In Massachusetts, a family's tireless search for their two missing French bulldogs, Malik and Potato, came to a joyful end when the dogs were found and reunited with their owners. However, the family now faces significant veterinary bills and lingering questions about the experiences these animals endured during their long disappearance, according to MassLive.
The story begins back in February when the two dogs went missing from their home. With dedication and determination, the family knocked on doors and stopped random strangers in hopes of finding their beloved pets. During their search, they received countless messages indicating that the dogs were seen in different places and ads on Craigslist trying to sell them.
Their resilience paid off when a woman discovered the pair alongside a road in Salem, New Hampshire. A Facebook post from the police department helped the animal control officer locate the rightful owner and deliver the happy news, WHDH reported. The reunion was filled with tearful joy, with the owner, Ashley Martinez, expressing her elation over their return and how the children were overjoyed to welcome the dogs back into their lives.
While there is happiness surrounding the reunion, it quickly became apparent that the dogs faced numerous challenges during their time away. Malik, the male bulldog, has a hurt eye, and his teeth have been "completely destroyed." He also suffers from severely infected ears due to relentless scratching from allergies. Potato, the female, has had a difficult journey of her own. The family suspects that she was bred by the people who had her, and her puppies were likely sold. Moreover, both dogs require microchips and worm treatments, MassLive noted.
With such extensive veterinary care needed, the family struggles to cover the costs. Martinez has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset the medical expenses, citing the difficulty of meeting the financial demands while raising six children. As of now, the campaign has raised $225 of its $5,000 goal.
As the investigation into the dogs' disappearance continues, suspicions of foul play have emerged. Martinez shared that a dark-colored SUV was spotted near her home when the dogs first went missing, leading her to believe that her pets were stolen.
