Pilot is Found, Back Home and in Good Shape

The owner of Pilot, the lost Shepherd mix, reported Sunday morning that she has her back, and she's in good shape and back home.

The dog slipped away from Lucky Dogs Dog Daycare on Monday afternoon, and was seen, but not captured, for almost a week in Milford and Hopedale.

She was recovered Sunday morning about 7 a.m., after returning to the doggie day care center on Sumner Street, where she drew the attention of a coonhound named Jugghead. The coonhound, as they do, starting baying at her, and an employee went out back to see what was going on. She spotted Pilot and called her owners, who were less than a mile away, searching.

When the owners got there, Pilot popped up on a rock, and ran to them when they squeaked a squeak toy. "She immediately jumped in the car," said Kelly.

The dog appears to have lost about 5 pounds and had some burrs in her, but otherwise appears in good shape. After a bath at Lucky Dogs, she headed home and the owners plan a relaxed day before taking her to a vet Monday for a check-in.

"She's very content and very happy, and we're thrilled and very happy," said Kelly.

Kelly, who works for Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, said her employer gave her time off to look for her dog. The owners searched every morning from dawn until dusk, driving around town, waiting for sightings. Kelly said police officers, mail carriers, food delivery drivers and homeowners all called in with sightings.