We hope you’re all geared up for the holidays because we’ll be here to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the Emotional Support and Service Animal community through it all. This week, we’ve lined up a news report likely to pique your interest. So, let’s get to it!
Social Media Tip Pays Off In Aiding Louisiana Resident Find Missing ESA
There’s nothing quite as traumatizing as learning your Emotional Support Animal (ESA) has gone missing. But that’s what happened to Gracie Langham, and that too after she’d been in a car accident.
However, what’s remarkable about Langham’s story is how the community rallied behind her and utilized social media to help reunite her with her ESA, Mav. She was out with Mav on a rainy Halloween night when her car skidded while making a turn at Clearview and Utica in Metairie.
The crash deployed the airbags, further terrifying Langham and her golden retriever ESA. Langham kicked a door open to escape the vehicle but, in the chaos, forgot that Mav might make a run for it due to being scared, which is precisely what happened.
Though she ran after Mav and kept calling out his name, the canine disappeared into the night. To say the entire episode was disturbing for the ESA and his handler is putting it lightly. However, Langham refused to give up hope of reuniting with Mav and made an online appeal for help.
Gracie’s appeal sparked a massive social media campaign as citizens realized Mav wasn’t just an ESA but also a source of solace as Langham recovered from the recent loss of both her grandparents. Even the Humane Society of Louisiana offered a $5,750 reward for Mav’s return.
Eventually, she was informed that Mav had been spotted with a kind individual in Florida. Langham recently traveled to Pensacola to meet them, and Mav’s alleged rescuer willingly handed Mav over to Gracie.
Langhan took to social media to express her gratitude to the community for helping her through the tough time. Her post on Facebook states, “Our family wants to thank this wonderful community for stepping up for Mav. It’s been a long 26 hours; we ask that you please respect our time as we process all that has unfolded. I promise we will not leave you hanging—his story will be told. We love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Another factor that may have helped in Mav’s quick recovery was that he had a microchip implant. While these implants don’t offer tracking services, they provide veterinary staff with information about the canine and its owner. If a dog goes missing, this can help rescuers identify the owners so they can contact them about their missing pet.
Source: Nola
CertaPet’s Thoughts
We’re so happy Gracie Langham has been reunited with her ESA. But, perhaps it is time animal lovers unite to create a country-wide pet registry linked to the info on microchips to help inform rescuers of missing animals and how to reunite them with their loved ones. We’d also love to hear your ideas on how to help owners reunite with their missing pets quickly.
If you’re living with a mental illness, getting an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) could really help your recovery. These loving animals could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.