet for the first time in two months. “If we weren’t quick, Caesar would be gone by the time we got there,” Charlie said. “I couldn’t believe it when I first saw him”.
Exiting the car, both Charlie and Barbara called out to him. Hearing his name called by a familiar voice and spying the car, Caesar turned toward the Thorpes. With both doors open and the Thorpes calling out to him, Caesar jumped into the driver’s seat, muddy feet and all, before either Thorpe could react.
Barbara had to put a leash on him quickly and tug at it for a bit in order to get him into the back seat and onto the blanket she had brought. From the sound of it, I’m not quite sure who was happier at the reunion, the Thorpes or Caesar. Upon returning home, the Thorpes called Chris and gave him the happy news. Of course, Chris rushed right home to see Caesar.
The Thorpes own another Shepherd, Thor, who was overjoyed at the return of Caesar. The family says that during Caesar’s absence, Thor showed signs of withdrawal and was depressed. Once reunited, it took both dogs two full days to calm down. That first day they both howled with delight and ran and jumped all over the house.
Caesar, the older of the two dogs, has now assumed his rightful place as the canine leader in the home. Even 20-month-old Yasmine, Chris’ daughter, was delighted to see Caesar back home. She grinned and called out his name when she first spotted him.
Caesar has been taken to the vet, where it was discovered he had lost 20 pounds, but was otherwise in good shape. Caesar has adjusted to the comforts of home and will occasionally play ball and go to the doggy park at Pastorius Park. He, of course, is being spoiled by the Thorpes (who are keeping a watchful eye on him) and is adored by Thor and baby Yasmine.
Charlie said to Hensley, “There are no words to thank you for your effort.” The Thorpe family would also like to thank all of the people who called with tips and sightings of Caesar while he was missing.
Now dog-tired and sleeping in his customary place by the front door, Caesar guards the Thorpe family each evening. He may not even know how much he was missed.
Source:
Barbara had to put a leash on him quickly and tug at it for a bit in order to get him into the back seat and onto the blanket she had brought. From the sound of it, I’m not quite sure who was happier at the reunion, the Thorpes or Caesar. Upon returning home, the Thorpes called Chris and gave him the happy news. Of course, Chris rushed right home to see Caesar.
The Thorpes own another Shepherd, Thor, who was overjoyed at the return of Caesar. The family says that during Caesar’s absence, Thor showed signs of withdrawal and was depressed. Once reunited, it took both dogs two full days to calm down. That first day they both howled with delight and ran and jumped all over the house.
Caesar, the older of the two dogs, has now assumed his rightful place as the canine leader in the home. Even 20-month-old Yasmine, Chris’ daughter, was delighted to see Caesar back home. She grinned and called out his name when she first spotted him.
Caesar has been taken to the vet, where it was discovered he had lost 20 pounds, but was otherwise in good shape. Caesar has adjusted to the comforts of home and will occasionally play ball and go to the doggy park at Pastorius Park. He, of course, is being spoiled by the Thorpes (who are keeping a watchful eye on him) and is adored by Thor and baby Yasmine.
Charlie said to Hensley, “There are no words to thank you for your effort.” The Thorpe family would also like to thank all of the people who called with tips and sightings of Caesar while he was missing.
Now dog-tired and sleeping in his customary place by the front door, Caesar guards the Thorpe family each evening. He may not even know how much he was missed.
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment