Final push to catch Drogo, the dog who has evaded capture for seven months
Islanders’ search for missing rescue pet draws a blank
They know he’s out there – but where?
A final desperate attempt to catch a former stray dog who was plucked from the streets of Bosnia and brought to Scotland is being launched this weekend.
Seven months ago Drogo slipped from his owner’s grip on his first walk on the Isle of Arran. Ever since then he has been living free, fending for himself and roaming the countryside.
He has evaded capture despite regularly being caught on camera taking food left out for him. But now a fresh attempt is to be made to collar the reluctant pet before time runs out.
A specialist trap is due to arrive on the island today in the hope of finally bringing the stray home. The onset of the lambing season has raised fears that the fugitive may get desperate.
It is thought that so far the cross-breed German shepherd has survived on a diet of carrion and road kill. But owner Emma Campbell says Drogo’s adventures have to come to end for his own good.
The 43-year-old paramedic said: “We are trying to get a hold of him before lambing gets into full swing – that is imminent at the south end [of the island]. As much as he’s not bothering any sheep, we would rather he was caught.”
Islanders have been reporting sightings and providing updates to a Facebook page called Finding Drogo. An array of equipment has also been deployed to bring him home, including traps, drones, sensors, and bait. But despite sightings, photographs and several close encounters, the dog, who is about two years old, remains at large.
Drogo seems, however, to have taken to a particular territory in the south of the island. “He was wandering and he has managed to cover quite a bit of the island – but he seems to have settled,” says Ms Campbell, who lives in Lamlash. “However, he has competition from cats left behind by the last tenant farmers – and he’s got competition for food.”
Ms Campbell, her husband Alan and their children Shaila and Gordon have spent hours trying to bring Drogo home.
Old clothes from his former carer in Sarajevo were posted to Scotland, with the hope of providing a reassuring scent to lure him in. The family have even adopted Drogo’s sister, Goldie, in the hope that he will want to renew his family ties.
Ms Campbell adds that the arrival of Drogo’s sister on the island was also designed to help him settle in better when he does return home.
“It might not happen that way because they’re both quite timid dogs – but I still have this idea that as soon as they see each other they’re going to wave their tails and just be so happy to see each other,” she says.
While food has been left out for Drogo, it is thought he has been supplementing his diet elsewhere. The harsh winter is thought to have provided a rich source of food from animals that have succumbed to the elements.
The most recent photos of him were taken just a couple of weeks ago. Volunteers with the Lost & Hound K9 capture team, a Uk-wide network, have been assisting with the search.
If and when Drogo is caught, his days on Arran may be numbered. The owner of the dog shelter in Sarajevo has said she will happily take him back if he does not settle.
“Whatever happens, he’s going to be happy – he’s going to have a happy wee life,” Ms Campbell says.
“He was wandering and he has managed to cover quite a bit of the island – but he seems to have settled”