Jacksonville dog owner desperately seeking safe return of emotional support dog

Thaissa Miranda’s emotional support dog, Phoebe, has been missing for 10 weeks, leaving her heartbroken and desperate for her return. Phoebe, a 2-year-old, 60-pound Goldendoodle, disappeared on May 28 in Jacksonville near Chester Park Drive and has not been seen since. Miranda, who is currently overseas for work, entrusted Phoebe to her stepfather, a disabled veteran, while she was away. Unfortunately, Phoebe got loose at the end of a walk and ran after some ducks, leading to her disappearance.

Miranda shared, “I used to cook fresh meals. I used to take her out every day. I used to take her to parks, have play dates with other dogs, and she was like my velcro, everywhere I went, she would follow me.” The bond between Miranda and Phoebe is evident, making her absence even more difficult to bear.

In the wake of Phoebe’s disappearance, neighbors rallied together to search for her, posting hundreds of signs in the hopes of bringing her home. Dianna Crocker, Miranda’s neighbor, expressed, “Every time we get a sighting that we think might be her, we go to that neighborhood and put up flyers.” Despite their efforts, Phoebe remains missing, prompting concerns that she may have been taken by someone.

Crocker suspects foul play, stating, “I think somebody’s got her. I don’t think she’s lost in the woods because we’ve had many lost dogs in this neighborhood.” The sudden disappearance of Phoebe within minutes of running off has raised suspicions within the community, leading them to believe that she was intentionally taken.

In the search for Phoebe, Samantha Ahnen, community engagement manager with the Jacksonville Humane Society, offered some tips for pet owners whose animals go missing. She recommended placing familiar scented items outside, such as a favorite blanket or bed, to attract the pet back home. Additionally, Ahnen suggested signing up for Petco’s Love Lost program, which utilizes facial recognition software to track pets brought to shelters in the area.

Miranda is offering a generous reward of a thousand dollars for Phoebe’s safe return, and she is even willing to provide a new Goldendoodle puppy to whoever has her. Despite the reward, Miranda’s primary concern is reuniting with her beloved companion. She expressed, “We have a history together, it’s just not a dog for us. I just want her back.”

If you have any information about Phoebe’s whereabouts, you can contact 904-994-9790. The community’s support and vigilance are crucial in bringing Phoebe back home to her loving family.