Ky. veteran’s missing service dog found, reunited with family

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - UPDATE: Frankfort police say Dorkus has been reunited with her family!

Police say they got tips Friday morning that Dorkus was spotted in the Leestown Road area near I-64. Officers, along with volunteers from Franklin County Humane Society, went to the area.

Because of the snow, they were able to find paw prints. Dorkus also still had her leash on which made tracks in the snow.

They followed the tracks for about four miles before they were able to corner her in a fenced yard along Hanley Lane. Police say Dorkus was skittish at first but quickly took up with them.

They say she had a few scrapes and cut on her paw but was otherwise OK.

Police say Dorkus was extremely excited when she was reunited with her owner.

ORIGINAL: The Frankfort Police Department is asking for everyone’s help with locating a missing service dog in the Frankfort area.

Dorkus the boxer has been missing in Frankfort since Tuesday after getting separated from her owner, who is a Vietnam War veteran.

According to police, the boxer is wearing a collar with a red leash attached and was last seen near the Versailles Road and Country Lane intersection.

Dorkus is not only a pet, but a service dog who provides emotional support to her owner, which is why it’s so important to get her back home.

“To have that support and the help that our veterans, and anyone that has a service animals, truly gets it increases that urgency and it’s even more trauma that they’re having to deal with,” said Chief Dustin Bowman with the Frankfort Police Department.

To also aid in the search efforts, the Frankfort Police Department is also using their drone to help cover more areas and even see into areas where they may not be able to get to.

“With no new tips of the dog walking around right now, our hope is that maybe the dog is bedded down somewhere in a wooded area and we can locate them,” Chief Bowman said.

Chief Bowman said the Franklin County Humane Society also stepped up immoderately to help in the search efforts so more people can be on the lookout for Dorkus.

“They’re working in getting some fliers put together, we were able to get some photos this morning so they’re doing that, they’re getting some volunteers that they’re going to try to put feet on the ground,” Chief Bowman said.

If you think you have spotted the dog or have any tips on where it might be, they want you to call the Frankfort Police Department Dispatch 502-875-8582.

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