Sad Discovery for Family's Lost Dog

North End residents likely saw the many bright yellow and pink missing dog posters around town in mid-July. The Rochette family's beloved 13-year-old Yellow Lab Megan was lost July 17 from Johnson Street.

Many Middletown Patch readers have queried if she was found — yes, she was located five days later, but had succumed to old age.

Here, we allow Rich and Karen Rochette to tell the story in their own words:

"In my five days of searching, I came across a lot of busy people who took the time to stop listen and show genuine concern for her safe return and I thank all of them for that. I used many flyers, posters, online notices and the PetAmberAlert to help locate her, but unfortunately, it was just her time and she had passed away.

"She disappeared on Sunday the 17th and after an extensive search morning and night in our neighborhood, and in adjacent neighborhoods, I located her deep in the woods in our backyard. She didn’t end up going far. She tucked herself into a cool, dry, safe spot under some limbs and looked as though she was sleeping, untouched by other critters.  "

I unknowingly walked within 30 to 40 feet of her twice on Monday in my first pass of searching that area. It looked as though she knew what she was doing and where the safest spot was for that, it just pains me to think she was out there alone for four nights. To keep from tearing myself up about it, I just have to believe she passed quickly midday Sunday shortly after she went missing and I’m grateful to have finally found her and lay her to rest. 

"At her age, she had a little arthritis and slight nerve response issues in her hind end, but also acted like a 2-year-old at times with no real signs of this coming.

"Megan was a 13-year-old AKC Yellow Lab who had a gentle soul and the sweetest character. She touched our lives with unconditional love, and I’m finding that to be the case with others as well. I couldn’t have been blessed with a more faithful companion and I feel honored to have known her, her presence is deeply missed!"

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