During the weekend of Friday May 6, 2011, Phoenix resident Corrie Goldstein, 25, and her husband stayed in the Lynx Lake area for their honeymoon. At one point during the campout at the lake, which is located just outside Prescott, they let their two dogs loose to explore the forest area around them. One of the dogs, “Hugo,” did not return. “Hugo” did not have any tags attached and after Corrie and her husband searched the area, “Hugo” could not be found. Corrie contacted Yavapai Humane Society to file a lost dog report and eventually placed flyers in the campground area asking campers to watch for her dog. Corrie also monitored the “Craigslist” website to see if someone might attempt to sell the dog.

On May 15, 2011, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Alisa Van Brunt, arrived in the Goldwater Lake area in response to a found dog report. A family who lives in the area located a brown and black male Pug that had wandered onto their property. The family had seen the dog during the prior evening, but was unable to contain the animal until it returned the following day.

As Officer Van Brunt was leaving the Goldwater Lake area with the recovered the dog, she received a phone call from Corrie who wanted to provide information about her lost dog. As Corrie described the dog, Officer Van Brunt realized she had recovered “Hugo” just moments prior. Corrie then sent a text photo of “Hugo” which confirmed the find.

Later that day, Corrie met with Officer Van Brunt at the Yavapai Humane Society location in Prescott and reunited “Hugo” with his very happy owner.

This is a reminder to always maintain control of your dog, especially in wilderness areas. “Hugo” is lucky to have survived not only the elements of this two week ordeal, but also avoid becoming prey during his journey between Lynx and Goldwater Lake.

Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov