Dog-Gone K9 Trapping (2025)

18/08/2025

Just when I think I’ve got trapping figured out, a new situation comes along that reminds me—every single dog teaches me a lesson. This one could have gone very, very wrong.

Diana in Nyssa, OR contacted me about a black dog she had seen along the busy highway to Ontario. She thought the dog might be pregnant or already have pups. It was the second time she had seen her, and though she tried, she couldn’t catch her. This stretch of road is dangerous—full of cars and, during this season, heavy harvest trucks. To make matters worse, the dog was staying in an area where the city dumps tree limbs and stumps—massive piles nearly 10 feet high that made the perfect hiding place.

This was urgent. I went out first thing the next morning. We searched for hours but saw nothing. We started food and water drops, and the next day the food was gone—she was still out there. That meant it was time to set a trap. When Diana went back to refill, she spotted the dog climbing the debris piles. At the same moment, city workers arrived to dump more stumps. Thankfully, Diana was able to warn them about the dog and possible pups and even secured permission for me to set the trap.

That night, as it cooled off, I went back out and set the trap. No sign of her at first. While waiting, a calf got loose on the road. Diana called the police, and the owner showed up. He told us something that changed everything—there weren’t just one, but two black dogs out there, nearly identical, and they had been hanging around the feedlot for a month.

Later that evening, the female appeared. At 7:30, she couldn’t resist the smelly food in the trap, and she was trapped. Up close, I could see she was either pregnant or nursing. She was so friendly, letting me put a slip lead on her. I couldn’t get milk from her, but her belly suggested she could be close to delivering. I had arranged for Rhonda to foster her. She met me at the house to take her home.

The next morning, Rhonda called—her teats were filling, and the dog kept following her everywhere. I told her to take her to the emergency vet right away to check how far along she was. My stomach dropped when the vet came out and told us—no babies inside her.

My heart sank. That meant I had left babies behind.

Panic hit me. I called Maddison, a foster who’s also a vet tech, and told her what happened. Maddison and Andrew immediately agreed to meet me in Nyssa to search. Diana and her husband had already gone back out to look. The entire hour-long drive, my head was spinning: What if they didn’t make it? What if we couldn’t find them?

Back at the site, I put momma on a long lead. After a few minutes, she started pulling toward the top of the massive brush pile. It was dangerous, unstable, and tricky to climb. Maddison and Andrew had just arrived as I began the climb. I had to let momma off the leash to make it safely to the top. Once up there, she disappeared from sight.

We spread out, checking for signs of a den, straining to hear. Then—faint cries. So soft, it was almost impossible to tell where they were coming from. We listened harder. A few more cries. Andrew cleared away branches and limbs to find the den.

Momma. With her five babies!

The wave of relief that hit me was overwhelming—I started shaking. All five were alive. All five were healthy. And now they were back with their mother, wagging, squeaking, and nursing. We gathered them carefully and took the little family to safety. Rhonda met me back at my house and took them home. Today, the pups are fat, thriving, and momma is doing what she was born to do—taking care of her babies.

I learned something that day—if I suspect pregnancy, I will go to a vet immediately. I never, ever want to feel that gut-wrenching panic again.

The second dog is still out there. He’s shown up on cameras but has moved closer to town since momma was trapped. That’s not unusual—when one is caught, the other often relocates. Food drops are still out, the feedlot owner is watching, and I’ve posted for sightings. I’ll make the hour-long trip as many times as it takes until he’s safe too.

I cannot thank the public enough for stepping up with donations to help me cover expenses on these rescues. Truly, I could not do this without you. If you’d like to help with the next one, here are the links:

Venmo: -Johnson-220
PayPal:
Last 4: 0225

Every dog teaches me something. This one taught me the value of never assuming, and the unshakable power of determination, teamwork, and love.

08/08/2025

UPDATE to clear up the confusion:
The dog was at a relatives house while the family was out of town. That person owns no dogs. He also wears hearing aids. So when I stopped to drop off the posters I could hear a dog whining. When I mentioned to him about the dog he said he didn’t have a dog of his own. Thats when we starting opening bedroom doors and found her. He said he had checked the bedrooms before but did not see her.
I don’t think he could hear her whining.

♦️♦️Well this is a first. When I was dropping off posters I could hear a dog whinning. I commented his dog wants out. He said I don’t have a dog. We started opening doors and found her in a bedroom.
Everyone is relieved. Especially the dog. No food or water since Tuesday

The man was dog sitting for his daughter while the family was out of state.
♦️♦️

🐾🐾LOST DOG🐾🐾

Last seen 8-5 in DeMeyer subdivision.
W. McMillan Rd/N. Cloverdale Rd, Boise.

She has on a rainbow collar with city of Boise tags.
Do not try to approach her. She is scared. Report sightings to
505 660-2270 206 293-0442 or 208 571-0225

04/08/2025

I’m thrilled to share that the German Shepherd wearing a muzzle has been safely trapped and reunited with his family!

While I wasn’t involved during the initial search efforts, I received a message the morning of August 3rd from Toni, who had spotted him and was helping the family search. She reached out when it became clear the dog wasn’t slowing down or responding to anyone trying to lure him in. I loaded up my supplies and rushed out to set a trap.

When I arrived, I saw him right away—but he was on the move. Farm hands at the location confirmed he’d been seen the day before, and with their permission, I quickly set up the trap. He moved off into a field, and we lost sight of him. Once everything was in place, I asked everyone to leave the area so he might feel safe enough to return.

As the day heated up, I figured he’d hunker down in the shade until evening. Then at 9:00 pm the camera monitoring the trap was suddenly knocked over. Julli, who lives nearby and had kindly offered to be on call, drove over and confirmed—it was him! He had circled the trap and knocked the camera over before finally going inside.

Family members who were watching from a distance saw the moment he stepped in. Julli quickly called the owner, who arrived with his truck to load the trap. The dog wagged his tail joyfully as more family arrived to greet him.

Once back home, he was released in his yard—one very happy boy. 🐶

His muzzle, by the way, was being used to prevent him from chewing cords in the yard while his owner worked. He saw an opportunity to slip out the gate… and off he went on his grand adventure.

Special thanks to Toni, Julli, and the camera crew who took shifts monitoring overnight. Your teamwork and commitment made this happy ending possible.

It truly takes a village to help these animals—and I’m beyond grateful for everyone who played a part in bringing this pup home safe.

All donations are welcomed to help the next one in need. Here are ways you can donate. Thank you.

Venmo -Johnson-220
PayPal
Last 4 is 0225.

31/07/2025

🐾🐾LOST DOG🐾🐾

White boxer-last seen 7-23 at Hagerman RV park, Hwy 30 and Cemetery Rd, Hagerman, ID.

She is wearing a collar.
She is unfamiliar with the area and extremely shy. Do not try and catch her.

Call with sightings.

530 923-8952, office 208 837-4996 or 530 415-5610

31/07/2025

♦️♦️Found and reunited♦️♦️

🐾🐾LOST DOG🐾🐾

Last seen 7-30 at Cidadel Way/N. Crimson Way, Boise. Border collie.

She is new to the area. Do not try and catch her. Call with sightings.

208 761-4048 or 208 571-0225

28/07/2025

The accident happened in the blink of an eye. Just outside of Horseshoe Bend, Lee overcorrected his car and slammed into a rock wall. The crash was brutal—so violent, in fact, that Lee was thrown through the windshield. He doesn’t remember the impact, only waking up in the hospital after being Life Flighted to Boise, battered and broken.

But Lee’s first thought wasn’t about himself. It was about his best friend—his tiny Chihuahua, Bernie—who had been with him in the car.

In the chaos after the crash, terrified and disoriented, little Bernie had bolted. Gone in an instant, running full-speed into the wild unknown, trying to escape the horror he’d just witnessed.

Four long days passed. Lee, desperate to find Bernie, left the hospital still in immense pain—so nauseous and weak from his injuries he could barely stand—driven only by love and fear for his lost companion. He tried to search, but his body gave out. That’s when I was tagged on the post and he reached out, asking for help.

I knew time was critical. I immediately gave Lee the most important survival tips in case Bernie appeared. Then, I loaded up my trap and headed straight to the area where Bernie had last been spotted.

That sighting came from Karen, a homeowner about three miles from the crash site. She’d seen Bernie darting through her property and had reached out to Lee. She met me and walked me through where she’d seen him. She wanted Bernie safe too.

I set up the trap drizzling hot bacon grease along the path and through the trap, laying a trail no hungry pup could resist of hotdogs and chicken. A camera was mounted and activated. And then… we waited.

An hour passed. No Bernie. I told Karen I’d be monitoring the camera remotely and would alert her the moment he arrived.

A few hours later, there he was—Bernie—on camera, sniffing his way toward the trap. I notified Karen and jumped into the car for the 30-minute drive back. Before I left the house the trap door closed and Bernie was safe.

I called Karen immediately. By fate’s perfect timing, one of Lee’s friends had just arrived at her house to help look. When he approached the trap, Bernie recognized him right away. His little tail wagged like crazy—he knew he was going home.

After days of heartbreak, fear, and pain, Bernie was back in loving arms and on his way to reunite with Lee.

It took a village: Lee’s determination, Karen’s compassion, a community willing to share a post, and the tag that lead Lee to reach out to me. Every step mattered. Every person played a part in saving Bernie’s life—from the cold, the predators, and the pain of being alone.

Now, Lee can begin his healing journey, both body and spirit, with his best friend by his side—just as it should be.

Wishing Lee and Bernie all the love and strength in the world. I’m so honored to have played a small part in bringing them back together.

I want to thank the public for stepping up and donating money to cover my expenses. If you would like to donate for the next one please use the links below.

Venmo -Johnson-220
PayPal
Last 4 is 0225.

26/07/2025

♦️♦️She is home safe after a sighting tonight. She was in a field not far from home.♦️♦️
Tears of joy!!

🐾🐾LOST DOG🐾🐾

Lost 7-21 on Hoover Ln/Highway 95, Council, ID.
Do not try to catch her. She is scared.
No collar. She could have been picked up on the highway. Please share to get the word out.

Call sightings to 208 365-8997 or
208 571-0225t

26/07/2025

🐾🐾LOST DOG🐾🐾

❤️❤️Trapped and safe on his way to his owner, Lee.❤️❤️

Lost from a car accident on 7-22-25 North of Horseshoe Bend on Highway 55 and Rocky Rd.
He is scared so please dont try and catch him. Report sightings to 986 895-4086 or 208 571-0225

08/07/2025

❤️❤️Good News! Her owner found her this morning after they recieved a sighting. Her paws are raw so they are taking her to a vet. Otherwise she is in good shape and glad to be home.

🐾🐾LOST DOG-Blue Heeler🐾🐾

Lost July 4th at W. Columbia Rd/S. Ten Mile Rd. Meridian.
She is on daily medication.
Do not approach her. She is nervous, scared and shy.
Last sighting was Mason Creek Rd W./S. School Ave.

Call 208 954-4213, 509 941-7728 or 208 571-0225

29/06/2025

No one had been able to catch the young pup seen roaming around Fruitland, Idaho, with bailing twine tightly wrapped around its neck. There were multiple sightings, and over time, a pattern emerged. That kind of consistency is key in trapping—especially when food drops and location timing line up with the dog’s routine.

Cherline, a local in Fruitland, did the groundwork—reaching out to residents, confirming times and places, and piecing together the pup’s movements. The dog was consistently seen in the mornings at a trucking lot, so with that info in hand, I agreed to head out first thing Friday morning, before the heat set in.

When I arrived, there were no sightings yet that day. We set up two traps at known locations the pup had been frequenting and began driving around the area. I eventually decided to park near a potato processing plant, staying close to one of the traps.

While catching up on messages and rescue work on my phone, I suddenly looked up—and there it was. The pup stood in front of my car, staring at me, clearly frightened and unsure. It quickly turned and headed in the direction of the trap. I watched the live camera feed, heart pounding, waiting. What felt like forever passed before the camera finally showed the pup sniffing around the bait. Moments later, the door shut behind it—it was safe.

Relieved, we transported the dog straight to the shelter where the Fruitland Animal Control Officer met us. Once in a kennel, we carefully removed the bailing twine from its neck. The pup was so scared that I didn’t want to check for gender or scan for a microchip—it needed time to decompress. The ACO will handle that after the dog has calmed down.

This little one is very young and understandably wary of people, but now it has a chance. With time, patience, and love, it will make someone a loyal, wonderful companion.

The pup will be available for adoption through the Fruitland shelter. If you’re interested in giving this young soul a fresh start, please contact the Fruitland Police Department.

I want to thank the public for stepping up and donating money to cover my expenses. If you would like to donate for the next one please use the links below.

Venmo -Johnson-220
PayPal
Last 4 is 0225.

28/06/2025

Little Henry couldn’t resist the open door after his family left for a baseball game. With the front door accidentally left ajar, he decided it was the perfect time for an adventure. He started off by playing with the next-door neighbor’s dog—until she spotted him and tried to catch him. That was just too much fun for Henry, and the chase was on!

He bolted out of the subdivision and began what would become a 4-day journey through high-traffic areas.

Hannah contacted me early Sunday morning, distraught after searching all night. Her biggest concern was the busy roads nearby. I immediately shared critical guidance: Don’t call his name. Don’t chase him. Don’t look directly at him. If she saw him, I told her to sit down, toss treats, and talk casually—anything that might spark his memory. It’s always tough to explain, but when a dog enters fight or flight mode, even their beloved family can seem like strangers.

Hannah didn’t hesitate—she got to work fast. Bright posters went up with Henry’s photo and her phone number. Flyers were handed out to local businesses. She spread the word across Facebook and Nextdoor. Her urgency paid off—sightings started pouring in.

Incredibly, Henry had already crossed a major highway without being hit. The sightings narrowed him down to one general area. Monday evening, I met Hannah to set a trap. We were hopeful—he had lingered in that area for a couple of days—but the night passed with no movement. Not even a feral cat showed up. That was a first.

Then, we got a break.

Later that afternoon, a call came in—Henry had crossed the highway again and was now much closer to home. Hannah rushed to the location and spotted him. She remembered everything I told her—she stayed calm, didn’t call him, and didn’t make eye contact. She simply started talking.

And just like that… he ran straight to her.

Henry melted into her arms, tail wagging, full of excitement and relief. His paws were raw from miles on hot pavement, but he was safe. He was home.

Hannah was overwhelmed with gratitude, saying she would have done everything wrong if she hadn’t been given guidance. It’s hard for any owner to accept that fear can override recognition—but it’s real, and it happens.

Henry is now home recovering, likely with a new appreciation for closed doors—and maybe some extra snuggles and paw balm.

⸻

Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible community who stepped up and donated to help cover my expenses. Your kindness made this rescue possible. If you’d like to support the next one, donations are always appreciated:

Venmo: -Johnson-220
PayPal:
Last 4 of phone: 0225

27/06/2025

This week has been a whirlwind of lost dogs and trapping missions, but one story truly tugged at the heartstrings.

Alaina reached out to me about a young Border Collie-type pup that had been living in a wheat field near her apartment complex. This little one had been out there for over a week, scared and alone. I met Alaina the first night to set a trap, and while we were cooking bacon to lure her in, she popped her head out—curious but cautious. A passerby spotted her and tried to catch her, which only scared her back into the wheat for cover.

That night passed with no activity. My dedicated camera crew took turns monitoring the trap, but she didn’t show. The next morning, I picked up the trap to avoid drawing attention. Later that evening, I returned to reset it, hopeful she’d come out again.

Sure enough, as I pulled up, I saw her sitting right on Cherry Lane—watching traffic zip by. That road gets dangerously busy, and my heart skipped a beat. She noticed me slowing down, got spooked, and darted back into the safety of the field. I quickly set the trap again, this time using liquid smoke and some seriously smelly food to tempt her in.

I parked a ways down the road to give her space, confident hunger would eventually win. She was skin and bones and hadn’t touched the food I left earlier that morning. But finally, we saw her on camera. She sniffed around, stepped in… click! The trap door closed.

That feeling—knowing they’re finally safe—is like nothing else. As I approached, she cried out with joy, tail wagging furiously as if to say, “Thank you!” Minutes later, Alaina arrived home from work and helped me load her into the car.

Since Alaina works at a vet clinic, we went straight there to get her checked out. Thankfully, she was healthy—just filthy, covered in cheatgrass, and still had her baby teeth. At about five months old, she’s nothing but love and cuddles. A truly happy, snuggly little girl.

She’s now safe at West Valley Humane Society, where she’ll finish her stray hold. Alaina, who spent a week trying to catch her before calling me for help, has first chance to adopt—and it’s safe to say this sweet pup already has her heart.

💛 I want to give a big thank you to the community for stepping up and donating to support these missions.

Venmo: -Johnson-220
PayPal:
(Last 4 of phone: 0225)

Dog-Gone K9 Trapping

18/08/2025

08/08/2025

04/08/2025

31/07/2025

31/07/2025

28/07/2025

26/07/2025

26/07/2025

08/07/2025

29/06/2025

28/06/2025

27/06/2025

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