BajaNomad - LOST DOG - Punta Prieta/Chapala Area

LOST DOG - Punta Prieta/Chapala Area

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AmyT - 2-10-2010 at 07:43 PM

I guess I need to clarify some things for those cynics out there:

I DO NOT live in Todo Santos.
I WAS living in Cabo, but had to move to San Diego, after my husband lost his job.
I am now in San Diego, with no one to accompany me on the drive back south.
I don't think it a wise idea for a young woman to drive the Baja alone.

We lost our dog PICKLE in an awful CAR ACCIDENT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE during our move.
We spent 4 hours following the accident searching until it got dark, then returned a few hours later in the dark to see if he had returned to the accident site where I left his bed and food & water.
WE searchd for 4 more days along with dealing with 2 totalled vehicles and all of our belongings having been strewned across the desert.
We had help from our friends who were with us (fortunately uninjured) as well as family who came to the rescue. I was on borrowed time as I was not alone.

It KILLED ME to have to leave without my dog! I couldn't eat for a week!

I am not playing the victim, only giving facts. I'm sure there's a police report, if anyone would like to confirm the accident.

I don't know what working has to do with this situation, but I have several jobs. One happens to be rescuing innocent, abandoned animals. Sorry that job doesn't have an annual salary. More of an annual expenditure. But, boy the reward!

I would NEVER intentionally take advantage of people, good or bad.

As far as how much time has passed...I am very aware of this. Every day that passes is another day....without Pickle. I can't go there; where he could be. But almost daily I have heard amazing stories of people being reunited with their animals after months and miles!

Pickle was originally found in the Baja desert, so I believe he can survive in the Baja desert.

I AM HOPEFUL THAT I WILL FIND MY BELOVED DOG PICKLE!
I WILL NOT GIVE UP!

mulegemichael - 2-10-2010 at 08:18 PM

hey kat, ya know what?...i agree with ol dusty...yer a piece..really

BajaWarrior - 2-10-2010 at 08:23 PM

Welcome to Nomads imakedust!

I know it's hard to sit back and watch certain individuals (KAT54) produce nothing but negativity from their perch but just try and ignore it, hopefully they'll (he, she, he-she?) blow away.

If you want real humor just look at the he-she's previous post, nothing but a troll. Sad... What a miserable existence.

snowcat5 - 2-10-2010 at 09:10 PM

Amy, I understand your predicament, it's good that this Forum exists and that Pickles is found- Nomads is probably the best method of getting the word out. DD lost both his vehicles, also, in the wreck. He's a great guy; he was a ski coach in Sun Valley, Id. for many years, survived several catastrophic injuries ( both on and off the slopes), lives with and takes care of his Mom, and is a great boogie boarder! Also, he painted my house last year. DD- are you ever gonna finish glassing my board? Good luck to Amy, DD and all involved in the accident- I'm amazed and glad that nobody was seriously hurt.

Hey, imakedust

bajaguy - 2-10-2010 at 09:43 PM

Welcome to Nomads.......I look forward to meeting you and the first couple of beers are on me!!!!!

David K - 2-10-2010 at 09:46 PM

A new friend to Nomad and lover of dogs! :bounce:

bajafam - 2-14-2010 at 09:34 AM

Any news, Amy? I am going to bump this back up to the forefront for you....hoping for a happy outcome....

bajafam

Punta Prieta contact

Mulegena - 2-14-2010 at 06:19 PM

Hi. I'm acquainted with a family in Punta Prieta, the town nearest where Pickles was lost, I believe.

My friends, Emma and Francisco, live in the house at the top of the hill in town. Francisco is the local car mechanic. Emma is a housewife and one very good woman. Neither speak English but I know they would help find Amy's dog.

Can someone who is passing by, north or southbound, have copies of a picture of Pickles printed out and ready to give to the residents of Punta Prieta with pertinent information in Spanish? Go find Emma and Francisco and ask for their help. Go by the police station in town with a picture and contact information.

Amy, dear, I send you, your family and Pickles best wishes for a happy outcome.

absinvestor - 2-14-2010 at 08:04 PM

Amy I am sorry to say that we didn't find Pickle on our way south. We did stop into two hotels and stopped and spoke to a local on a bike about him. We took his picture to the hotels and gave them our phone number, your phone numbers and emails. We stressed the reward (although at that time we did not know of the increase.) Unfortunately we were past the military inspection point by the time we were able to check email. I feel bad that we didn't even think to ask at the check point. In hindsite it would have been a good place to inquire even without the potential sighting but it just didn't register with us. If Pickle has not turned up by the time we return North we will definitely stop and inquire. Keep the faith. Honestly one of our biggest worries is that some loving American picked him up and is not aware of Baja Nomads etc. So far on this trip we have met 1 Canadian and 2 Americans who have adopted camp dogs etc. My thought is that they wouldn't be trying to steal Pickle but they might think he was abandoned. Keep the faith there are a lot of dog lovers in Baja trying to get Pickle back to you. Ron and Patty

David K - 2-14-2010 at 08:26 PM

From the Km. marker... Pickels is between Cataviña and Laguna Chapala... a long ways north of Punta Prieta. But, anything is better than nothing, right?

Looking at Km. markers, the accident was at Km. 224.5 and the Gonzaga road junction (Laguna Chapala) is by Km. 230, making the site about 3 miles north of the Gonzaga road (Hwy. 5, dirt).

[Edited on 2-18-2010 by David K]

AmyT - 2-17-2010 at 10:35 PM

Thank you everyone!
I just returned yesterday from a search mission. Looked into the possible sighting at the military check at El Tomatal. Not him. Posted more flyers, talked to many locals, drove as much as was possible through the dessert. There was a lot of water flowing down there! Laguna Chapala is again a lagoon, which made it impassable to get in behind the mountain along the highway where Pickle was last seen. Baja is such a beast! It is so vast and overwhelming. This really couldn't have happened in a worse location; for all aspects of this ordeal. There is no way I could do this without you Nomads. I can't thank you enough for everyone's support. I'm sorry I didn't know about Emma and Francisco in Punta Prieta. I did leave some flyers at some of the business on the highway. Let's hope that helps. Ron and Patty, thank you so much for your efforts. I pray that he has been found and they just don't know he has a loving family left behind. And hopefully, the word will eventually get to them.
I got another possible sighting from the article in the Gringo Gazette. At least the word is out there. I have searched high and low. I don't know what else I can do. I will continue to hope and pray that Pickle finds his way back to me.

[Edited on 2-18-2010 by AmyT]

k-rico - 2-17-2010 at 11:24 PM

He is the kind of dog that can survive long enough to find himself a new home with a family. I bet he's snoozing somewhere right now with a full belly.

Pickle.jpg - 45kB

AmyT - 2-18-2010 at 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
He is the kind of dog that can survive long enough to find himself a new home with a family. I bet he's snoozing somewhere right now with a full belly.

I sure hope so! Thanks for re-posting his picture. I was trying to attach another picture of him last night but it wouldn't work. I guess I just don't know what I'm doing.
Just glad his face is out there! He is a gentle giant and we sure miss him.

ArvadaGeorge - 2-18-2010 at 01:05 PM

I am leading a motorcycle group in the back country trails in the Puertecitos/Catavina/Chapala/Punta Canoas area the 1st of March.I don't know what we will do with him if we find him;but we will look.I down loaded the photo and your contact info.

AmyT - 2-18-2010 at 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ArvadaGeorge
I am leading a motorcycle group in the back country trails in the Puertecitos/Catavina/Chapala/Punta Canoas area the 1st of March.I don't know what we will do with him if we find him;but we will look.I down loaded the photo and your contact info.

That is so awesome! Thank you George!
If you find him, tell whomever has him that I will pay them a reward. I will return there for him. Or if you figure something else out in the moment...I know being on bikes could make it challenging. The people at Rancho Chapala are quite familiar with me...
Please let me know what happens. Thank you, thank you!

absinvestor - 3-1-2010 at 07:10 PM

Amy- Patty and I are heading back north and will be in the area that you lost Pickles in the next few days. If there is anything specific you would like us to do just let me know. If not, we will be driving slow, asking a lot of questions, showing Pickles picture etc. Unlike the motorcycle group we have plenty of room in the motorhome and will be happy to deliver Pickles to your front door step!! Our reward will be the smile on your face and the wagging of Pickle's tail!! Ron and Patty

AmyT - 3-2-2010 at 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by absinvestor
Amy- Patty and I are heading back north and will be in the area that you lost Pickles in the next few days. If there is anything specific you would like us to do just let me know. If not, we will be driving slow, asking a lot of questions, showing Pickles picture etc. Unlike the motorcycle group we have plenty of room in the motorhome and will be happy to deliver Pickles to your front door step!! Our reward will be the smile on your face and the wagging of Pickle's tail!! Ron and Patty

Hi guys!
I've probably missed you by now (I'm sorry I didn't check in last night).
Thank you so much!
The only thing that I didn't get to check when I went down a few weeks ago was back in the Laguna Chapala area because the Laguna was fulla water.
I know you won't be able to investigate that, especially in your motor home, but just thought I'd share that info.
It is really so difficult because there is just nothing around that area. It's either the rest stop at Rancho Chapala or Cataviña. Both a good distance away from the accident site. I never spent much time searching the east side of the highway because it was so rocky and mountainous, but who knows.
I just keep praying he returns to the accident site and someone finds him and sees his posters.
One of the gas station attendants in El Rosario thought they saw him, but that too is an even greater distance. (Someone took down my poster there and I didn't have anymore to replace it.)
I just can't believe it's been 58 days! It really doesn't get any easier.
Anything you do is so deeply appreciated!
Safe travels!
Amy

David K - 3-2-2010 at 06:01 PM

Amy, would you please confirm the Km. marker near the accident location... The one you gave is only around 3 miles north from Laguna Chapala (Gonzaga road jcn.)... Unless my notes are way off...?

Thanks!

grace59 - 3-2-2010 at 07:10 PM

You Nomads really rock! I hope that I never need to call on anyone for help (beyond, maybe bringing me another cold one!), but IF I ever need any assistance it's good to know that you are all out there.

Fairbanks47 - 3-2-2010 at 09:13 PM

DK- Location of accident was approx. Km 224.5. Traveling north after passing Km 225, there will be a flat section of the road where it is possible to pull off the road (@ approx. Km. 224.5). Another approx 50 yds. there is a culvert that under the highway. There should still be remnants of the carnage. Traveling south, just after Km marker 224 there is a slight uphill grade then down the other side. Road goes over culvert then flat section to where it is possible to pull off the road to the left as described above. This is about the best way to describe it.

JESSE - 3-3-2010 at 01:49 AM

I recently lost my two cats (babies), i know how hard it can be to lose a member of the family, i hope you find your dog.

AmyT - 3-3-2010 at 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Amy, would you please confirm the Km. marker near the accident location... The one you gave is only around 3 miles north from Laguna Chapala (Gonzaga road jcn.)... Unless my notes are way off...?

Thanks!

The accident, and where Pickle was last seen crossing the highway, was at KM 224.5 on highway 1. This is 55KM north of the BOLA junction, and less from the Gonzaga junction. I never measured it, but I think it's further than 3 miles. I did go into Ganzaga when I was down there a few weeks ago. Hung a poster at Coco's as well as Palapa Grande's market, near the gas station. The closest "civilization" was the restaurant at Rancho Chapala, which is just south of the Gonzaga junction. They know me there

Thanks for confirming the info with me, David. And thanks for hanging in there with me everyone!
Amy

David K - 3-3-2010 at 11:37 AM

Okay Amy... Just want to get the location easily understood to help people who are looking for Pickles...

From the Baja Book IV, The Gonzaga and Coco's road (by Chapala) is at Km. 229 and the L.A. Bay Highway is at Km. 280 (51 kms. away).

Km. 224.5 (accident) is indeed 55.5 km. north of the L.A. Bay Highway... and 4.5 km. north of the Gonzaga Road jucnction or 2.8 miles north.

[Edited on 3-3-2010 by David K]

David K - 3-3-2010 at 12:48 PM

Since we know the accident where Pickles took off was about 3 miles north of Laguna Chapala (Hwy. 5 Jcn.), we can put a pin on that spot... There is an arroyo just north of the pin that might be the true location... But, this is a pretty empty area, so close counts!

The only people/ animals close by would be at Nueva Chapala (the restaurant along Hwy. 1)... about 3 1/2 miles from the accident.

Pickles should be attracted by them?

Here are some satellite views... I put a pin at the restaurant, the Hwy. 5 jcn. and the place Pickles was last seen:

Looking northbound:

Looking west:

Looking southbound:

Southbound, high view... note Laguna Chapala lakebed:

absinvestor - 3-3-2010 at 04:52 PM

Amy- we didn't find Pickles despite making several stops at 7 different ejidos, three restaurants and speaking to 2 locals walking along the road. I am happy to report that the word is out in the area that Pickles was last seen. We stopped to talk to a teenager that was walking along the road. We told him we were looking for a missing dog- we showed him a picture of pickles. our picture did not have his name on it and the teenager said "oh, that is peeekels- there is a big reward" We also stopped into the Rancho Santa Inez restaurant- on the outside wall there was your flyer with Pickles picture and reward info in Spanish and English. I have no idea why he hasn't turned up but it sure seems to me that almost everybody in that area knows what he looks like, knows he is missing and there is a reward!! I still believe that some nice person picked him up and doesn't know where to return him since it just doesn't seem like he is in the area where you lost him. Are there any other websites that Baja travelers might frequent?? Ron and Patty

David K - 3-3-2010 at 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by absinvestor
Amy- we didn't find Pickles despite making several stops at 7 different ejidos, three restaurants and speaking to 2 locals walking along the road. I am happy to report that the word is out in the area that Pickles was last seen. We stopped to talk to a teenager that was walking along the road. We told him we were looking for a missing dog- we showed him a picture of pickles. our picture did not have his name on it and the teenager said "oh, that is peeekels- there is a big reward" We also stopped into the Rancho Santa Inez restaurant- on the outside wall there was your flyer with Pickles picture and reward info in Spanish and English. I have no idea why he hasn't turned up but it sure seems to me that almost everybody in that area knows what he looks like, knows he is missing and there is a reward!! I still believe that some nice person picked him up and doesn't know where to return him since it just doesn't seem like he is in the area where you lost him. Are there any other websites that Baja travelers might frequent?? Ron and Patty

You guys are great!

Here are some other Baja message boards found at

http://vivabaja.com/davidsmessage.html >>>

Fred Metcalf's Baja California Travelers Message Board

Baja Nomad Forums

Baja Quest Forums

Vagabundos Discussion Boards

Mexonline Bulletin Board

Baja California (Norte) Ancestry Forum

Baja California Sur Ancestry Forum

Scorpion Bay/ San Juanico Forums

BahiaDeLosAngeles.info Message Board

Baja Bound Forums

The Baja Forum

The Talk Baja Forum

Links to all of the above are in my web site, here:

http://vivabaja.com/davidsmessage.html
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Others that I do not have links to in my site include:

Baja.com and Baja.net

AmyT - 3-3-2010 at 11:00 PM

Man! David. You are amazing! I've looked at google maps, but never like that! Thank you for posting those satellite images! It is so vast out there.
Ron and Patty. You are so kind. And how great to know that the locals are aware. I put the flyer up at Sta. Inez a few weeks ago. Glad to hear it's still there. I pray he is with someone that just doesn't know where he belongs.
I have posts on several of the sites David mentioned, and some not mentioned, but I will definately hit up the ones I've missed. My feeling is if a grigo had him, the word would somehow get to them, if they were a Baja traveler. But, if a Mexican found him, they may not be aware of these message boards.
I will just keep trying and hoping and praying.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Amy

TMW - 3-15-2010 at 05:44 PM

Amy I drove thru the area on Thursday morning March 11th and never saw anything. I slowed down to scan both sides of the road from about KM 212 to the laguna Chapala turn off to Gonzaga at about KM 239 maybe. My guess is maybe someone saw him and stopped and if he was friendly they may have taken him with them. They may have thought the owner abandoned the dog. Why no contact from the info in the collar I don't know, maybe they couldn't understand why he would be there otherwise.

[Edited on 3-16-2010 by TW]

bajafam - 3-15-2010 at 06:10 PM

Amy, I'm sorry to see/hear that dear Pickles is still missing

We are heading to Baja here on Friday, and we will be on the lookout for him. If there are any spots that do not have your posters, I will gladly put some up. I will print up the photo from here and get the word out to more folks. It's uplifting to hear that so many are aware of your mutt, but a few more won't hurt, huh?
I only wish your dog was a girl dog, because our mutts would find her in an instant...they have never met a girl dog they didn't love and run for miles to go and visit

Our family's thoughts are with yours.

AmyT - 3-16-2010 at 08:45 AM

Thank you Tw and Baja Fam! I am not giving up. I hope for the same TW. I pray a nice family has him. He is such a special guy. I just kills me this unfortunate situation we find ourselves in.
Thank you so much for posting more flyers for me Baja Fam! I'm sure that they need replenishing after time. I really don't know what else I can do.
Thank you everyone who has helped. I could not have done this without you!

AmyT - 5-20-2010 at 05:11 PM

It's been a while. I just wanted to bring this back up to the top of the list so the word is still out there.
Our dear Pickle is still missing.
If you or anyone you know has any information, please contact me.
Thank you so much!

Good for You, AmyT

Gypsy Jan - 5-20-2010 at 05:22 PM

I think about you and Pickle and hope for the best. I am glad that you brought the post up again; many Nomads are heading south and if they know, they might see.

All my best, Gypsy Jan

Debra - 5-21-2010 at 10:29 AM

Amy, just want to let you know that Susana (the dog lady of Bahia) is still looking, and when I ran into her when I first arrived down here she was passing out flyers all over the village. I pray for a good outcome for you and Pickles.

Debra - 5-22-2010 at 07:40 AM

bump

BajaRacer420 - 5-24-2010 at 08:57 PM

Iam Driving down this weekends so I will definetly keep my eye out for Pickles around the K 224 marker!!! I know its a long shot but my eye will be open!!! GOOD LUCK

AmyT - 7-30-2010 at 11:24 PM

Thank you Gypsy Jan, Debrah and Susana the dog lady, and BajaRacer420.
I just wish I knew what happened to him...
Thanks for all your hopes and prayers.
Amy

DENNIS - 7-31-2010 at 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmyT
I just wish I knew what happened to him...

Just think good thoughts, Amy. That's what I'll do as well.

windgrrl - 7-31-2010 at 03:27 PM

I hope your dog finds you soon. There have been some amazing stories of dogs finding their way.

Best wishes,
w

Because You Love

Gypsy Jan - 7-31-2010 at 04:02 PM

And because love makes you open and vulnerable, sometimes your heart is broken by events of random chance.

I believe that Pickle's spirit is still with you.

AmyT - 9-17-2010 at 10:30 PM

I was just looking at a picture of my sweet Pickle so I thought I'd give this post a bump back to the top of the discussions. Thanks for looking. Thanks for believing. Thanks Gypsy Jan for your words, Dennis & Windgrrl as well.
~Pickle's Mom

Skipjack Joe - 9-17-2010 at 11:47 PM

I haven't posted the following information because I don't think it was Pickles. We came across two dogs on the highway at virtually the same spot that DavidK has marked and at the same day as far as I can tell. However, one was a golden retriever and I'm not sure about the other one.

It was very peculiar because they stood in the middle of the road and we had to come to a full stop. I looked around for the owners and there was a large RV off to the side of the road which I assumed were the owners. These dogs obviously had no understanding of the danger of that highway and I was surprised that their owners were letting them run around on the highway. However, as I drove by I noticed that there did not seem to be a road going to the vehicle and remember thinking that it may have lost control and driven through open desert until it came to rest. However, it was upright and looked to be undamaged.

Anyway, the timing is right and so is the location but your picture doesn't match the dogs we saw. The dogs were south of the vehicle and had the look of going off on their own. We never saw them again.

This would have been on, most likely, Saturday Jan 2nd.

[Edited on 9-18-2010 by Skipjack Joe]

Please, Please, Please

Gypsy Jan - 9-18-2010 at 02:03 AM

My heart still hurts for the missing and much loved dog, Pickle.

This is for all of you out there with four-legged (or two or whatever) family members.

Love them, hug them and keep them as safe as much as you possibly can. They depend on you to think about their welfare and to make plans to protect them from what might happen in a quick moment of fate.

We are not perfect or superhuman, but we can at least try.

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