As fairly new residents to Mercer Island, Shelby Dobbs and her family have received immense support from the community ever since their dog, Wilson, went missing on Nov. 10, 2020.
Islanders have joined the family in searching for the small black Scottish terrier, who will turn 3 in late April. There have been numerous sightings of Wilson on the Island — including one by Shelby herself — but the dog still hasn’t returned to his family.
“I never wanted to meet the community this way, but the community on Mercer Island is so amazing. They’ve organized search parties and helped pass out fliers,” said Shelby, who became emotional while discussing the scenario. “Everybody’s got kind of a communal sense of trying to not only just help Wilson get home, but they have something to actually be hopeful for during this dark time.”
The Dobbs moved to the Island from Bellevue on July 29, 2020, and Shelby believes the change in residence might be one of the reasons why Wilson can’t find his way home. They welcomed Wilson and his brother Wicket — a wheaten-colored Scottish terrier from the same litter — into their home at the end of June 2018.
Wilson and Wicket pried out of the family’s Island yard through a hole in a boarded-up fence at about 7 p.m. on Nov. 10. A neighbor called the Dobbs when they were out on a drive and they returned home and located the dogs. At about 10:30 p.m. that night, the canine duo got out of the house, but only Wicket returned during the family’s search.
Shelby, her husband Ben and their two boys aged 10 and 12 were out until 2:30 a.m. looking for and calling Wilson’s name. The next day, they handed out fliers, put up posters and continued searching for their dog. The Dobbs later hired a dog tracker, but Wilson didn’t turn up.
The Dobbs were alerted of the most recent sighting (at post time) on Jan. 24 of Wilson running fast at one of the corners at Pioneer Park.
“I’m super excited, so that’s good. It made my spirits go up higher,” said Shelby, who has driven to the sites of some of the sightings, but came up empty handed. “I just hope he comes home because I want all the kids who have seen him and spotted him and looked for the signs — I want them to have hope.”
Wilson was viewed on a resident’s Ring camera on Dec. 23 and the family is “99.999” percent certain it was their dog when they watched the video on their big screen. His hair was a little matted and he appeared to be healthy. His crooked tail was visible as well.
Shelby noted that an Island woman who tries to communicate with dogs said that Wilson is healthy, but also cold and scared.
“He’s having a really wonderful time exploring the Island. I think he’s gonna know more than I am. I’m hopeful that we can get him home and that we have a good outcome,” said Shelby, adding that she’s appreciative of everyone who’s either searched, prayed or thought about Wilson. She’d like to have a parade for everyone who’s offered support.
Anyone who spots Wilson can call Shelby at 206-890-0934.
Neighbors will host a search event at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. For information, visit https://fb.me/e/3cauInTCQ .
A Finding Wilson group page can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/groups/124529629524518.
