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Search underway after guide dog runs away from owner in Almont

Posted at 5:16 PM, May 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-31 09:39:11-04

The outpouring of support for Jackie McKeon, a blind woman who lost her Leader Dog, has been astounding.

Right now, the search continues for missing guide dog Brinkley. 

Volunteers, police, and workers with Leader Dogs for the Blind all searched a rural neighborhood where she was last seen not far off Tubspring Road all day Tuesday.

Country Smokehouse owner Steve Francis searched from the sky in his chopper.

Other volunteers rode four wheelers through farm land searching.

The woman who trained Brinkley for Leader Dogs for the Blind came to Almont - hoping a familiar voice would help bring her home.  She said Brinkley is a highly trained guide dog, who should be able to resume her duties once captured.

She ran off on Saturday after she got scared.  She was on her leash in her owners backyard when someone accidentally ran over the leash with a lawnmower.  The close call with the mower frightened her away.

“Ultimately she is a dog and has all the same dog fears that your dog has,” said Linda Fisher, Leader Dogs for the Blind Instructor.

“It is overwhelming, the love this community has shown,” said McKeon.

Several times people have seen the dog, but so far no one has been able to capture her.

McKeon is asking everyone to keep an eye out for her dog. If you see her you are asked not to approach her.  Instead try to keep an eye on her and call 586-651-1317.