Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery

Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery Dedicated to reuniting lost dogs with their families. We find and capture the "uncatchable". BDRR does NOT use tracking dogs.

Buddha Dog Rescue & Recovery (BDRR) successfully reunites families with their lost pets. When a pet goes missing it is a frightening, stressful situation, taking the proper steps immediately and implementing a plan is essential. My knowledge and well over a decade of experience have helped countless dogs go from lost to Safe & Found! BDRR uses proven methods and techniques to capture roaming (at l

arge), lost and abandoned pets. Specializing in the capture of trap savvy dogs who will not enter traditional traps. BDRR is based in Blairstown, NJ and works hands on cases in the Tri State areas of - Northern & Central NJ, Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York and Southern CT. I provide phone consultations nationwide.

* Legal owners/ guardians must be the one to contact me.
* Please fill out the "REQUEST HELP" form on our website, I do not take service requests from Facebook posts.

Safe at Last…Rico Has Been Captured!Over the weekend, Baby Rico at only eight months old was attending an adoption event...
07/22/2025

Safe at Last…Rico Has Been Captured!

Over the weekend, Baby Rico at only eight months old was attending an adoption event when he was suddenly startled by a loud motorcycle. In a moment of panic, he managed to slip out of his harness and bolted across a busy road, eventually disappearing into a nearby park. Unfortunately, the well-meaning efforts of people trying to chase and help him only caused him to run further out

For three long days, Rico was on the run in West Caldwell, NJ. Thanks to the support of the local community and his love of hot dogs and chicken, he has been safely captured and is now out of harm’s way.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to BDRR’s own Dawn for her exceptional work in securing Rico’s safe return. We are also deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteers who hung posters, spread the word, and never gave up hope.

Rico is safe, because of all of you. 💙

07/15/2025

This is why we always stress the importance of monitoring your feeding stations and traps.

We share our world with wildlife, and they’re just trying to survive, just like our lost pets. Whether it’s a fox, raccoon, deer, or a black bear, these animals are doing their best to provide for their families in the same spaces we search.

Responsible lost pet recovery isn’t just about bringing a beloved dog or cat home, it’s also about protecting the beautiful wild creatures we coexist with. Monitoring traps helps prevent unintended consequences and keeps everyone safe: your pet, other animals, and you.

Tonight, while working a case in black bear country, one of our cameras picked this up at an active trap site. A powerful reminder of why compassion, caution, and awareness must go hand in hand in this work.

🧡 Be safe. Be kind. Be mindful. Be Responsible

Little Jack embarked on quite the three day escapade in Nanuet, NY, after making a daring escape through an open gate at...
07/15/2025

Little Jack embarked on quite the three day escapade in Nanuet, NY, after making a daring escape through an open gate at his pet sitter's! Today, after a thoughtful discussion with Jack's worried owners, we emphasized the importance of putting up posters.

Literally within minutes of hanging those eye-catching posters in the neighborhood, they got the call that would bring Jack back home. A compassionate woman had taken him in, and it was only when she spotted Jack’s poster that she realized to reach out.

Posters are not just a lifeline for wandering dogs; they’re also a beacon of hope for pups who may have wandered into someone's heart (and home) by accident. It helps everyone in the community know that a dedicated family is fervently searching for their beloved furry friend.

If you happen to find a lost pet, remember to notify your local police, Animal Control, and nearby shelters. A simple call and a scan for a microchip can quickly reunite lost pets with their families. And for pet sitters, dog walkers, and caregivers: you play a crucial role in the safety and well-being of these beloved creatures. In the unfortunate event that a dog slips away, it’s vital to inform the owners ASAP, it could save hearts (and a lot of tears)!

We’re overjoyed that the sweet senior, Jack, is back where he belongs with his loving family, Sarah, Michael, and his furry sibling Penny. Together again, their adventures can continue.

Welcome H♥️ME Jack! 🐾 🏡 💫

OK, friends. Time for a little vent session.Let’s talk about one of my biggest pet peeves (pun mildly intended):When peo...
07/09/2025

OK, friends. Time for a little vent session.
Let’s talk about one of my biggest pet peeves (pun mildly intended):
When people refer to what we do as being a “pet detective,” “tracker,” or “trapper.”

sigh

I get it. “Pet detective” sounds cute and vaguely Ace Ventura-ish. “Tracker” conjures images of someone in camo crouching in the woods with a magnifying glass and a bloodhound. And “trapper”? Please. That makes it sound like we just toss a couple of cages down, throw in some kibble, and call it a day.

Let me clear this up for everyone:
What we do in lost dog recovery is not one-dimensional. It’s not cute. It’s not simple. And it sure as heck isn’t just about laying traps.

We are behaviorists. Strategists. Breed specialists. Geographic analysts. Trail readers. Surveillance interpreters. Tactical problem solvers. Emotional support for panicked families. Logistics coordinators with a side of adrenaline ju**ie.

We study lost dog behavior patterns, breed tendencies, terrain influences, travel corridors, and yes even local traffic flow. We map sightings, read movement trends, adjust on the fly, and work in the rain, heat, cold, mud, mosquito swarms, and emotional landmines.

We use decades of hard earned knowledge, constant learning, and field-tested techniques. And sometimes…when all that aligns…we make literal miracles happen.

So yeah, we do “track.”
Yeah, most definitely we “trap”.
Please dont ever call me a “pet detetive”. 🤮

But if you feel compelled to slap a label on what we do, at least make it accurate.
Try:
🧠 Lost Dog Recovery Specialist
🚨 Critical Response for Companion Animals
💪 Hope-Fueled Chaos Coordinator

Because what we really are is relentless, skilled, multi-disciplinary professionals doing whatever it takes to bring dogs home.

So, next time you’re tempted to call someone like me a “pet detective” (cringe)… pause.
And maybe, just maybe…upgrade that mental image from Ace Ventura to something a little more… badass.

You’re welcome. 😉

I know, I know…I was supposed to be on a break, but how can I rest knowing these furry little souls need help? Rest can ...
07/09/2025

I know, I know…I was supposed to be on a break, but how can I rest knowing these furry little souls need help? Rest can wait.

For a week, Boogie vanished without a trace. No sightings. Just silence. For his worried family hope was starting to fade. That’s when they reached out to me.

With a bit of coaching, a dash of strategy, and a lot of heart, we got to work. Then came a lead, a neighbor reported seeing what they thought was a baby fox darting through the yard. (To be fair, after a week in the wild, heat and rain storms, Boogie did look like he’d been through a wind tunnel.)

We never ignore a clue. So, soaked but undeterred, we set a trap with one powerful motivator: food. And just like that, hunger triumphed over fear. Boogie walked right into safety.

He’s home now. Safe, snuggled and probably snoring like a freight train, dreaming of less adventurous days. What Boogie’s story reminds us is simple but profound: NEVER GIVE UP!

These animals are resilient beyond measure. They navigate danger, hunger, and fear and they fight to find their way home. As searchers, we need to mirror their determination with our own.

Because when it comes to lost pets, the difference between “gone” and “found” is often just one more day of trying.

Since July 4th, we’ve successfully brought home seven lost dogs. Seven families reunited. Seven adventures wrapped up with happy endings.

So if you’re feeling discouraged, here’s what I want you to remember: these animals are stronger, smarter, and more determined than we often give them credit for. All they need is for us to match their will with persistence and maybe a little rotisserie chicken.

Never stop searching. Never lose hope. Because just like Boogie, they’re out there waiting to come home.

So, here’s to Boogie…tiny but mighty, and the reason I find it so hard to take that much needed break.

🎉 Luna is SAFE in Hope, NJ! 🐾After escaping on July 4th, Luna has been safely recovered following five days on the run.R...
07/09/2025

🎉 Luna is SAFE in Hope, NJ! 🐾

After escaping on July 4th, Luna has been safely recovered following five days on the run.

Recently surrendered with her three siblings, Luna was placed in an unfamiliar barn, frightened and disoriented, she managed to escape. She traveled nearly a mile, then doubled back, weaving through vast properties and trail systems along Delaware Road and Locust Lake Road.

I had the privilege of working alongside Animal Control Officer Bonnie Waseleski, an absolute rockstar in the world of animal control. There are people who do their jobs, and then there’s Bonnie, who pours her heart into every rescue. I’m lucky to call her both a colleague and a friend.

This afternoon, we placed a trap at the head of a trail system on a large private property off Delaware Road. As the evening rain began to fall, Luna appeared, tired, hungry, and ready for her journey to end. She walked right into the trap, ending her five-day adventure.

We’re deeply grateful to the generous property owners who allowed us access to their land. Without your kindness, this capture wouldn’t have been possible.

Welcome back, Luna. You were never forgotten and always deeply cared for. 💛🐶

Gunner Is Safe in Blairstown After a Four-Day OrdealAfter almost four long days on the run, Gunner is finally safe. His ...
07/04/2025

Gunner Is Safe in Blairstown After a Four-Day Ordeal

After almost four long days on the run, Gunner is finally safe. His journey began just 2.5 miles from my home, and as soon as I learned he was missing, I offered to help. Incredibly, almost immediately after I reached out, I spotted Gunner sprinting straight up my road and into my driveway. I contacted his owner without hesitation, and we got to work on a recovery plan.

Sightings were few and scattered. The weather was hot, and we suspected Gunner would stay close to a water source. Jacksonburg Creek, which runs alongside our road, became our focus. One sighting confirmed our hunch…Gunner was seen running back and forth between the woods and the creek, likely seeking both hydration and safety. We quickly set a trap in the area, but as the fireworks began, just as we feared, he vanished again.

Then this morning, we got the call we were all hoping for. Robbie, our Animal Control Officer, reported he got a call of a “coyote wearing a collar” on a property…. It was Gunner! He had traveled nearly two miles through dense woods and ended up on a nearby property drawn in by the scent of a barbecue from the night before, he had entered a fenced-in area in search of food. Thinking fast, the homeowners closed the gate behind him, hopefully keeping him safely contained.

We rushed to the scene with slip leads in hand. Understanding how delicate these moments can be, we asked Luke, Gunner’s owner, to sit calmly on the ground and give Gunner time to recognize him. At first, Gunner was nervous—pacing, uncertain—but after a few minutes, something shifted. That moment of recognition came, and slowly, cautiously, Gunner approached his owner. Luke was able to leash him, and I handed over an extra slip lead just in case. Gunner was then gently walked to the car and loaded up safe, sound, and finally heading home.

A huge thank you to the quick-thinking property owners and to Animal Control for calling us without delay. Every act of awareness and compassion helped bring Gunner home.

Welcome home, sweet boy. Your adventure is over. 😅

06/28/2025

For those who think the tiniest pups can’t survive out there on their own… think again. Scarlett is here to prove every last one of you wrong…with flair, grit, and a little bit of sass.

This tiny four-legged warrior spent nine days traversing the thick, tangled woods of Wayne, New Jersey like it was her own personal Hunger Games arena. One minute, she was gone without a trace. The next? Boom, popping out of the wood line and running with better street smarts than half the people I know.

For an entire week: crickets. No sightings. Just hope and traps. Oh, and feeding stations loaded with rotisserie chicken and bananas (yes, she loves bananas). But like clockwork, every time someone well-intentioned tried to get close? Scarlett hit the eject button. P**f. Gone. That little tail would disappear into the trees like smoke.

Enter Day Nine.

We were moving traps when we got a Ring cam alert…ding! Scarlett had made an appearance. Cue Barby (Scarlett’s human sister) leaping into my Bronco like we were in a buddy-cop film. We raced to the scene and sure enough, there she was: all legs and ears, sprinting like she’d just robbed a squirrel.

Now here’s the golden rule in lost dog recovery: Do. Not. Chase.
Why? Because dogs in “survival mode” are running on pure instinct and that instinct says run from everything, including their own name and their favorite people.

So we watched as Scarlett zipped through a set of fencing slats into a semi-fenced yard. The yard was a blessing—a one-way-in, one-way-out situation. Unless she figured out how to pole-vault (honestly, wouldn’t put it past her), we had a shot.

We hopped the fence. Barby slid into the yard and sat quietly, playing it cool like, “Hey girl, just chilling in your yard, no big deal.” Scarlett panicked. She zigged. She zagged. She ran at the fence, but I was there, playing defense keeping her back into the yard.

And then—it happened.

Scarlett bolted straight past Barby.

Barby, channeling her inner NFL linebacker, tackled her.
They both rolled, stunned. Scarlett blinked. Barby blinked.
I yelled, “GRAB HER!”

And just like that—Scarlett was safe.

This little dog proved something big: Survival mode is no joke.
Even the tiniest, fluffiest pup can turn into a forest-hardened escape artist when the instincts kick in. And no…your dog probably won’t come when called. They’re not being bad. They’re being scared.

Scarlett is now safe and sound, snuggled back home with her amazing mom, Kim DePaola. And let me tell you, Kim moved heaven and earth for this dog. Love like that is fierce.

And hey, losing a dog can happen to the best of us. Accidents happen. But what shouldn’t happen? The toxic judgment on social media. The shame. The side-eye. That stuff adds a whole extra layer of heartbreak when you’re already hanging by a thread.

So here’s the silver lining: Kim DePaola and I are teaming up for a special episode of her podcast to talk about the whole wild, emotional ride—from the moment Scarlett vanished to the second Barby tackled her into safety.

Stay tuned.
And remember: the tiniest dogs can be the biggest fighters.
Just ask Scarlett. 🩷💪🏻🐾

Scarlett lost in Wayne, NJ has been safely captured after nine days on the run… story to follow!! 🩷
06/28/2025

Scarlett lost in Wayne, NJ has been safely captured after nine days on the run… story to follow!! 🩷

🚨 Taking a Little Break — BDRR Will Be on Pause for 2 Weeks 🚨Hi friends,Just a quick update: for the next two weeks, BDR...
06/23/2025

🚨 Taking a Little Break — BDRR Will Be on Pause for 2 Weeks 🚨

Hi friends,
Just a quick update: for the next two weeks, BDRR will not be available to take on any new cases.

Between healing from an injury, trying to catch up on life at home with tackling a to-do list that’s starting to look like a CVS receipt, and maybe, just maybe, finding a quiet moment to shave my legs (a luxury at this point 😅), it’s time to take a breather.

This isn’t easy for us. We know how important every case is, and we don’t step back lightly. But we also know we can’t pour from an empty cup, and right now, this cup is running on fumes and dry shampoo.

That said, we’re still here for you in spirit! Our Lost Pet Portal is always available, packed with tips and tools that can truly make a difference if you’re searching for your pet. Please check it out — it’s a great resource, and we trust it to hold things down while we recharge.

We promise we’re not abandoning ship…just taking a short breather so we can come back stronger (and slightly less scruffy 🪒). Thanks so much for your understanding and support. We’ll be back soon….a little more rested, a little more healed, and hopefully caught up on laundry.

With love and gratitude,
💙 The BDRR Team


06/22/2025

Note to self:
Our surveillance cameras are always watching… like a nosy neighbor with night vision. 😳

So maybe next time we trap a dog, we celebrate with a fist bump—not a full-blown b***y shake showdown. 💃

Huge shoutout to ABC7NY for covering Peaches Rescue!
Out of all the rescue footage they could’ve aired… 🫣

New motto: Save the dogs. Ditch the dance moves.









🎆 Fireworks Season Is Coming — Is Your Pet Ready? 🐾It’s that time of year again—when the skies light up and many pet own...
06/19/2025

🎆 Fireworks Season Is Coming — Is Your Pet Ready? 🐾

It’s that time of year again—when the skies light up and many pet owners brace themselves. While fireworks may be fun for humans, they’re often terrifying for our furry friends.

👉 Fireworks are one of the leading reasons dogs go missing each summer.

Here’s how to keep your pet safe and calm:

🔒 Safety First: Prevent Panic & Escape
✔️ Walk your dog early in the day to burn off energy
✔️ Keep pets indoors—even fenced yards aren’t escape-proof
✔️ Create a calm, secure environment with a quiet room or crate as their safe zone.
✔️ Close windows and blinds to soften flashing lights & booms
✔️ Block the noise by turning on a fan, TV, or playing calming music

🦴Distraction is Key
✔️ Offer favorite toys or a food puzzle
✔️ Try a KONG filled with peanut butter or frozen yogurt for a tasty, calming distraction

🆔 Prepare in Case They Bolt
✔️ Make sure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags
✔️ Double-check your microchip info is current
✔️ Take a fresh photo of your pet (face + full body)—just in case

⚠️ Bonus Reminder:
Even the calmest dogs can panic.
Some have been known to jump through windows or break out of screened porches during fireworks. 😟

🎇 Fireworks can be loud and stressful—but with a little prep (and some peanut butter), we can make sure our pets stay safe and sound.

💬 Share these tips with a fellow pet parent!

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