On May 6, Elvina Beals was walking her two shelties – Maggie and Bandit – on Potters Woods trail when they were attacked by a large dog. Both of the shelties slipped out of their leashes and ran away. Maggie was soon recovered, but Bandit is still lost.
Since then, Beals has been working every day to find her beloved agility dog, who has competed in national competitions. Because of his agility training, Beals believes Bandit is able to travel large distances at fast speeds. This might explain the many different sightings from Noblesville all the way to Cicero.
Beals quickly started a Facebook group called “Bring Bandit Home,” and it is on there that she posts updates and sightings so members in the community can keep an eye out for the lost dog. After a sighting is reported, Beals quickly goes out to the site and looks for Bandit. Quite a few times, the sightings haven’t been Bandit, but other lost dogs. Beals then contacts the Humane Society of Hamilton County so the lost dogs can go home.
Beals also actively puts up signs in areas where Bandit has been spotted and she’ll talk to anyone she comes into contact with so people know about the situation and can keep on the lookout for Bandit. Additionally, Beals has been walking the Potters Woods trail and has been putting sheets on her home’s fence so Bandit can pick up her scent.
“This hunt is going on so long that people get on with their lives but my life right now is finding him,” said Beals. “Please continue with prayers for Bandit and keep sending him positive thoughts. I keep telling him to keep calm, we are trying to help him. I just hope it is sooner than later.”
Bandit, a rescue dog adopted at nine months, is shy and skittish around people. This means that anyone who comes into contact with him shouldn’t try to catch him, but should call Beals immediately at 502-3503.