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When you're raw fed and holistically raised, it can only help in
surviving in the wild for eighteen days! :
Little Onslow, my five year old Mini American Eskimo Dog, spent eighteen
days trying to get home to Modoc, CA from Mt Shasta (where he was never
supposed to be, but that's another story) - on the other side of the state and
through two national forests. Through social media, posters, the efforts of
volunteers searching, knocking on doors, and alerting everyone from store
owners to CAL trans workers, Onslow's story spread and sightings were
reported every time that little flash of terrified white fluff raced past the eyes
of someone who knew to be on the lookout for him. Reports were nearly
always the same "He's really fast. He's running terrified". Along with every
other concern, I worried he would simply give out. Then there were
the two three day stretches of no sightings at all, when people would actually
call with condolences convinced he'd never be seen again, and hope seemed
the most difficult to hold on to.
We know he crossed the summet of Mt Shasta twice, as well as crossing two
freeways at least four times. Near misses by both cars and semi-trucks were
witnessed a number of times as he desperately raced through unknown territory.
Every day for close to three weeks, I spent hours praying for a sighting,
a means to find food and water, protection from environmental dangers, and
ultimately a safe capture. Sightings were reported through phone calls,
emails, social media posts, and even offhanded mentions from someone who
had seen a little white dog running terrified. Each time he ventured into the
forest, he came back to the west side a few days later - either due, we assume,
to being chased by predators or needing to refuel from hunger. (We know that
at one point he was sleeping within yards of a Mountain Lion that was spooked
by the barking of a brave little Boston Terrier named Brewster!) Those forests are pretty formidable, and little Onslow only weighs eleven pounds (and somewhat less than that now - poor baby.)
My little unwitting local celebrity evaded capture like a pro - never entered a
trap, and without letting anyone get their hands on him. Finally, when he was
caught yesterday, his ARista aligned captor decided HE would take him home
and first hold him for ransom, then make ridiculous demands as to how I must
proceed (and how much I must agree to pay) in order to get him back.
Ultimately, we had people who were able to convince the sheriff's office to
intervene (they typically tell people to go file a lawsuit in such cases) and we
were able to get Onslow into safe hands then transported home. ...
The reunion last night was heart wrenching to say the least. Little Onslow, still
somewhat in shock from the whole adventure, sat stoicly inside a small carrier
on the back seat of a SUV as I carefully fished him out of there with the finaly
found arms he melted into. Once home, a joyous greeting between our little
traveler and his waiting pack ensued, Plenty of circling, tail wagging, and light,
happy "woofs" created the homecoming scene as each took their turn to say
Welcome Home! A raw meat dinner was gratefully devouered, as was a bedtime
bowl of fresh raw goat milk. Then my sweet Onslow snuggled down as we both
enjoyed the best night's sleep either of us had in nearly three weeks.
Out with the pack this morning, Onslow visited all his favorite spots,- said hello
to the ducks and the goats, helped me with the haying and watering, and then,
when the pack was all gathered, he stood in the center, looked around and
wagged his tail at each member in turn. Then he simply threw his head back
and barked gloriously! His bark is hoarse. (as is my voice!) I told him we both wore out our vocal cords through this ordeal.
Onslow is finally home, and I am grateful beyond words to everyone who
helped, who contributed their time and their travel, who kept their eyes open,
who reported sightings, who cared, who worried, and who prayed. I'm particularly thankful to Suzannah and Deane, who coordinated our efforts
locally from Mt Shasta, to Burtis who set up trail cams all the way from
McCloud to Canby as well as sending out drones, to Jules, who brought her
excellent tracking skills to us (and who personally, along with Kim and
Michael, brought Onslow home!), and to Michael who ultimately stood up to
the ARista nutters and demanded they return Onslow on that last terrible day.
Mostly I am thankful to Jehovah God - who held us both so close throughout this ordeal, through my un-Christian-like mouth when confronting the ARistas on the phone, and who's eyes, we know, are on even the tiniest sparrow. Most certainly they are on Onslow and everyone who loves and fought for him. (Luke 12:6-7)
Terry Thistlethwaite (copyright Chekia)
June 6, 2026
.Onslow's Journey Home
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Brewster, Pat Brush's brave little
Boston Terrier who startled away
the Mountain Lion
that saw my sleeping Onslow
as a potential snack!
*Note: ARista is a term used to identify someone
aligned with the sinister so called Animal Rights
agenda or any of it's affiliated groups such as
difference between Animal Rights and
Animal Welfare, please visit the
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He went over the summit of Mt Shasta twice,
into McCloud, (the second time after being chased
by a car from the edge of the forest back into the
downtown area of Mt. Shasta), across the 89 and I-5
freeways, continuing east and into the Siskiyou National Forest. His route took him toward the
Modoc National Forest which meant home
on the other side.
.Onslow's Journey Home - In Pictures
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He ran terrified through the busy downtown
city streets of Mt. Shasta for several days until
he was able to get his bearings
and head east to the city of McCloud.
He found food, water, and a place
to rest at the McCloud mill site.
Then after a few more days he was
headed east again, this time following
the railroad tracks - east - always east.
The second time he found it necessary to
return from the forest to McCloud, the word
was out that he was back in the area and a
small crowd had gathered. Cornered and
frightened, he reluctantly surrendered his journey,
but never his determination to return home.
,,, and return home he did!
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Onslow relaxing at home after his ordeal
with dear friends, Tavish and Fiona
and below with Little Red and Thunderpaws
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Poor Onslow looking shell shocked and
defeated as he was hauled off by the ARistas.
(They actually thought he looked great in
this photo!) I burst into tears when I saw this
picture on social media. Thank GOD Suzannah
and Deane were able to get the sheriff to
intervene on Onslow's behalf!
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Sheltie baby Jubilee was just five weeks old when I loaded her,
her mom and her littermates into the car to go
spend the day searching for Onslow in Mt. Shasta.
Here they are together six weeks later.
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My Onslow Come Home
