Man returns from Haiti in search of lost dog
BY ZACK STOYCOFF World Staff Writer
Friday, October 26, 2012
10/26/12 at 6:19 AM
When Matt Woosley's mother called to report that a Berryhill woman had spotted his missing dog, he took an airplane from Haiti and was in Tulsa the next morning.
"I told him about that lady's sighting and he said, 'Well, I'm coming home if there's any hope,' " Carol Woosley said.
The chance of finding Gus, a 3-year-old toy fox terrier who has been missing since Oct. 12, drew Matt Woosley from his work with a Christian organization building schools in the earthquake-ravaged country.
Since arriving Monday, he and several family members have held "lost dog" signs along west Tulsa streets for hours a day. He must return to Haiti next week - with or without Gus.
"I came back because I just couldn't not be a part of this," he said. "When I got him, it was really my loneliest time, so he's been a real blessing in my life as a companion."
Carol Woosley said Gus has been her son's closest friend through some of his darkest hours and was there during a spiritual awakening that culminated when he decided to quit his job as an anesthesiologist in favor of missionary work.
He has taken the dog to 24 states and three countries but decided not to take him on the yearlong trip to Haiti earlier this year because of the country's condition.
Gus, left with Matt Woosley's brother at a 10-acre ranch in Berryhill, didn't return one afternoon after playing outside with two other dogs who live there.
Two area residents have reported spotting him, but nothing has come of two weeks working with a professional dog finder, staying in contact with animal control and posting signs, Carol Woosley said.
"With these sightings, we just keep having hope that maybe somebody took him in," she said. "He's a really sweet dog, and he's never fended for himself. He's a little house dog."
If spotted, Gus likely would be scared, she said.
The woman who saw him in Berryhill said he was "just shaking - skittish," Carol Woosley said.
"My son has said that if we can't find Gus, he's been blessed just to have him for the time he did," she said. "He calls Gus his little brother."
Lost dog
Name: Gus
Breed: Toy fox terrier
Age: 3
Weight: 9 pounds
Color: Tan and white
Identification: Has microchip that can be "read" by a veterinarian
Reward: $500
If found: 918-640-9411
For more: tulsaworld.com/gusisgone
Original Print Headline: Man flies from Haiti for lost dog
Zack Stoycoff 918-581-8486
zack.stoycoff@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Matt Woosley holds a sign for passing motorists Thursday in efforts to find his lost dog near Chandler Park. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
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