Lacey Fundraiser Raises Awareness On Finding Lost Dogs

FORKED RIVER, NJ — The Lost Dog Search and Rescue team held a fundraiser at Monday evening at Joey Harrison's River House. The night featured entertainment, giveaways and most importantly, advice on reuniting lost dogs with their families.

Melo-D provided live entertainment and the team had a table set up. They sold t-shirts, jewelry and other merchandise in an effort to fund their searches. The group also provided education and how to proceed when your dog goes missing.

The Lost Dog Search and Rescue, a non-profit, provides free dog searches but accepts donations. Started by Matt and Debbie Geissinger, they are located in South Toms River and operate throughout Ocean County. The team had a client from as far as Texas call them to utilize their services, Matt Geissinger said.

They were established in May 2008. The goal of the group is to locate lost dogs and reunite them with their owners. They focus on search, rescue, rehabilitation and adoption. Training for the 11 dogs in their service is provided at Hanlon's K-9 Dog Training Academy LLC.

"It's the best possible feeling reuniting owners and their lost pets," said board secretary Francine Brescia.

The organization's website, ilostmydog.org, provides helpful steps on what to do if you lose your dog and how to approach a fearful dog.

The Lost Dog Search and Rescue team also has an active social media presence. Their Facebook page, Lost Dogs in Ocean County, gives more than 11,000 members an easy way to spread information on lost dogs.

It's even a hub for good news when dogs reunite with their families. Debbie Geissinger recently shared with the group that Jax, a dog lost for two weeks after a car accident, found his family in Little Egg Harbor. Read more: Dog Ejected During Stafford Crash Now Reunited With Family

There are 18 volunteers in the Lost Dog Search and Rescue. But they consider themselves to be more of a family. They spends a lot of time together including having dinners and taking vacations, Matt Geissinger said.

"We're all very good friends, a family, and there's nothing but trust amongst us," volunteer Laurie Robinson said.

The Geissingers started the team when their pit bull, Romeo, got loose. Romeo previously escaped from an abusive owner and was discovered by a neighbor after nearly two weeks, Matt Geissinger said.

They took Romeo in from the neighbor because the state would put him down if he went to shelter. A worker at Romeo's dog daycare left a gate open and Romeo got out. The Geissingers and friends searched for him for four days.

A woman discovered Romeo in the basement of her apartment, only a mile away from his home. The Geissingers' feeling of helplessness motivated them to start the Lost Dog Search and Rescue team. They also run a full-time pet sitting service called Loving Touch in Toms River.

"Matt and Debbie work tirelessly doing whatever they can to find lost dogs," local resident Laura Lange said.

Another event is planned for 6-10 p.m. Oct. 19 at Joey Harrison's River House in Forked River. There will be gift raffles, dinner buffet, live music and a mega 50/50.

For more information, visit ilostmydog.org or call Debbie Geissinger at 609-276-4939 or Matt Geissinger at 732-773-9121.

www.lovingtouchpetsitters.com

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