FINDING FRANK: Search continues for lost service dog

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A PTSD-trained service dog named Frank is at the center of a week-long search, with his trainers offering a $3,000 reward for his return.

“There are no questions asked,” said Alison Tuttle, co-owner of K9 Connections Dog Training. “Just please give us the dog back.”

Tuttle said the dog, who is owned by family friend Cody LeBlanc, was last seen around noon, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in the Mixon area on County Road 4920, where area churches are located.

Frank was traveling in the vehicle, secured by a black seatbelt harness, but managed to slip out of the vehicle when it was struck during a hit-and-run accident.

“Frank got out of the seat belt and out of the window,” Tuttle said. “We’re still looking for him.”

Frank is a medium-sized Catahoula male with blue eyes – one with brown marbling – and is approximately 1.5 years old. He has no medical issues, is friendly and loves kids and water.

“My daughter and I have been looking for him every night since then, we’ve even had a drone operator looking for him – every lead we got, we chased down. My rescue dog Kaya and I go out no matter what time it is,” she said, adding, “Cody is absolutely beside himself right now.”

LeBlanc has had Frank since he was a pup. Tuttle began training the dog six months ago for service.

Residents are asked to help reunite Frank with his owner, and can contact Alison Tuttle at 432-664-5090 if he’s been sighted. People also can message her through the company’s Facebook page, “K9 Connections Dog Training,” which she said is monitored regularly.