RICHBURG — A Florida family experienced a rollover crash on Interstate 77 in Chester County on Aug. 24, resulting in the loss of their dog, Scooter.
While the family emerged unscathed, their Australian cattle dog escaped when the vehicle rolled over, according to authorities. Assistant Chief Mike Ehrmanntraut of Richburg Fire-Rescue reported that the dog fled following a broken window.
Emergency responders commenced a search for Scooter after clearing the wreckage at Mile Marker 62 later that day. Fire-Rescue posted on Facebook that the interstate was cleared around 5:30 p.m., shortly thereafter appealing to the community's 11,000 followers for assistance in locating the dog.
Over the week, multiple tips were received but proved unproductive. On Sept. 1, authorities were alerted to a possible sighting of Scooter on nearby railroad tracks, which ultimately led to his recovery.
“We have a whole bunch of dog lovers here in this department,” Ehrmanntraut stated, highlighting the community's support for animal-related posts.
Firefighters found Scooter in good health but needing a bath after being missing for eight days. The dog's owner, who had returned to Florida post-accident, was already on his way back to Chester County when contacted. Instead of sleeping in his car as planned, he was reunited with Scooter at the fire station.
Ehrmanntraut noted, “We see a lot of tragedy… finding Scooter was fantastic news.”