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Belle Has Been Found

After weeks of being lost in the Pottstown area, a dog is reunited with her owner.

 

 

Update: March 10, 2012: 

Belle, a Labrador retriever from North Carolina who went missing weeks ago, was found in the Pottstown area and reunited with her owner on Saturday.

"There was an emotional reunion," said Belle's owner's sister Julie O'Neil of Lower Pottsgrove Township via email on Saturday.

Previously: 

Jennifer Jordan's dog Belle was missing for eight days when she got a phone call last week from a man in Lower Pottsgrove Township who said he believed he'd found the missing Labrador.

Belle went missing in Lower Pottsgrove Township February 9. 

Jordan, a North Carolina resident who was in the Pottstown area to visit her sister when Belle went missing, immediately on February 17 took the found dog to a local veterinarian.

Belle appeared to have lost eight pounds and acted a bit strange, but Jordan was so very happy to have her dog back, she assumed the animal was different because of trauma suffered from being lost for eight days.

So, Jordan and Belle headed home to North Carolina.

Last night, she got a dreaded phone call that confirmed her feeling something was wrong.

A man on the line said, "I think you have my dog."

Today, Jordan took the dog to a veterinarian near her home and was told the animal has a microchip that proves it is not Belle.

"We were heartbroken," Jordan's sister Julie O'Neil of Lower Pottsgrove Township said on Tuesday. Jordan and the dog are on their way back from North Carolina to Pottstown now, she said. "Belle is still out there."

The last sighting of Belle was near the Kmart in Lower Pottsgrove Township on Feb. 15, O'Neil said. 

Jordan on Tuesday morning sent a message to Pottstown Patch via her BlackBerry.

"Horrible news," she wrote. "This isn't Belle. Heading back to PA to return her."

Background:

Jennifer Jordan is heartbroken but hopeful she'll be reunited with her beloved dog, Belle. 

Jordan, who lives out of state, said she is also grateful for the help of Pottstown area residents.

She was visiting her sister on Julie Road in Lower Pottsgrove Township a week ago when Belle -- a brown, female Labrador retriever weighing roughly 90 pounds -- got out of the house.

At that time, Jordan notified police and gave them Belle's description. 

Jordan has been searching for Belle ever since.

"Our last solid sighting was Monday," Jordan said via email today and added she's worried. "It's horrible."

People in Pottstown have been remarkably kind and compassionate, she said. 

"(Everyone) has been so helpful. It's the only way I'm keeping up any (hope) at all," she said. "The people around here are fantastic."

Anyone with information about Belle is asked to call Jordan at 201-803-5611. 

Related Topics: lost dog pottstown

michelle duffy

2:46 pm on Friday, February 10, 2012

Will keep a look out! posted to my facebook and tweeted. Hope you find her soon. Best of luck.

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Jennifer Jordan

8:01 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012

Belle is still out there if anyone sees her. She's been out for 3 nights now and is probably desperate. If you run right at her she'll run away. Please call me if you see her!!! Jennifer 201 232 5521

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Jennifer Jordan

8:03 am on Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sorry- the phone number is 201 803 5611 and or 973 978 6695. Thank you so much for everyone who is helping

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Jennifer Jordan

8:09 am on Monday, February 13, 2012

Hoping Belle made it through last night. If you see her please don't run at her. She's scared and ran from us 2x yesterday.

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Jennifer Whitenight

2:23 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012

I've been keeping an eye out for her...where did you last see her?

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Jennifer Jordan

9:43 pm on Monday, February 13, 2012

We saw her tonight around six near Berean Church & Sanatoga Road. She was spooked when some cars came around the corner.

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Steph Cornelison

11:17 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I posted it on my facebook and told people to share it! I live a couple mins from where she was last seen. I'll keep my eyes peeled and I hope that your baby comes home safe!

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Teresa McMinn

2:07 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Jerry Hoch via Facebook recently posted: "To the owners of Belle, just saw large dark dog fly through the common ground between the townhouses of Maple Glen and 1st Ave (single homes) in Sanatoga. Called her name but she was running ... I'll take a ride with some treats, all thru Maple Glen & down 1st ave. This is E. High St. same side as hospital."

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Jennifer Jordan

7:15 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Are you the same gentleman who called me? We went thru your neighborhood and didn't catch sight of her.

Jennifer Jordan

7:15 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012

We've had no sightings of her today. Praying that she'll make it thru the night again tonight.

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

10:02 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Have you contacted the local police? Put up flyers EVERYWHERE! Go to local stores, talk with people, go into all the local neighborhoods. Call the SPCA and make sure someone checks there in person every day. Do not rely on the workers to make sure she is there. Mistakes happen daily. Post updates when you can. I wish I were closer, I would help. If you know an area that she is in, get a humane trap and place something of hers inside along with food. She will get hungry. The longer she is out, the more afraid she will become. Approach with caution and with a high reward piece of food. Good luck!

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Jennifer Jordan

12:46 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Thanks - I think we've hit all of your suggestions. Still looking and thank you for your support!

Dawn the Pet Nanny

10:08 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Another thing that I forgot to mention, if Belle is dog friendly, bring along another friendly dog when searching. Sometimes that will help ease the lost dogs fears.

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Jennifer Jordan

12:34 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

We've brought out her litter mate, Lucy and our other dog a Brittany. We can't tell if it's making a difference because we havent seen her yesterday or today.

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Teresa McMinn

12:13 am on Friday, February 17, 2012

From the Pottstown Patch Facebook page -- Tracey Kugler Coburn wrote: "Belle was last spotted by Kmart....keep up the searches and believe she will be found."

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Lisa Nolan, The Barking Lot

12:46 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012

share this link on facebook if you live in the area -- my friends and I did -- we know alot of people in this area!!

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Jennifer Jordan

1:42 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012

BELLE HAS BEEN FOUND! A WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN LURED HER INTO HIS GARAGE! SHE LOOKS HEALTHY & WE'RE ON THE WAY TO THE VET NOW! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY - I HAVE NEVER KNOWN PEOPLE LIKE THIS AND AM OVERWHELMED BY YOUR SUPPORT & PERSISTENCE! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

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Tom Murray

3:58 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012

Awesome news!!! Thanks for keeping us updated Teresa. And thank you to the gentleman that found him. Great story.

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

4:21 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012

So glad this had a happy ending! I'm sure Belle is beyond happy to be home. Would love to know who the gentleman was that "rescued" her! he deserves a big thank you!

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Danielle Kinney

9:35 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012

So happy about this happy ending! Welcome home Belle!!!

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Julie O'Neil

12:21 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

BELLE is still missing! The chocolate lab that we found was not BELLE. The dog we found was Dutchess and is being returned to their owners. BELLE is still out there...Please keep and eye out for her and call if you see her 610-813-2023!

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Teresa McMinn

6:32 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

While the good news is a family will soon be reunited with their lost dog, Belle is still missing. Please continue to look for Belle, talk to your neighbors about her and help her get back home.

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Jennifer Jordan

7:12 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Thanks everyone for heading out again. I know it's been a long haul.

Everyone get their dog micro-chipped! All I had to do was walk into a vet's office and they scanned Dutchess in 5 minutes. I think she's having a good time but will probably be glad to be back with her family.

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Sharon Benner

9:12 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Jennifer, so sorry to hear that for you, sending out hope to find your beloved Belle!

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Julie O'Neil

8:49 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

We received a call last night from a woman who saw Belle being put into a blue 4-door car by a man on High Street near Thriftway on Feb. 15. Please call us if you saw this or have any sightings of Belle 610-813-2023.

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

9:32 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

If this is the case about a person picking Belle up, maybe you should go to the Pottstown Mercury and ask if they will put an article in the paper about this. The person may not know about this site. Also, create a facebook page about Belle. Lots of animals have been brought home this way. You can share the page with everyone! Contact local news stations and ask if they will list her as missing and make mention of her.

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Teresa McMinn

10:22 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

Belle is still missing. Please continue to look for Belle, talk to your neighbors about her and help her get back home.

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Jennifer Jordan

1:19 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012

We're out looking for Belle again today. Please, if anyone has any information, or if they notice that a neighbor has a new adult chocolate lab, please call us or the Pottstown Police. My number is 201 803 5611

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Jennifer Jordan

2:32 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012

While we were out posting flyers today, we had an overwhelming show of support. HOWEVER, the Limerick Bowling Alley refused to post our flyer about Belle, and would not even keep a copy for their own employees to see. There's no way I'd ever give them any business!

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

3:12 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012

I would let everyone know about this. I just posted it on facebook and also on their business page. Pathetic!

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Jennifer Jordan

5:57 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2012

We had a tentative sighting last night by the lower pottsgrove school. We don't have any details, but we went over there 3 times today. If anyone sees anything, please let us know. As always, thank you.

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

7:58 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012

Jennifer - please keep us posted. I have a contact at channel 3 (Carol Erickson). If you do not find Belle by end of day today, let me know. She may be able to mention this on the news (she reached out to me regarding Belle). Also, please make a facebook page for Belle with all her info. I am heavily involved in rescue and when I tell you it can make a huge difference, that is an understatement. Please keep us posted and I am praying for her safe return.
Dawn

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Julie O'Neil

4:40 pm on Sunday, February 26, 2012

Dawn please call Jenny tonight at the number above in the article. She will be interested in discussing this with you.

Jennifer Jordan

2:35 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012

Belle loves American cheese & string beens! Weird, I know.

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Jennifer Jordan

2:38 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012

If anyone does see Belle, please remember not to run straight at her. She'll bolt immediately.

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Dawn the Pet Nanny

6:27 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I have created a facebook page. Anyone who is currently on facebook should like this page and pass on to anyone you know. The more we spread the word, the better chance at bringing Belle home. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Belle-Home/237527029671416

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Heather Graham

8:53 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I have shared this on both of my facebook pages! I hope she is found soon.

Julie O'Neil

7:34 pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A possible sighting of Belle this morning. A woman called tonight to say she saw a chocolate lab running with a lighter color dog over Kimberton Golf Course across Rte. 23 and Bridge Street in East Vincent towards a church. Please let us know if you saw this and keep an eye out in that area.

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Heather Graham

8:07 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012

I live very close to the golf course so I will keep my eyes open for her. Lost and stray animals have a habit of showing up at our door over the years, so maybe she will find her way to my deck.

Julie O'Neil

11:17 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Super Heather! Thank you. I just drove the East Vincent Area and dropped off flyers at the Police Station, the Kimberton Golf Course and Farmer's Daughter. Nice people and a a beautiful area. I can email you a flyer if you think you can pass them out in you neighborhood.

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Jennifer Jordan

11:52 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012

You can't imagine how much it means to me that you all are still looking! Thank you!

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Lisa Nolan, The Barking Lot

12:04 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012

If you want to send me a flyer I will distribute some also. my e-mail is pabarkinglot@yahoo.com

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Julie O'Neil

1:56 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012

Hi Teresa - We have not had any confirmed sightings but we are planning to gather some volunteers in the area to post and search this Sunday in Pottstown and the surrounding areas. Please spread the word about our FB page as well, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Belle-Home/237527029671416
Someone has to know where she is!!!!

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Julie O'Neil

9:59 pm on Friday, March 2, 2012

Al Chernoff with Rescue Ink NY will be helping us find Belle. He will be bringing along some additional volunteers. Now is your chance to help us find Belle. We are meeting at 9:00 am. Sunday morning at Kmart on High Street in Pottstown. Please volunteer a little of your time and come out and meet Rescue Ink and also help us find Belle!

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Teresa McMinn

8:04 pm on Saturday, March 3, 2012

Help search for Belle starting at 9 a.m. March 4 at Kmart, 2200 East High Street. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Belle-Home/237527029671416 .

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Julie O'Neil

4:41 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2012

UPDATE: We spent about 5 hours searching for Belle. Rescue Ink Volunteers Shelli and Paul made a pretty positive sighting of Belle two different times in a rural farming area very close to where Belle was originally lost. Upon spotting Belle, she became frightened and ran off. Channel 6, WPVI came out this morning and interviewed us. They said it will be on the news tonight. Not sure of time, but be on the lookout! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO HELP US TODAY! If seen DO NOT RUN, CHASE OR YELL FOR HER. She is frightened and has proven she will run away. If you see her, you must stop and sit down on the ground. Do not yell! Let her come to you! The area we were searching is between Pruss Hill Road and Sanatoga Road near the top (Pleasantview Rd) in Pottstown.

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Teresa McMinn

5:51 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2012

So very glad to read this positive news -- the volunteers are amazing!!!! Hang in there, Jennifer!

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Julie O'Neil

3:20 pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012

We saw her again yesterday....call 610-813-2023 if seen!

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Teresa McMinn

9:33 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012

So very glad to write a happy ending to this story!!!!

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Jennifer Jordan

9:38 am on Sunday, March 11, 2012

Everyone has been so fantastic - thank you for all your help and support. All the credit goes to the incredible people who just wouldn't give up. Credit also has to go to Belle's sister Lucy, who finally had enough of sitting in a cold field and finally went in the woods and got Belle to come out!

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Teresa McMinn

11:14 pm on Sunday, March 11, 2012

This is great news, Jennifer! So very happy for you!!!! T.

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Heather Graham

8:23 am on Monday, March 12, 2012

So happy for you and for Belle!!

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Jennifer Jordan

1:50 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012

THANK YOU TERESA & POTTSTOWN PATCH! You were integral in finding Belle. You were the first group that showed interest in the search and helped us connect with all the right people to bring her home. I can't thank you enough. The people of the Pottstown area a VERY SPECIAL. I've never heard of a community coming together the way you all did to help a perfect stranger. I CAN NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!!

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