Owner and dog were reunited in Holbrook last week after a three-week search for the pup following a collision that occurred on Jan. 11, involving a single vehicle on State Route 377. Unfortunately, the owner of the retired K-9, Nushka, died on the scene. Nushka, a 5-year-old female Belgian Malinois, was afraid and ran away from the scene. Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers along with Navajo County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to locate Nushka, with no luck. At the request of DPS, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office put out an attempt to locate for the retired K-9 on its social media page. The night after the crash, Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team (HARTT) Rim Country Team, immediately launched an intensive effort to locate and rescue Nushka. In the 19 days Nushka was missing, there were a few sightings and tracks located. The region experienced a big winter storm that passed through the area where Nushka had been seen. Fearing the health and safety of Nushka, a compassionate citizen, Gail Johnston of Heber took the time to assist HARTT as needed. On Jan. 30, Brent Reed, a volunteer from HARTT, and Johnston met up at 10 a.m. and set up the trap with new food and water, and made sure the camera was working. At 12:42 p.m., Brent’s phone notified him that there was movement in the trap and sure enough, it was Nushka. The family was notified and a place at the Holbrook Animal Shelter was available for Nushka to stay until she could be reunited with her family. On Feb. 2, Nushka was reunited with her family. “I am thankful for the countless miles and dedicated time HARTT provided to save Nushka. This was an amazing outcome for all those involved including Nushka. Thank you to the selfless volunteers who were able to reunite Nushka and her family,” stated Sheriff David Clouse.
