Harli, Australian kelpie/border collie mix

Autistic boy to be reunited with his lost dog
By ALISON LANGLEY, QMI Agency
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 5:23pm

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – Enjoying a roll in the grass and a belly scratch at the Niagara Falls Humane Society, the little dog was blissfully unaware of how she had captured the hearts of local residents.

Harli, a six-month-old Australian kelpie/border collie mix from Ohio, went missing in Niagara Falls 13 days ago, leaving the autistic boy who owned him devastated, and prompting people from all over the community to join in the search.

When she broke free of her leash and collar on July 18, her owners Krista and Troy Bastin watched in horror as she was struck and dragged by a car down the street. When the car stopped, the dog bolted.

There had been several sightings of Harli since that time, however, none of them panned out — until Thursday.

Around 6:45 p.m., the animal shelter received a call of a dog in a yard in the city's north end.

"She was just sitting on their property so they brought her in and called us," said Jay Desroches, manager at the Niagara Falls Humane Society.

A quick scan of the microchip imbedded in her shoulder confirmed the dog was Harli, and the shelter called the distraught family.

"It was a lightning strike of excitement," Krista told QMI Agency Friday as the family prepared to drive 350 km to Niagara Falls.

"We are just exhilarated."

Krista's four children were in Florida when the couple visited Niagara Falls. They were devastated to discover Harli was missing.

Especially upset was her 10-year-old son, Caleb, who has autism and had formed a strong bond with his canine companion.

Now that devastation has turned to elation and the Bastins will pick up Harli Saturday morning.

On Friday, staff at the shelter showered the playful pup with affection, knowing there would be a teary-eyed reunion the following morning.

"She absolutely fine. She's happy and healthy," Desroches said.

Scott Shipley and his girlfriend April O'Sullivan, who have three dogs of their own, had been searching for Harli since her story was featured in local newspapers.

The couple created a Facebook page urging other local residents to keep an eye out for the dog.

The Bastin family were overwhelmed by the support they had received, especially Shipley and O'Sullivan's efforts to find their missing pet.

"They definitely have hearts bigger than most. We should all take a lesson from them. I know our family has," she said.

Desroches said how Harli managed cross town without being struck by another car is anyone's guess.

"That's a long way across town for such a little dog," he said. "I'm thrilled for the family and I'm thrilled the dog is okay."

Doug Kane, chief of the Niagara Parks Police, is glad the story has a happy ending.

"We're very happy that the animal has been found and is going to be reunited with the family. We were pleased we could assist."

Source: http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/30/14882451.html