Colonial Heights community rally to find missing dog while owners are out of state – Progress Index

COLONIAL HEIGHTS - A beloved seven-year-old Shih Tzu named Pedro went missing for four days. The Phelps family was vacationing out of state when it happened.

"My father was watching Pedro, and he got away from him," said Troy Phelps. "He lives behind Carini's. He tried to track him down and wasn't able to find him."

"I felt horrible and just wanted Pedro home," said Troy and Crystal's 18-year-old son Collin.

On Thursday, July 15, the Phelps received the devastating news. Theydid what they could from afar, but as one would imagine, they wished they were home so they could help with the search.

The community went into action to help bring Pedro home to the family who holds a special place in their hearts.

Last year during the unprecedented time when people were fighting for equality and weathering COVID-19, Crystal Phelps initiated a kindness movement in our readership area.

Founder Gini Bonnell of Richmond had many angels across the nation follow her lead of making "Be Kind" signs and sharing them with friends, neighbors, businesses, schools, etc. to spread the message of love and kindness.

Over 6,000 "Be Kind" signs have been produced by volunteers in the Bonnell's garage so far. From time to time, Pedro rides in Crystal Phelps's bicycle basket to help deliver them.

A year ago, Troy Phelps donated stem cells to save a stranger's life.

"We met the recipient Dalton Grizzle in May, and they invited us on their family vacation," shared Crystal Phelps. "He said that if he lived he wanted to be able to have one family vacation, and he invited us to be a part of it. That's where we were when Pedro ran off."

Grizzle, diagnosed with aplastic anemia, needed a stem cell transplant to survive.

Thankful for Crystal's uplifting mission that produces miles of smiles and Troy's act of becoming a miracle blood stem cell donor the community rallied together to find Pedro.

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Gina Hope Trainor of Chester who had lost her dog Bashy in the past went into action and created a "Let's Find Pedro" Facebook account. Trainor encouraged followers to post sightings and share Pedro's photos and information across social media platforms.

Trainor also provided tips such as not to congregate or park at or near stop signs and not to affix signs to light poles, city signs, or city property.

The Colonial Heights Animal Services had been notified and were on the lookout. And, an experienced tracker was providing advice on how to proceed with the search so as not to frighten Pedro.

"We are in South Carolina trying our fastest to get there! I will get my bike and ride once we arrive. My husband will take our vehicle," posted Crystal Phelps on Facebook. "Words can't describe how blessed and loved we feel as we feel so helpless."

"We didn't get back into town until Saturday," said Troy Phelps.

Unfortunately, storms took place over the weekend which caused more concern for Pedro's well-being.

As soon as I heard about Pedro's disappearance, I reached out to pay it forward to this family that has made such a positive impact in the lives of many.

On the fourth day since Pedro had bolted, I met with the distressedcouple who were out distributing flyers holding out hope.

The three of us created a video to help find Pedro.

Moments before I was ready to publish the story to get the word out, my phone rang and a beautiful melody played in my ear...Pedro was safe and sound!

On his adventure, Pedro wandered across Boulevard's four lanes. On Friday morning, two friends, Alston Chamberlain and Joseph Clark discovered the thrill-seeking canine across the street from Carini's.

"He came right to us," said Chamberlain.

Since Pedro's new amigos couldn't locate his owners, they decided to care for him themselves until the shelter opened on Monday.

According to Clark's mom, her son and Chamberlain spoiled Pedro and took him to Petsmart to get supplies. When she spotted a post about Pedro on social media, she promptlyprovided the phone numbers to her son.

Collin Phelps expressed his gratitude for the community'sefforts and support.

"Thank you everyonefor the amazing support we received," said Crystal Phelps. "I am truly humbled and greatly appreciative that everyone did to help us in the search for Pedro."

"Pedro was a little stunned when he was reunited after being gone for several days," said Crystal Phelps. "He is so happy to be home."

Upon his return,Pedro enjoyed a treat andtook a much-needed nap.

"Thank you to each of you that have helped," posted Jeri Nicole. "There really are KIND folks."

Nicole thanked the trappers and anyone who worked on flyers,prayed, and rode around at all hours.

The Phelps family gave a shout-out to the following people for helping them:Karen Thomlinson, Gina Trainor, Adam Whittemore, Kelly Jones, Nicole Clendinning, Tonya Tucker, Rob Ruxer, Susan, Chris andKatelyn Lane, prayer warriors, church family, and countless others they dont even know.

"We are floored by the outpouring of support from this community and surrounding area," said Troy Phelps.

"I can't thank you enough for helping this sweet family. Pedro is healthy and happy," added Nicole. "As a community, Colonial Heights folks came together to love each other and unite for one common goal...to bring Pedro HOME!"

- Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.

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Colonial Heights community rally to find missing dog while owners are out of state - Progress Index