Written by Today is Lost Dog Awareness Day, a day created to bring attention to both dogs that go missing as well as to celebrate the joyful reunions of pets that have been found. A family pet is lost every two seconds. Over 10 million pets are lost each year. One out of three pets is lost during their lifetimes. Only one in ten is found. So yeah, these are pretty gloomy statistics, which is why raising awareness is so important. It’s also extremely important to have you dog microchipped so if found people can locate you. In some cases, however, reunions come from the sheer will of a little dog, determined to return home.
In 1923, Bobbie, a two-year-old Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix was separated from his owners and lost while on a road trip in Indiana. The family attempted an exhaustive search, but the dog was never found and they had to return to their home in Silverton, Oregon. Heartbroken, they were certain they would never see their beloved dog again. Six months later, they had a shocking discovery when they found Bobbie on their doorstep, mangy and scrawny, having traveled plains, desert, and mountains for over 2,551 miles (4,105 km) to get back home. Later dubbed Bobbie the Wonder Dog, he quickly became famous and the subject of articles, books and movies.
Stories like this abound, albeit on a much smaller scale, showing the incredible love and affection that dogs have for their human families. Today is a day to celebrate that devotion and send some positive energy into the world for anyone who might currently be missing their beloved pet. Though in some cases, it may seem like there may never be a happy ending, love can make amazing things happen. And as is the case with most things in life, no matter what happens, always remember – never lose hope.
Join me any and all days you like during April by celebrating a National or International Day with a doodlewash! Tag your image #doodlewashaday and I’ll feature everyone who played along on doodlewash.com at the end of the month!
About the Doodlewash
M. Graham watercolors: Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna, and Neutral Tint. Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Opera Rose. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal
*sniff* What a lovely story about Bobbie’s return to his family! I happen to know, from having had one before, that English Shepherds (Collies, too) are super smart, but I’m sure other dogs could do this given enough gumption (wasn’t The Incredible Journey based on a true story?). 🙂 Love your sweet pup doodlewash! <3
Thanks so much Teresa! 😃💕Glad you liked that story…there were so many to choose from so I went with a classic.
I think you could make an interesting tale out of buying toilet paper, Charlie! You’re a natural storyteller!
Awww thanks! 😊
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Ohh this is such an incredible story about Bobbie’s return is amazing! His unconditional love did bring it back where he belongs at home with his family travelling alone for six months only following his instinct and super sniff wow no words to describe! Dogs are amazing and loyal! I love your watercolor Charlie he is so cute that I want to adopt him! Wonderful post! 😉 <3
Awww thanks Carolina!! 💕😃Glad you liked this one. It was such an amazing story I had to share. And happy you liked my little corgi pup! Hehe
Yes it was amazing I am glad you shared! And your little corgi is very cute! 😉
thank you Charlie! this is a most wonderful, needful post that I’m so glad you posted!! Microchipping and containing pets, is vital to their lives. The story of Bobbie, is new to me. What a Miracle.
a darling doodlewashed doggie you did do! cheers, Debi
Awww thanks Debi! 😃💕So many stories of reunions because of microchipping! So glad you liked this post and my little doodlewash!
Aww what a wonderful story and your painting is darling! This story reminded me of my grandpa. He had a horse which he sold and the horse came back home walking 20-30 km, not once but twice after he was returned to the buyer… My grandpa regretted selling him.
What a wonderful story…so many animals get so attached and I don’t even think we realize just how much! So happy you liked this post! 💕😃
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I remember this story. So amazing it defies logic. Love overcomes every thing. Cute painting.
Thanks Teri! 💕😃It was just an incredible story. Dogs are amazing!
This reminds me of my friend’s Welch Corgi….so cute
Awww cool! Glad you liked this! Thanks so much! 💕😃
Awh so sweet Charlie. Makes me think of the movie homeward bound. Super cute doodle wash too!!
Thanks Jodi! 💕😃I think corgis are so cute!! Hehe…don’t tell Phineas!! 😊
What a dog-gone sweet story, Charlie! Lol! 🐶💕 On a more serious note, your puppy doodlewash is AWESOME! YAY! 🌟🎨👍
Aww thanks Jill!! 💕😃 Glad ya liked my little corgi and the story! I guess I should have doodlewashed the dog from the story, but corgis are just too cute!! 😊Hehe
What a cute pup! I am amazed how many dogs are lost each year. And, it’s amazing that animals have the will to find their families. This is a national day needed to be recognized, thanks Charlie.
Thanks Sharon! 💕😃Glad you liked him! Yeah…animals are just amazing!! Can’t imagine ever losing Phineas.
Such a beautiful and tender painting…immediate “awwwwww so cute” and a great deal of tugging at the heart-strings. Your talent with furry cuteness is so enjoyable. Absolutely wonderful post, full of emotions, information and encouraging hope. Thank you for sharing. Peace.
Thanks Haunani! 💕😃 I love sketching animals so much. So happy you enjoyed this!
What a great story and a beautiful sketch. Dogs are so loving. They tug at our hearts.
Dogs are the best! Hehe…unless you prefer cats than they’re the best I guess. Animals in general rock! Thanks so much Carmel! 💕😃
Cute little guy! And yes, the Incredible Journey was based on a true story. I also know some people whose dog was lost (stolen? – it was a pedigree Rhodesian ridgeback) and came back six years later!
Thanks so much!! 💕😃That’s an amazing story!! Six years?? Incredible! Thanks for sharing!
Too cute for words! 🙂
Awww thanks so much Rebecca! 💕😃
Way to go bobbie, what an incredible story, super dog, super doodlewash. I am shocked by the statistics, although as I write I am aware of the dog that has been missing in our area for over a week, having been sighted at various points, but unable to be caught, the power of Facebook has helped the owners to track their dog, and we all hope he is on his way home….poor Dooley 😕 I will again have my eyes peeled while out riding on the forest today.
Thanks Rebecca!! 💕😃glad you liked my little corgi. Oh no…I hope Dooley makes it back home safe. Yeah…the statistics are a little grim, but thank goodness for social media in helping to get the word out!
Dooley is still missing, but there have been sightings, poor little thing, fingers crossed.
Cute puppy, Charlie… and a nice story too!
Thanks so much Tom! Glad you liked this! 😃
How adorable – your little puppy needs a cuddle and I gladly volunteer! A very worthy doodlewash today – and what a sweet story against those statistics. Just how on earth did he manage that!? Incredible.
Thanks so much Jacob!! 💕😃 I think a corgi would get along famously with the seal! They’d be best friends for sure! 😉
Haha! Two adorable little pups, what more could one ask for?
Hmmm….just Citrus Polos 😥
Aww!! Such a sweet little pup. Again, well done Charlie. Great story too.
Thanks so much Susan! 💕😃Glad you liked my little corgi!
Such an amazing story. Warms my heart, as does your sweet painting!
Awww thanks so much Carol! 😃💕Glad you liked this one!
Wow, what an incredible story! I didn’t realize the stats were so gloomy. I’ve seen so many missing posters and I always hoped for a happy ending. Your doodlewash is precious!
Thanks Kari! 💕😃I just had to try a little doodlewash of this corgi pup. Glad you liked it. And positive energy to any little doggies out there who need to find their way home!
What an adorable pup. I hope he has never been lost and never will be. Well painted, Charlie.
Awww thanks so much Sharon. 💕😃Glad you liked my little pup.
Any excuse for another cute animal! And here’s to happy endings. (K)
Cheers to that! Thanks Kerfe! 💕😃
Charlie, you really excelled yourself with this lovely little dog, and with such a lovely piece of writing. It’s so important to help make people aware of the responsibilities we have towards animals and you’ve written this in just the right supportive way.
Haven’t been able to follow all your posts lately because I’m ludicrously busy and have limited internet access – catch you when I can!
Awww…so happy you managed to drop in my friend!! Thanks so much for the lovely comment!! Dogs are amazing and anything I can do to spread the word I’ll do. And I particularly love sketching them! Hehe Hope life calms down for you soon! 💕😃
An amazing story and an ingredible water art poppy 🙂
Awww thanks so much! Glad ya liked it! 😃
Of course i liked it 😊 You are so creative, i love your paintings 😉👌
Awww… that’s so sweet of you to say! 😊
😊 i tell only true …
Do you ever paintet something like a Mermaid? This would be very amazing and ingredible for me 😄😘
Yours Xstrella
I’ve never tried that…but I’m sure it will come up someday! Hehe…I set these little adventures for myself each month so I’m inside a theme. I’ve had request for mythical creatures so I may do that at some point! 😉💕
What a beautiful drawing the dog is so sweet, and now I want a dog!
Awww thanks so much, Magny!! 😃💕You should definitely get a dog!! 😉😃