04/24/2026
🐶❤️ We are so happy Ernie was brought to safety & reunited with his family ☺️
Thank you to all involved in helping Ernie!
A furry “fugitive” was apprehended at Rockford Elementary this week, and no, it wasn’t a raccoon breaking into the cafeteria again. This time, the culprit was a basset hound named Ernie, who staged a daring escape from his home and trotted over to the school like he had important business on campus.
Witnesses report that Ernie positioned himself at the front doors, supervising the morning drop-off with the seriousness of a seasoned hall monitor. As each student walked in, Ernie gave his best dramatic basset-hound baaaay, his way of saying, “Hey kid, you got any snacks? Or time for fetch?”
HCSO School Resource Officer Burleigh soon responded to the scene, where negotiations were brief but successful. Ernie, realizing he’d met a kindred spirit, gladly accepted belly rubs and an impromptu play session while waiting for backup, in this case, his human.
Thanks to his microchip, a local Rockford veterinarian quickly tracked down Ernie’s owner. Until they arrived, Ernie enjoyed the VIP treatment, lounging comfortably in a deputy’s squad car like he was being chauffeured to his next celebrity appearance.
Crisis averted. Dog morale high. Good boy status: confirmed.
