Contributing writer for private client, publishing book of short stories, 2021
The Kings and Katie
Carole and Verne King booked a dog-friendly hotel for a getaway in the quiet town of Kalispell, Montana about 250 miles from their home in Spokane, Washington. The two were eager for a day nourished with hiking along Glacier National Park and breathing in the mountain air. They left the hotel one morning, at ease with their outdoor plans but after returning late that night, were met with a mortifying reality. Katie, their seven year old Border Collie that accompanied their trip was no longer in the room, where the two left her earlier that morning.
After turning the room inside out, Mr. and Mrs. King ran to the front desk, desperately hoping one of the hotel employees had a fraction of insight towards Katie’s whereabouts. The attendant explained to the couple that she witnessed a dog run out of the front door a few hours prior. The Kings stood motionless, baffled and in utter disbelief. After the shock of the situation was absorbed, flustered and in a panic, Mr. and Mrs. King left the hotel to search the nearby grounds. The front desk attendant offered to create flyers and Mrs. King supplied photos of Katie to attach. Until 4:00 AM, the search took place and the Kings turned every stone in local neighborhoods, farms and shopping areas. Compassionate strangers of the town joined in on the search and helped to post hundreds of flyers throughout the community. The team knocked from door-to-door and spoke to everyone they came in contact with, pleading to spread the word of the missing pup. Katie was nowhere in sight and after grueling hours, the Kings anxiously turned in for the night with knots in their stomachs, wondering where on Earth their girl had run off to and with hopes that she was safe.
Early the next morning, the couple woke up in a frenzy and were jolted back into the depths of the circumstance. With no evidence of Katie’s body, the searched pressed on as they knew she was waiting to be found. The Kings had a history working in Los Angeles law enforcement and treated this personal situation as they would have a crime scene. They incorporated tactics used in their profession to bring Katie’s search to the next level. They ordered game cameras to track the movement of animals and set traps with items Katie would recognize, like her food bowl and blanket with intentions of luring her into their vicinity. The Kings even tried to use their own scent to attract Katie by jogging and biking through the local neighborhoods so perspiration could signal that they were near. Mrs. King placed used t-shirts nearby and spread horse manure from their farm at home near traps, all in hopes that Katie would sniff out familiarity while roaming at night. Afterwards, the Kings purchased night goggles and would stay up late, watching the grounds for any sight of their dog.
Neighbors and locals provided the Kings with insight as it transpired. This was a grueling process for the two, as they followed up on each report but all to no avail. A local once called and reported a sighting of Katie 15 miles from where the Kings were located. They felt the distance odd, but drove and searched regardless in the off chance that she traveled that far. Each time a report came in, the Kings fled to the scene knowing that any call could bring Katie home.
It had been nearly 40 days since the dog’s disappearance and the Kings were growing more weary as time went by. Mrs. King returned home for a week to fulfill her responsibilities in her role as a postal carrier. The summer months were a busy time and she was not granted the ability to take an extended leave, even under the circumstances. Mrs. King, without hesitation and exemplifying her determination resigned from her role to continue the search for Katie. It was a simple decision as her family stood paramount over work, depicting the loyalty and devotion she had for her dog.
The Kings had 3 other animals at home in Spokane; 2 dogs and 1 cat. Mr. King left Kalispell to attend to the rest of the pack while Mrs. King remained. 50 days passed and although trying to hold on, the family was running out of hope. Mrs. King told her husband she would return home to join him but he pushed her to stay for a few more days. With the support of her husband and new local friends, Mrs. King decided to carry on although only ounces of strength remaining.
On the morning of September 15th, Mrs. King received a phone call from a local residing near a hotel. He had been looking out of his back window and was certain to have been staring directly at Katie after examining the dog from a distance and comparing her to the photo on one of the flyers. Mrs. King sped to the scene and once again, was met with grave disappointment as the backyard was vacant. After deciding to walk around, she bumped into a couple and explained the details of her search. The woman she met pointed at a dog lying under a tree and Mrs. King’s heart sunk. She began to call out, “Katie!” After a few calls, the dog ran from the tree and into her owner’s grasp. Mrs. King fell to the grass with her arms tightly around Katie and cried in hysterics. Holding the dog close, she ran to the car and positioned her in the front seat. Katie looked fifteen pounds lighter and fell asleep immediately, clearly exhausted from her strenuous journey.
Katie was rushed home to meet Mr. King who embraced his old pal emphatically through the front window. The couple brought her straight to the local vet for an examination to find that she was dirty and thirsty, but had survived unscathed.
The Kings and Katie returned home. They slept peacefully that night, as each one rested safe and sound.
Source: She Quit Her Job. He Got Night Goggles. They Searched 57 Days for Their Dog, The New York Times