Reward offered for missing dog

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
O'Quince's Rose of Happiness -- known to her family as Rose -- was last seen early Sunday morning being loaded off a truck at Golden Clover Retrievers in Cloverdale. Rose is a show-quality Golden Retriever and a certified therapy dog. Contributed photo

CLOVERDALE -- A show-quality Golden Retriever has gone missing in the Cloverdale area, and a $1,000 reward is being offered for her return.

O'Quince's Rose of Happiness -- known as Rose by her family -- is a 5-year-old dog owned by Richmond-based Golden Retriever breeders John and Pam Tibbs.

Rose was being loaded off a truck at Golden Clover Retrievers, a breeding operation in Cloverdale owned by Marcia and Leo Gould, about 1 a.m. Sunday. Rose, who is in season, was to be bred to a stud dog at Golden Clover.

"She bolted and ran off," Marcia Gould said.

City police were called to help look for Rose. The police and the Goulds searched for hours in the dark and rain.

"She was spotted about every 45 minutes or so, but would not come to us even with food," Gould said.

Since her escape, Rose has been spotted in the Cloverdale American Legion parking lot, along the junction of U.S. 231 and S.R. 42, on South Lafayette Street and in the Cloverdale Park.

"She even had traffic stopped about an eighth of a mile south of Cloverdale on U.S. 231 at the top of the hill near some farm buildings," Gould said. "Her last positive spotting was Monday afternoon near the S.P.O.T. clinic."

Rose is more than a breeding animal to her owners.

"This dog is their baby," Gould said. "She lives in the home with four other Goldens who they adore."

Pam Tibbs also owns a dog grooming business in Richmond.

"Most importantly, Pam does therapy work with her dogs at a local clinic," Gould said.

Rose is a certified therapy dog. She has also been named a Canine Good Citizen. Her father, a police narcotics, missing persons and human remains detective dog in New York, recently won a special award for service at the Westminster Dog Show.

Anyone who should see Rose should offer her something to eat, but should toss it to her, Gould said.

"Possibly you could coax her to you," Gould said. "Right now, she is not coming to anyone."

Anyone who spots Rose is asked to call the Cloverdale Police Department or the Goulds at (812) 243-3435 or 795-3584.

"We need exact times, locations, landmarks, descriptions of areas and if possible, directions if not on a highway," Gould said. "This is an expensive animal, but much more importantly, a dearly loved family member."

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