05/07/2026
We have all said at one time or another, “If only dogs could talk.”
Well, in Lilly’s case… I can only imagine the story she would tell.
On April 9th, Lilly’s world changed forever. Her owner suffered a medical emergency at the Blacks Creek Rest Area and sadly passed away. Somehow during the chaos, Lilly got loose… terrified, confused, and suddenly alone.
For weeks there were no sightings.
I encouraged posters to be placed at the rest area, hoping someone may have picked her up safely, but no posters were placed. As the days passed, many feared she was simply gone.
Then finally — a sighting.
Animal Control received a report that a small dog matching Lilly’s description had been seen near a residence on Blacks Creek Road, nearly 2 miles away if she traveled cross-country. Animal Control immediately tried to catch her, but Lilly was too frightened. Every attempt ended with her disappearing again.
That’s when I got the call.
A rescue working with the owner’s daughter reached out asking if I could help trap her. Of course the answer was yes.
On May 1st, I loaded up a trap and headed out to the area. After speaking with the homeowners who had spotted her, I had a feeling she wouldn’t return there because of the dogs on the property. Across the road sat a gravel pit — and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, lost dogs are often drawn to construction sites.
I went across the road to check out the gravel pit. As I rounded a corner… there she was walking down the road toward me.
I quickly stopped, set up the trap and camera. As always, the trapping menu included hot dogs, chicken, and freshly cooked bacon. I stayed awhile, hoping she would return, but she vanished again.
Back home, my amazing camera crew took shifts through the night watching the live feed.
Then she appeared.
Lilly cautiously approached the trap for dinner. But I had underestimated her size — the trap was too small. She managed to stretch in, grab most of the food, and back herself right out without triggering the door.
Smart girl.
The next day I returned with a larger trap. Again that night she showed up… but refused to enter. I placed food around the outside so she could sample what was waiting inside. Still, she wasn’t convinced.
One more trip out.
This time I changed strategies completely. No fancy food. Just kibble loaded heavily in the back of the trap with a tiny trail leading inside.
Then we waited.
A full day passed before hunger finally started winning the battle. Lilly circled the trap repeatedly trying to figure out how to get the food without stepping inside. She eventually walked away.
Hours later… she came back.
And this time, I knew she would go in the trap.
She paced around the trap, studying every angle, desperately trying to outsmart it. Slowly… cautiously… inch by inch… she stepped inside.
Then finally—
CLICK.
The trap door closed behind her.
After 25 days alone, scared, surviving the Idaho wilderness, Lilly was finally safe.
I would LOVE to know what adventures she had out there. Did she encounter coyotes? We did catch a fox on camera checking out the trap, and even pronghorn wandered through the area.
Once safely secured, I transported Lilly to the rescue chosen by the owner’s daughter where she could finally decompress and receive medical care.
Her first stop was the groomer.
Poor Lilly’s coat was packed with burrs, foxtails, and debris. She had to be shaved down completely, and ticks were removed. Her feet were badly embedded with foxtails, which the veterinarian later treated.
But considering everything she survived… Lilly was actually in remarkably good condition.
Donations are great appreciated to fund getting the next dog to safety. Thank you.
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