Owners Seeking Good Samaritan Who Likely Found Lost Dog

by Erin Gallagher

The owners of a lost sheltie are looking for a good Samaritan woman who picked up an animal they hope is theirs. They are offering a large reward.

The dog’s rescue occurred last Friday at the intersection of Jefferson and Essington Streets near Inwood Golf Course.

The woman is described as white, early 40s with short brown hair. She drove a maroon-colored sport utility vehicle and headed east on Jefferson Street.

Kiersten Fritz-Girten believes the woman stopped to help the lost dog by opening her car door, and the dog jumped in. Girten believes the dog may be her lost sheltie, Kallie.

Girten, a Joliet native, recently moved to Australia because of her husband’s job. Due to quarantine laws, she left her animals with her mother, Bonnie Badurski, in Shorewood for six months.

During a walk on Sept. 6, Badurski and Kallie were charged by a larger, neighboring dog off a leash. Kallie, who is a scared puppy, backed out of her collar and ran.

From Australia, Girten has led a search, with the help of numerous family, friends, neighbors and other volunteers.

Combined, the family has spent about $7,000 looking for the pet. They believe Kallie has survived by creating a den during the day and foraging at night.

There have been numerous sightings. However, because Kallie is afraid, capturing the animal has been difficult.

Kallie is a sheltie that looks like a miniature collie. In Sept., she weighed 17 pounds.

Badurski said she believes the good Samaritan woman is likely a person who likes animals and thinks because Kallie is dirty that the dog was probably homeless.

The family hopes to find the woman because Kallie is wanted back home with her family, Badurski said.

Kallie has a microchip. She may have been taken to a dog groomer or veterinary clinic.

Anyone who has information about Kallie or the woman who rescued a dog at that intersection is encouraged to call 708-932-3734 or 815-207-1330.