Downbeach Dutch has been missing from his grandma’s home on Manor Avenue in Longport since the 4th of July.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
Downbeach Dutch is really just a “slippery lovebug,” pet-parent Jessica Varnis said.
Dutch, a 1-year-old, 30-40 pound hound mix, who has become the darling of social media, has been on the lam since July 4. He’s spent time in all three Downbeach communities, although he started on his outdoor adventure at his grandma’s house on Manor Avenue in Longport.
Dutch can also be called opportunistic and energetic as he slipped out an open door as his family was leaving to watch the fireworks. Something spooked him and took off like lightning, and after two meetups with Margate Police, he is just too fast to catch.
“He’s quite a sprinter,” Varnis said.
Last seen at 10 p.m. Sunday at the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School, he was frolicking in and out the Essex and Gladstone Avenue area in Margate, which seems to be his favorite neighborhood so far.
“Thank God, he has narrowed it down to his favorite area,” Varnis said.
Two traps have been set in the neighborhood and the Varnis family, who lives in Audubon, is hopeful he will be caught soon.
The first trap is located on the back deck of a neighbor’s house on Gladstone Avenue near the lagoon, and a second trap at the entrance to the marshy area at Freemont and Essex avenues.
The traps consist of large crates with the Varnis children’s clothing and Dutch’s favorite toys, in hopes he will be lured by the smell.
Varnis’ 9-year-old daughter has a “sniff-play” game she does with Dutch, and putting out some of her clothing is one way to encourage Dutch to give up his adventure for the comfort of his own home.
Although he is very familiar with his Audubon neighborhood, Downbeach is new to Dutch and the marine environment seems to be intriguing for him.
“This is an unfamiliar area and he’s just hunkering down to survive,” she said.
She has been posting updates about Dutch’s whereabouts on Downbeach social media sites, and he has become quite a celebrity.
Varnis requested neighbors in the area refrain from putting out food that could distract him from finding the traps, but water is OK.
“He needs to stay hydrated,” she said.
“Dutch is still a puppy. He’s super-friendly and sweet, loves to sunbathe and likes to chase the ducks and bunnies. He wags his tail whenever he sees other dogs.”
Margate Police found him on Thursday, but Dutch was simply too fast to catch. They found him again on Sunday afternoon, but he again slipped out of reach in a flash.
“The police have been great,” she said. “Dutch is thin about knee-high and is wearing his collar and he is chipped.”
Varnis said she reached out to Animal Control, but they only rescue strays and do not track and find dogs, she said.
Although the family is back in Audubon – Varnis had to return to work as the director of a preschool in Philadelphia – her mother, friends and neighbors are on the lookout for Dutch.
Meanwhile the Varnis children, ages 11, 9 and 4, are hankering to see their slippery lovebug return home as soon as possible.
If you see Dutch, do not approach or call his name. The best thing is to try to corral him inside a gated area. If spotted, contact Jessica Varnis 732-841-4426 or call the local police.
Copyright Mediawize, LLC 2021
