By Krystle J Bailey
Wade and Estefanny Thompson of Hamilton Township are filled with gratitude and love this Christmas season following a series of unfortunate events with a happy ending. The Saturday following Thanksgiving, the couple was hit by an oncoming car coming down the White Horse Pike in Galloway. Their 1-year-old pup, Bruno was in the backseat and in the midst of the chaos, escaped the car and ran down Route 30.
Wade, who thankfully survived the accident with only some bruises, ran after Bruno with no luck and returned to the scene of the accident to assist his wife. At the scene, Esteffany had suffered some injuries but was conscious and overall in good health, however Bruno was missing. Friends and family immediately showed up to help search for the mixed-breed rescue dog.
Within an hour, two dozen people were scouring the streets and woods in search of Bruno. Friends, family, and church members jumped right in to help to no avail. Days began to pass and Bruno was nowhere to be found.
A facebook post in search of Bruno with over 800 comments and hundreds of shares helped spread the word about the search. Strangers and local businesses began to get wind of the missing pup and got to work looking for him. Bait stations and cameras were set, photos were hung, and people returned to the location each day to aid in the search.
“It was a beautiful outreach of the community,” shares owner, Wade Thompson.
After six heartbreaking days, Bruno was found in a greenhouse behind Jimmie’s Florist on the White Horse Pike.
“We looked all over for Bruno that week,” explained florist owner, Jimmie. “To this day, I don’t know why I walked in that particular green house and looked out that window but I heard a dog barking and knew by his collar it was Bruno.”
Jimmie, his family, as well as his customers in the store at the time were all thrilled to be a part of a happy ending.
Rushed off to the vet, Wade and Esteffany were relieved to learn that Bruno had no major injuries. He is currently recovering from some deep cuts on his legs and the dehydration and malnourishment he endured while he was missing. Bruno’s humans are also recovering from minor injuries but overall, the Thompson family is in good health and relieved to spend the holiday season together with their fur baby.
“We are just glad to have him back. Christmas wouldn’t have been the same without him,” shares Wade.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
