An Oregon woman is tirelessly searching for her missing dog, Teddy, after the pet disappeared in San Rafael last month. Rebekah Whittaker, from Eugene, Oregon, has traveled to the Bay Area every weekend this month, posting signs and enlisting the help of locals to reunite with her beloved canine.
Teddy Goes Missing
Whittaker’s family had been staying at a vacation rental in San Rafael when Teddy, a cherished member of the family, went missing. On March 28, after the family left the dog at the house while they went out for dinner, they returned to find an open door and gate — and Teddy gone.
“He’s been with us through so much, especially during the loss of my mother and brother to cancer,” Whittaker shared, describing how the dog helped her cope with the devastating losses. “Teddy has been there for our entire family, and we’re just trying to get him back.”
A Community Comes Together
Since the dog’s disappearance, the outpouring of support from strangers has been overwhelming. Whittaker has shared her plea for help across social media platforms and local chat groups. Volunteers have gone above and beyond, assisting in the search.
“The response from people we’ve never met has been incredible,” Whittaker said, noting that Boy Scouts, local police officers, fire department members, and even postal workers have joined the search, distributing fliers and keeping an eye out for Teddy.
Robert Stark, a Larkspur resident who also owns a Labradoodle, was moved by Whittaker’s story and immediately volunteered. “I couldn’t just stand by. I know what it feels like to worry about a dog, and I didn’t want Rebekah to go through this alone,” Stark said.
Neighbors and Volunteers Help Search
Local drone operators have assisted by scouting hard-to-reach areas, while neighbors like Amber Steuernol have opened their homes to the search. Steuernol has allowed Whittaker to place Teddy’s bed and toys in her yard with food, and she regularly checks her security cameras for any signs of the dog’s return.
The search has also brought neighbors together in unexpected ways. Steuernol noted, “I’ve met people I never would have, and the whole community is coming together. It’s been eye-opening.”
Precautionary Advice for Pet Owners
Steuernol, a dog owner herself, emphasized the importance of microchipping pets after a fraudulent claim that someone had found Teddy. When the supposed rescuer failed to provide the correct microchip number, it became clear that the tip was a scam.
Whittaker acknowledges that she is not alone in facing the pain of losing a pet. Yet, the kindness and support from strangers have provided a renewed sense of hope, both in finding Teddy and in the power of community.
“I’ve seen how a neighborhood can rally together. We don’t always realize the support networks around us until we’re in need,” Whittaker said. “Strangers have come together to help, and it’s been incredibly comforting.”