A Jacksonville, Florida family is asking for the public’s help after their dog went missing in Clarendon County following a vehicle crash on Interstate 95.
According to Eddie Warren, his family was involved in a crash on I-95 southbound on Dec. 27 and was transported to the hospital to be evaluated. Their two dogs were initially taken to A Second Chance Animal Shelter in Manning for safekeeping, but Warren said their oldest dog escaped shortly after arriving.
The missing dog, a 7-year-old male named Ari, was last seen near the shelter, Warren said. Ari is described as friendly but skittish due to the circumstances. Warren said the family’s other dog has since been reunited with them, but Ari remains missing.
“He’s been our baby boy for seven years, and we are extremely worried,” Warren wrote in a social media post seeking help locating the dog.
Warren said deputies and shelter staff immediately began searching the area and have continued efforts since the escape. He specifically credited the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Marshall Taylor, along with animal shelter staff, for their assistance.
“They have been phenomenal,” Warren said in a message to the paper. “After talking to everyone involved, it was not the shelter staff who were responsible, and we’ve talked with them extensively.”
Search efforts have included the use of drones, setting traps and leaving the family’s clothing in the area to help attract Ari with familiar scents, Warren said. The family searched overnight and again the following morning but has since returned to Florida to recover while local officials continue the search.
Warren also addressed online criticism directed at the shelter following the incident, emphasizing that staff members have been actively involved and supportive since the dog went missing.
Anyone who sees Ari or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact local authorities or A Second Chance Animal Shelter.
