Found! Tilly the support dog returned after 8-day odyssey
Tilly, the support dog belonging to 89-year-old veteran Ray Tenzer, has returned home — eight days after she wandered away from their new retirement home.
The Boxer was found Monday evening near a waterfall at Lake Hodges, not too far away from her Rancho Bernardo address.
Two teen boys discovered her while hiking. Tilly was hunkered down next to the trail, much thinner than when she’d pushed open a door at Tenzer’s senior complex.
The 8-year-old dog is fine, despite some puncture wounds that speak to a possible skirmish with coyotes, said Tenzer’s son, Randy.
The reunion with her owner was “just wonderful,” Randy Tenzer said.
Getting the good news, the two men sped to Rancho Bernardo Community Park, where the hikers had taken Tilly.
“A burden has been lifted,” Randy Tenzer said, of his dad’s reaction. “You have no idea.”
Tilly’s support became extra important to Ray Tenzer after his wife died in May. Read the original story here.
Due to the wounds, Tilly was kept overnight at a veterinarian. She’s expected to recover.
Randy Tenzer thanked the people who shared Tilly’s story, reported sightings on social media and even set out “humane traps” with her food and toys as bait.
“We want to let everyone know it was successful,” he said.
Military Videos
D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France — at age 96
Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time
Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare
Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions
Stopping Marine hazing
Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing
Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable
Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp
Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.