Did you see it, sol? I pictured you up on some rocks somewhere staring at the sky. You didn’t usually look up, and when you did, your perspective was a little off. Like there was that time at the beach when someone was flying a kite in the distance and you thought it was a bug and tried to jump for it. There was really no chance of your catching it, but the attempt was heroic and adorable, although you thought you were a fierce bug hunter.
You didn’t howl at the moon, that’s for sure. I’m not sure that you could. Once we played a wolf howl for you on the computer. You didn’t like it at all. You looked around for what was making the sound and then put your ears down and crawled under Andrew’s legs. It’s the alpha’s job to protect you against bigger, scarier things, after all, and we always tried to do so.
It’s hard to know what to write day after day, sol, especially when we don’t have any big updates with sightings. I’m trying to figure out a better spot for the feeding station. The coyote came back enough times that I’m pretty sure you won’t return to that spot, especially because it appears to have marked its territory. Who knew coyotes were such fans of peanut butter?
There have been some good outreach ideas in the comments, like reaching out to mountain bikers. We hit all of the mailing lists and bike stores in the fall and did some follow up, but a fresh round of outreach would be awesome. There were some other ideas about trying to scare you up by flooding the area which we aren’t as comfortable with — it isn’t a bad idea, and the ARL has done it in the past, but we flooded the area you’d settled into 2 weeks after you went missing and you disappeared for a week and then kept on the move for months. Of course it’s an option we’re keeping open, but it’s only possible if we know where you are, and right now I think Mr. Coyote may have bumped you out of your turf, and I’d much rather have you find a new spot and stay on the move than try to defend your territory, little one.
Stay safe, stay warm, find food, and know there’s an army behind you and an extended pack looking for you. I know you’re probably a scruffy little scraggly thing right now, like when we first got you (scrappy — that’s the word for a tough little sato), and you probably smell terrible and think that’s the one good part of this ordeal (NO BATHS!), but underneath it all is this sweet and smart little face. Missing you is becoming normal, sol, and I don’t like it. Sometimes I feel like I have to write down everything about you so I don’t forget anything. But I don’t want to talk about what you were like. I took so many photos to try to capture what you are like — all of your personality and quirks. People who’ve never met you can see it, sol, so you have to be okay, and you have to make it home. We miss you.
Mari on March 20, 2010
I think of you guys and little Marisol every day. Don’t give up! Spring mud will bring doggie footprints — maybe a help in the search for your tough little girl –
I know how heartbreaking this is, but with all the wonderful stories of dogs and cats being found after being gone for long amounts of time, it gives us all so much hope!! stay strong Marisol!!
My hearts breaks for you guys. Just know we are all here supporting you, praying, ready for any additional direction from your well-thought out strategy. We know you are doing everything in your power to keep Mari in one area so we can increase sightings and move forward with your plan. I’m sure the hardest part is in waiting and continuing to be patient, but it seems to be the only thing to do sometimes. (That, and outreach.) We are all behind you in whatever path you choose to bring little Mari home. Ok, now let me dry my tears, give my kitties a pet, say a prayer to Mari and tuck my hopes deep inside knowing one day she will be home. Stay safe and well fed, little Mari. Soon it will be warm and you will have one less thing to worry about.
PS I saw that Daisy’s tracking dog was able to confirm a sighting at the YMCA and a subsequent travel path. Any thoughts on using a tracking dog to confirm that Mari was indeed near the feeding station? Might help to put your mind at ease as to her latest whereabouts. Just a thought – sure many of us would be happy to contribute financially if there is a need.
I was wondering if the reporter who wrote Marisol’s story for the Boston Globe in December would be willing to do an update on her saga. This might get the word out to people who may not have seen the posters. Also I was thinking of T-shirts for Marisol’s Army to wear when we are out postering and searching. On the front, MARISOL’S ARMY in big bright letters and http://www.findmarisol.com. On the back, a new photo of Mari and the wording If you see me, please call 617-383-9228. EXPECT A MIRACLE
I think that the T-shirt idea is great! You can get the white t-shirts cheap I am sure, you could also sell them to raise funds for the next time you have to hire the tracking dog. I will buy one even though I am 3+ hours away. Keep the faith Andrew and Anindita BELIEVE Mari WILL come home!!!!!!!
Hi Anindita, in case you haven’t seen this yet, it’s a link to another amazing dog survival story. A house belonging to a woman in Hyde Park burned down a month ago. She thought that her one-year old dog Lola, a long-haired miniature Dachshund, either escaped or perished. She put up flyers but to no avail. Then her landlord called her to tell her the alarm on her truck was going off. She returned to her burned-out home to turn it off. She says after she shut off the alarm she stood on the porch looking at her charred house when she heard scratching on the front door and it was Lola! The dog survived one month alone inside! Stay strong – miracles do happen. http://www.boston.com/community/pets/articles/2011/03/23/dog_found_alive_in_rubble_month_after_fire/?p1=News_links
I was just about to post the same story. . . anything is possible and dogs have a tremendous capacity for adaptation and survival! I know in my heart that Marisol is out there and will be brought home!
Hang in there. I think of you three every single day. I would buy a t-shirt and also chip in for a tracking dog if and when that becomes a good idea (I know you don’t want to drive Mari away) but please let us all know when we can help.
I came here to post the same story that Kristin did. Hold out hope.
I’ve been following your tragic story from when it began. My career and livelihood is based solely on my love and compassion for animals. Marisol has impacted my thoughts on a daily basis. I am equally impacted by my thoughts of the pain felt by the two people who love her and are desperately searching for her. Your search efforts are admirable and inspirational. I drive through the fells (medford and melrose) to and from work daily. There is not a moment during those times that I am not thinking of and looking for your little girl. I want to do more. Please tell me how I can help.
I pray to St. Anthony that little Marisol is found soon. He is the saint of things lost. Your writings and musings about little Marisol are beautiful, poignant and paint a loving portrait of the relationship you have with your Marisol.
I know you don’t want people searching for Sol, but I wanted to offer my help. I am not working right now and I walk for 1-3 hours everyday in the fells. Even on those awful winter days I kept my out for your baby. Please let me know if you want me to walk in any particular area on my daily outings; otherwise, I will keep my eye out for your pretty girl whichever way I decide to go everyday. I would be happy to help in any way you need.