HILLSBORO, Mo. — The search for a missing service dog continues in rural Jefferson County, Missouri, and the dog’s owner says despite months passing, the trail hasn’t gone cold.
After serving in the US Navy from 2007 until 2013, Timothy Fresta said he struggled with PTSD and a number of medical issues.
“Speaking with a buddy of mine one night on his porch I basically said, 'You know, it might be helpful to try to get a service dog,'” Fresta said. "He said, 'Actually I know the perfect organization for you, Dogs that Help.'”
In September of 2021, Fresta was matched with Jared, a German shepherd named after fallen Marine Jared Schmitz.
“Jared is my best friend,” Fresta said. “Literally anywhere I would go Jared would be right there and anywhere he would go I would be right behind him.”
That changed May 22, when Fresta let Jared outside to use the bathroom.
“In the span of 15-20 minutes he was gone,” Fresta said.
Over the past three months, Fresta has searched for his four-legged friend using trained scent dogs and thermal drones.
“He was found on a trail cam all the way up in House Springs,” Fresta said. “That’s about 30 miles from here. He must’ve been trucking it.”
Those photos gave Fresta hope.
“We believe he’s feral, unfortunately,” Fresta said. “It doesn’t mean he’s dangerous. It just means he’s back to his natural animal instinct. We know that he’s eating. We know that he’s drinking.”
Though the searches to this point have ended in heartbreak, Fresta said he won’t quit until Jared is back by his side.
“If the roles were reversed, I’d want him to keep going,” Fresta said.
Jared is microchipped and Fresta said the German shepherd is identifiable due to having his dew claws removed.
There is a $3,300 reward for Jared’s safe return.
For more information on the search for Jared, click here.