If you found this page from our flyer QR code, thank you for coming to read more about the community search for Duke!
Our beloved dog Duke disappeared during an attempted carjacking on September 22, 2023. Two armed men stole Duke at gunpoint at 9 PM in Fort Washington, Maryland. For more details, check out this post for the full story, plus the latest updates and media coverage.
We brought scent-tracking dogs to the incident site hoping for a lead. The tracking dogs believe they picked up a scent trail, meaning the carjackers could have released Duke or he escaped!
The trackers believe Duke could still be in the area, either in the woods or being cared for by a neighbor! We created this page to share possible signs of Duke, plus photos and videos in case you think you've spotted him.
Have you noticed anything odd?
Have your security cameras seen a black animal? Lost dogs are usually active at dawn and dusk. When Duke is not groomed, he looks like a bear! We included photos and videos below of how bear-like he might look now.
Have animals dug in your garbage or garden lately? Lost dogs typically scavenge for food in trash cans and gardens, instead of trying to hunt.
Have you heard sounds from your shed, garage, or under your deck? Lost dogs may look for shelter close to humans.
Have you heard an animal whining, crying, or barking? Duke has been missing since September 22nd, so consider the past few months.
Has your own dog barked more than usual? Our pets are so perceptive and they may sense Duke wandering beyond your property line.
Have you seen anything unexplained? Empty water bowls, missing pet food, paw tracks, chew marks, animal poop, rummaging in your yard, garage, or under decks or cars.
When Duke is shaggy, his ears look rounded and floppy and his tail falls flat like a bear's.
Lost Dog Behavior
We've been researching behaviors of lost dogs to guess where Duke might go. Lost dogs typically focus on the basics for survival- food, water, and shelter.
If you spot a lost dog in survival mode, the most important thing is to NOT call them or approach them. Frightened dogs will bolt, making it difficult to find them again or risking that they dart into traffic. This includes yelling out to them (calling their name or telling them to "come"), whistling, or following after them. Don't make eye contact, and avoid any sudden movements.
If you do see Duke, please try to take a picture and call or text us at (202) 922-7035.
Duke the bear-dog wandering outdoors.
Duke Indoors
Lastly, it's possible that a neighbor has taken in Duke to help care for him as a stray. Have you noticed any of your neighbors with a new black dog? Have you heard more barking than usual from a neighbor's house?
If Duke is staying with your neighbor, here's how he looks walking and interacting with other dogs.
Support the Search
To find Duke, we’ve hired scent-tracking dogs, bought ads on Facebook and Instagram, distributed flyers via USPS, met with private detectives, printed well over a thousand handouts, and run down dozens and dozens of tips. For $40, we can mail flyers of Duke to 200 homes through USPS! If anyone wanted to support the search for Duke, friends created this GoFundMe.
If you'd like to follow along with the search, we share updates in this blog post and on this NextDoor post.
We hope we can find Duke with your help. Please call, text, or email with any sightings, tips, or advice!
Alexa & James
(202) 922-7035
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