Shelter Dog Missing for 3 Weeks Found Safe

A suburban Chicago animal shelter says a foster dog reported missing three weeks ago was found safe Saturday and is expected to return to her foster home in time for the holidays.

Joanie, a 3-year-old golden retriever mix, was rescued and brought to the United States from Beirut, Lebanon, with the help of several Chicago area rescue groups. She was being transported to her foster home Dec. 7 when she escaped, according to Julie Schulte, a volunteer with the Magnificent Mutts Rescue in Hillside.

The animal shelter said Joanie was spotted in a yard in Wheaton and the homeowner called the Wheaton Animal Care and Control.

An officer reported to the home and was able to coax Joanie, who is said to be extremely timid, into the home and reunite her with the shelter and her foster home.

Shelter workers say Joanie was "filthy" and was found with burrs in her fur, but appeared to be in "remarkably good shape," according to a post on a Facebook page titled "Help Find Joan."

She was scheduled for a vet visit Saturday morning and is expected to return to her foster home after her checkup.

The shelter and volunteers said they are thankful for all the support they received while searching for Joanie.

"It has been an amazing example of what humanity is really about," George Jasper posted on the Facebook page. "Merry Christmas to everyone, and to Joanie."

Magnificent Mutts plans to host a meet and greet reception for Joanie at the Elmhurst Animal Hospital next week.

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