Otis, Boston terrier

Missing family dog turns up nearly ten miles from accident
Chris Minor Reporter WQAD
October 4, 2010

ROCK ISLAND   A beloved family dog who wandered from a deadly crash site more than a week ago, was found safe and sound nearly ten miles away, headed toward home.

Otis went missing September 26th, after he climbed or was thrown out of his owner's car, which had been hit nearly head-on in an accident.



Friends and family of Bud and Linda Wakefield have been searching for the three-year old Boston terrier ever since, while the couple recovers in separate hospitals.

''We never treated him like a dog, we raised him like a kid'', Mr. Wakefield, 75, said.

Seven days after the accident, a family friend found Otis about ten miles from the crash site and about two miles from home. On Sunday and Monday, Otis reunited in a hospital bed with his ''dad'' at Trinity West Hospital in Rock Island.

''It's just amazing he travelled so far. There's alot of coyotes in that area. I figured if they hadn't found him by Sunday, he was gone. He survived. He's a survivor. I cried for ten minutes, he's quite a dog'', said Mr. Wakefield. ''I wish I could see my wife's face when she sees him''.

His wife, 72-year old Linda Wakefield remains in fair condition 90 miles away in a Peoria hospital, suffering several serious fractures and two broken legs.

''I miss Linda so much'', Mr. Wakefield said.

Grandson Aaron DeVolder says besides losing a toe nail, and some weight, Otis is healthy.

''He's fine, he's not de-hydrated, but he lost ten pounds. He looks good. It's just a miracle. We can't believe we actually found him'', DeVolder said.

Mr. Wakefield isn't sure when he will be released.

He says on Monday, he was visited by the father of 18-year old Dylan Hoffman, who died in the two-car crash. A gesture that brings him to tears.

''I want prayers to go out for him and his family, because they suffered a terrible tragedy'', he said. ''All I remember is just this awful crash, and then I saw the hood come up and break the windshield, and then I was unconscious''.

Having Otis the incredible dog back will help with the healing process.

''It's going to help their recovery, just knowing that they have Otis now and they don't have to worry about him anymore'', DeVolder said.

Source:  http://www.wqad.com/news/wqad-accident-dog-found-boston-terrier0100410,0,709583.story
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