North Dakota family looking for dog lost in Havre

Some out-of-staters are looking for help finding their dog in Havre.

A couple of days after Christmas a family from Williston, N.D., lost their family dog, Lou, in Havre while they were passing through the town.

Since their bloodhound ran away, Shandra Jaquith said, she and her friends have made several Facebook posts asking for information about the dog. The posts have been shared and commented on by several people, she said, who have all been very willing to help and give information to help widen the search.

They are asking people who see Lou to contact the Havre Animal Shelter or Havre Police Department.

"(My daughters) keep asking for her," Shandra Jaquith said.

Jaquith said she was only passing through Havre for the holidays when Lou ran away.

Her family got Lou shortly after their last dog had died, she said, adding that when they first saw Lou they instantly fell in love, her daughters especially.

"She is a huge part of our family," Jaquith said.

Jaquith said that Lou loves her girls and will pace around the house when they aren't there, waiting for their return.

She said that one of her daughters spotted Lou Wednesday, but the dog was scared and ran off once more. She said although they were not able to catch Lou then, it gave their family hope and gave them peace knowing Lou was all right. Jaquith added that her daughter was upset that they couldn't get her back right away.

They spent part of last week in Havre looking for Lou, although, Jaquith said, they had to leave Thursday morning due to her work schedule.  

She added that, after she left, she spoke to Kimberly Federspiel, president of the Friends of the Havre Animal Shelter and wife of Havre Animal Control Officer Pete Federspiel. Kimberly Federspiel told her that she and her husband found where Lou has "bedded down." She added that Pete Federspiel has been unable to catch Lou, because the dog is very scared.

Jaquith said finding the dog's general location was a good sign and she was happy to hear that the Federspiels were able to get so close. She added that she was told Pete Federspiel plans to set a trap to catch Lou now that they have a place where they know she has been staying.

She added that she and her family will return to Havre next week for four days, less if they are able to get Lou back.

Jaquith has no friends or family in Havre and her family was just passing through but after this ordeal, she said, she would "seriously consider moving to Havre."

With everything that she and her family has gone through, she said, she has met some fantastic people in Havre.

Everyone has been very kind and understanding of her situation, offering to help as much as they can, she said, adding that means a lot to her and her girls.

She added that has made the entire experience very meaningful to her and made it easier for her family.

Lou is a female, black-and-tan bloodhound with big droopy ears, she said, and weighs approximately 60 pounds.

She said if anyone sees Lou they should not try to catch her themselves because Lou is scared and likely will run off again. People who see Lou around town should call Federspiel at 265-2959 or call the Havre Police at 2654361, Jaquith said.

"I know their heart's in the right place," Jaquith said, "and I appreciate it, but Lou is so scared she will just run away."

She added that she does welcome people to text her if they see Lou and update her on how Lou is doing. Jaquith can be reached at 406-260-0270.