Missing Dog Search In Franconia Helps Others With Missing Pets

FRANCONIA, VA — It was last summer when Miles the dog disappeared from his home in the Franconia/Kingstowne area, and he has only been spotted several times since then. Yet eight months later, Miles's owner hasn't given up, as she has helped another owner find her longtime missing dog.

Miles, a 1-year-old pit bull type, escaped from dog walkers on June 20, 2021, in the area of Masondale Road. The dog, described as shy and skittish, actually returned home within a few hours but fled again when seeing strangers who were looking for him. As the search continued for several hours, Miles ended up chasing a deer and crossing a major intersection.

After that day, there have been three sightings of Miles, with the latest on Sept. 24 at Helmsdale Lane and Telegraph Road. He hasn't been seen since then.

Owner Wendy Benoit told Patch that Miles is white with brown markings. At the time of his last sighting in September, he was described as "skinny, dirty and running frightened." Miles is neutered and weighs around 55 pounds. Because he is skittish, Miles will run if approached.

During the search for Miles, the Finding Miles Facebook page has become a resource to help other missing pet owners. Searching for Miles involves regularly checking missing pet databases and Facebook groups, so the Finding Miles page shares other missing pet photos in an attempt to reunite them with the owners.

Benoit told Patch she helped reunite a dog missing for a year in a half with the owner in Maryland during January. Buddy escaped when he got scared during training exercises, leading owner Jacquawn Cummings to share images of the missing dog on social media. Cummings told Fox5DC that Benoit notified her about Buddy's possible location.

"I saw the flyer continued to be shared on social media and then matched the picture to a dog that had been picked up by Animal Control in Alexandria," Benoit said.

The search continues for Miles continues. Miles' owners have missing pet reports with Fairfax County and neighboring counties in Virginia and Maryland. They've also worked with scent tracking dogs and volunteers with the Lost Animal Resource Group.

Anyone who sees Miles should avoid chasing him but instead should call or text 703-307-1356. A $2,500 reward is offered for his safe return.

"We are so grateful for the help of the community and remain hopeful that we will be reunited," the Finding Miles page stated.