One Cane Corso that wandered more than 40 miles across Central Oregon was rescued after local residents and a Problem Solvers expert tracked and trapped the emaciated dog.

The dog, a mother that appeared to have just given birth, was seen in multiple locations including Culver, Lake Billy Chinook and Smith Rock State Park before she was captured and taken to receive care. Jefferson County officials have opened an investigation into the dog’s journey and the status of her puppies. Animal welfare groups note that many dogs go missing due to issues like open doors, inadequate fencing, or loud noises such as fireworks, so owners are urged to secure their pets’ environments.

Photos shared across Jefferson County showed ribs protruding and a frail body, images that prompted neighbors to act. “She had kind of walked right by me. And as she did you could see the skin moving in and out of her ribs. It was a very sick-to-your-stomach feeling,” said Kasie Mitrofan, a resident affiliated with Smith Rock, who watched over the dog for hours.

Two people — Kasie Mitrofan and Katie Albright, a Missing Pet Recovery expert — worked together to bring the dog to safety. Mitrofan said she followed Albright’s instructions to attract the animal. “Katie had asked me to spread something that smelled good to attract the dog, and I had leftover ham from Thanksgiving,” she said. This kind of community effort is vital; swift reporting of found animals and clear descriptions can significantly aid missing pet recovery efforts.

The first confirmed sighting came on a Saturday morning, and a post about the dog appeared Sunday evening. Responders set a humane trap, and the dog was captured “within just fifteen minutes of setting a humane trap,” according to those involved. After capture, the Cane Corso was transported to receive veterinary attention and is now in care. Some animal welfare organizations report that a majority of lost pets are eventually recovered, though exact national percentages vary and are difficult to verify.

Missing Pet Recovery assisted in the rescue effort, and the case is now the subject of an inquiry by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Officials are examining how the dog traveled through multiple Central Oregon sites and are seeking information about her litter.

Community members voiced relief after the capture, and Mitrofan described the moment the dog began to settle. “I’m very happy that this is the place that that dog did find peace and comfort,” she said.

KTVZ Problem Solvers brought attention to the animal’s plight and to the coordinated rescue efforts that followed, amplifying calls for help that led to the trap and capture. The rescued Cane Corso is receiving care while investigators follow leads about her movement across the region and the whereabouts of her puppies.

The rescue involved one dog and two people working together across several Central Oregon locations; authorities continue their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the dog’s trek, focusing on how she managed to traverse such a wide area without clear assistance.

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Original reporting: view the original article.