Patch Reader Helps Return Baloo After 7 Days

Baloo the unusually friendly missing ferret of Belmont Heights was reunited today with his jubilant family thanks to three Good Samaritans--one of them a mystery.

The ferret slipped out a window of the Smith home on Quincy near Broadway the night of June 27 in his blue harness with bell, said Emma Smith, who contacted Patch Saturday afternoon for help finding her pet.

At midday Sunday, she said, Belmont Pets & Launderpet owner Andrew Horn read Patch's story on Baloo's escape and called one of his workers, Michelle McAlister, at her home. She was doting on Baloo, who received new toys and ferret food.

"She was growing fond of him," Smith said. "I think she was a little sorry to see him go."

It seems, McAlister told the family, that someone had found Baloo June 29, two days after he escaped, on Park Avenue near 8th Street, although it was not immediately known exactly where nor by whom. But Baloo had crossed often-busy Seventh Street. The unknown finder took the ferret to the Launderpet, 3429 E. Broadway, a half block East of Redondo. Michelle took Baloo to a vet. Smith said Baloo was dehydrated and hungry and needed antibiotics, but was largely unscathed by his nights in the wild.

McAlister took him home to California Heights and doted on Baloo. He wouldn't eat. Nobody knew quite how to find his owner. Enter the Patch story. 

Midday Sunday, Smith called Patch to share the good news. "I got a call from Michelle McAlister. Her boss saw your post....Michelle "nursed him back to health. The bottom of his feet are bloody and scabbed, but that's it."

The Smiths reimbursed McAlister for the vet and food costs and left her a bottle of champagne. Emma and husband Jeff picked up Baloo and brought him back to his Belmont Heights home.

"I gave him his favorite treat, raisins, and he climbed right into his bed," said Smith.

"Happy 4th of July. Now it really is my favorite holday!"