Aaron Lovelace says her dog Shiloh went missing after Lovelace left the animal in the care of trainer Sienna Holcomb in Harford County in early November. Additional coverage of this same incident

Lovelace said Holcomb called last week to report that Shiloh and another dog, Ruger, had disappeared after being placed outside while Holcomb cleaned a crate with bleach. Common reasons for pets going missing while in the care of trainers or sitters often include inadequate physical security, such as faulty fencing or human error, like doors being left open. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has opened an inquiry into the circumstances involving Shiloh and Ruger, and is also investigating a separate animal cruelty case involving a dog named Benji and the same trainer.

“It breaks my heart that I don’t have Shiloh with me. I can’t even describe it. I don’t think I’ve ever felt something like this before,” Lovelace said, describing her search for the pet. She also relayed Holcomb’s account: “She said she was checking every five minutes, and when she checked last, they were gone.” Some surveys by animal welfare groups have reported high reunion rates for lost pets, which gives Lovelace some hope.

Lovelace spent the rest of the day combing the area for Shiloh, hoping the dog would answer to her voice. The missing dogs’ names are Shiloh and Ruger; a third dog associated with the trainer, Benji, was described as emaciated and severely dehydrated and was put down after being found in poor condition. These developments may raise questions for some pet owners about the safety protocols in place when entrusting pets to trainers.

Major Eric Gonzalez of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said investigators are weighing how to classify the disappearance. “We have to look at it. If it was an accident, it’s really just a simple matter in that case. If it ends up being intentional, an intent to deprive the actual owner of the dog of their property, then it becomes a criminal case,” Major Gonzalez said.

Major Eric Gonzalez of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating the circumstances of the dogs’ disappearance to determine whether it was an accident or involved criminal intent. Lovelace has reported Shiloh’s disappearance to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and continues to search, while officials assess whether the circumstances point to an accidental escape or to conduct that would escalate the matter beyond civil avenues.

The situation has drawn attention because of Benji’s condition after time in the same trainer’s care: investigators noted the dog was unable to stand and unresponsive to his name before being euthanized. As the investigation continues, Lovelace said the uncertainty is painful. “I don’t know where she is, I don’t know anything, and the uncertainty is killing me,” she said. With many pet owners fearing the worst, communities rally to support those like Lovelace, hoping for a positive resolution.

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Original reporting: view the original article.