On 9 August, comes the news from Sidney:

I couldn't resist renting a humane trap at noon yesterday and took it out last night and set it up. I was depressed to find that the food and water I had left had not been touched, Neither had the food next to the foster home, so I decided to go ahead and set up where I had last seen LESLIE. I put food and water out near the trap, but I decided to go ahead and set up the trap and bait it because LESLIE really likes her crate and I thought maybe she would feel it was a safe place to hide.

This is the trap set up with the door proped open and covered with the tarp to create the cave-like feeling.

The expert I talked to said I had to cover the trap and make it as cave-like as possible, so I threw an old tarp over it. I taped a sign on the tarp explaining to people what I was doing and hoped that no one would mess with it. It was still daylight because I wanted to get it set up and then get out of there before the time I saw LESLIE the other night, in hopes that I wouldn't scare her away.

I have to admit that I was crying all the way home and repeating over and over, "Please, LESLIE, please . . . ."

This is the can of cat food in the end of the trap. You open a trap door on the top and put it in a basket that is separate from the main body of the trap. The animal can't actually get to the food.

I didn't sleep much last night, worrying that LESLIE had left the area; worrying that I was pushing things too fast and she would spring the trap prematurely and it would scare her away and I would never be able to catch her. This morning when the alarm went off at 4 o'clock, I dragged myself out of bed and kept almost nodding off as I drove the 20 miles out to Dove Mountain. I kept running scenarios through my head. Well, the best thing, of course, would be if she were in the trap. But, the next best thing would be if she had eaten the food I left out. No, the next best thing would be if I saw her eating the food I had left out. The next best thing would be if I spotted her on the streets of the neighborhood. The next best thing would be if the food were eaten, but then I wouldn't know if she had eaten it or a coyote, or a cat, or another dog. Over and over again.

I drove up the street to where the trap was and when my headlights hit it . . . THERE SHE WAS!! IN THE TRAP!! I burst into tears!

LESLIE in the trap.

The tarp had been pulled off the trap and I imagine she did that trying to get to the cat food that was in the trap. I am so grateful that she is crate-trained because I don't think she would have gone into the trap otherwise; it is a pretty intimidating looking thing. I have to admit that at the time I found her I didn't have the presence of mind to take photos, but I tried to recreate the scene when I got home.

I didn't want to chance her escaping by trying to get her out of the trap, so I used the tarp to haul the thing over to my van and got it up into the van with LESLIE in it. She was a little scared, but not really upset. I kept babbling to her about how happy I was to see her.

Leslie in the trap in my van.

When I brought her home and opened the van and she saw all the dogs waiting, she started wiggling all over. I let her out and they mobbed her and sniffed her from one end to the other. She was very, very thirsty and very, very hungry and has a few burrs stuck here and there, but otherwise seems to be in fine shape.

Jack, LESLIE, GRACE & BLACKIE
ADOPTED!!
(LESLIE's Forever Name is LILLY)

Thank you, everyone, for your Zen and emotional support. There is no doubt in my mind that is what brought LESLIE back safely.

And the accolades pour in:

Marti Touchstone: Oh Sidney!!!!!! That's the happiest story of the year!!!!!! I'm crying too!!!!!!!!!! And you've earned your halo again and again.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!, as the Pixi would say!

Heather Scharbach: Awesome. I'm SO glad she's ok, and you've gother safe and sound. Silly LESLIE!

Riley & BLACKIE check out the trap.

Patty Eisenbraun: You are nothing short of AMAZING!

I've been through a similar situation (with a happy ending) but did not have to go through what you have.

Stand up, take a bow and pat yourself on the back.

Claire Payne: Oh, LESLIE, thank you for listening to our Zen and love and for coming to the trap. This is the most wonderful news! What dedication and persistence, Sidney. You went to incredible lengths to bring your girl-dog home. I can't wait to see the pictures. And what a wonderful story for LESLIE, you, the Airezona 19, Airedale Rescue, and all Airedales and Airedalers. And what a testament to how to bring a dog back from the wild. Thank you for the heart and the hope. Wow!!!

LESLIE checks out the trap that saved her .

Libby Karier: There's a Margaret Mead quotation often cited in my neighborhood association as "inspiration" for us. I've often thought it applies to this list as well . . . and now, Sidney, I'm applying it to you

***

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

***

Just change "small group" to "one person" ... you changed the world for LESLIE, not once but twice.

Congratulations again and again, Sidney.

Sidney: Every person on this list would have done the same thing and, in fact, many of them have. I could feel every one of my own personal group of committed citizens out there with me!

Cherry Welsh: You're not the only one, Sidney. You really had us going there, keeping us in suspense, no hint in the message header until . . . I shouted when I reached this part - husband and dogs came running.

It was almost miraculous but really all down to your persistence, unfailing patience and loving concern for LESLIE girl. Three cheers for Sidney!!!

Marie: AAAARRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so happy to hear LESLIE has made it back into your loving hands!!!

Slurpy kisses and big nose pokes for everyone involved.

Christine Votel: Ok, ok, it's hard to type and cry at the same time. Thank God she is safe. Sidney, go tonight and relax. Eat good food, have a drink, and sleep soundly.

You are the best. LESLIE, you stay put and don't scare people like that.

Love to you all. Happy Dance Arooooooooo, too!

Holly: Yipeee, and aaarrrooooooooo. Welcome back LESLIE we missed you, next time don't worry us so much. & I are having happy dances to honor of your home coming. . . And Sidney . . . you are one very special lady, great big hugs go out to you. Thanks for saving that girl.

Joey Warren: LESLIE . . . tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk. These adventures of yours are hard on an old auntie's blood pressure.

Lori Taylor: I just want to add my congratulations to Sidney - you are awesome!! This happy ending only happened because of your diligence, patience, and instinctive intelligence in dealing with our beloved breed!

Prayers and a lot of zen from all over the country, Canada, and the world provided support in your efforts. But truly, it was YOUR efforts that made this story have a happy ending.

WELCOME BACK, LESLIE!

Kirk Nims: Excellent work, Sidney! Takes an Airedale to catch an Airedale! Job well done!

Dean Incopero: Aroooooooo!!!! What great news! A 21-woof salute to Sidney! I'm in digest mode and every day since LESLIE went "over the wall", I've scanned the headings for "Leslie's been captured!". I'm catching up after being away from the computer all weekend and I just couldn't read Sidney's post through. Fearing the worst, I had to scan down the the end. Instead - happy dances!!!!

Corinne: Bill & I were so happy you found LESLIE and got her home safe and sound. We had a similar, but much less frightening experience with NIGEL (INDY). He escaped from the back of our car at the groomers on Prince Road. Thankfully, he trotted up a side street and we were able to corner him in an alley. But what a scare. We can't imagine what you went through.

Teresa: I was so afraid to check the site for news on LESLIE, but here I sit crying with joy! LESLIE looks so much like GINGER, a real beauty. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am that you continue to go above and beyond for these special Airedales. I hope LESLIE finds her forever home soon, she deserves it! Our prayers will continue for the Airedales and you.