Real Life “Homeward Bound”: Injured Lost Dog Finds His Way Home to Hewitt

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – On Saturday, October 1, Jenna Sieber was walking her 5 year-old border collie/heeler mix “Dexter” near her parents’ house in the Town of Marshfield when another dog ran into the road and attacked.

Sieber was trying to get the attacking dog to let Dexter go with no luck.

“The pit bull grabbed him by the neck, shaking and dragging Dexter. Finally the owner came out and started yelling at us to stop because the dog was pregnant. I began yelling and screaming and put my hands on the pit bull’s mouth trying to pry her jaws open,” she recalled. “I unclipped Dexter’s collar and leash. The pit bull eventually let go and Dexter ran down the road.”

An injured Dexter ran off and Sieber called law enforcement to report the attack.

Dexter, whose family moved back to Wisconsin just one week ago, was nowhere to be found. After searching for hours overnight with help from a drone, there was no sign of Dexter in the cornfields or ditches of the rural area.

Then the miraculous happened. The next morning, Dexter showed up at his own home in Hewitt, having traveled four miles and crossed HWY 10 in the process! Sieber immediately drove him to an emergency vet, where he was put on medication for a gash behind his ear and severe bruising of tissue behind left ear where bite occurred. He is expected to make a full recovery.

“We are completely in shock he found his way to Hewitt, as he has only lived there a week and doesn’t know the area well,” said Kelly Wunrow, Sieber’s sister. “Also, crossing Highway 10 is a miracle!”

Editor’s Note: While Dexter’s story has a happy ending, his attack is a good reminder to pet owners to keep dogs contained – even when they live in rural areas. Additionally, certain breeds (like pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds) are intelligent and eager to please, have a high prey drive, and an urge to protect. These breeds of dogs REQUIRE firm owners who are going to take an active role in directing and cultivating these tendencies. Before adding a dog breed to your family, it’s important to do your research! If you have concerns about a dog, contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Department (or your local county department).

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