Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2019 6:55pm
I am so sorry to hear this and understand how devastated you must feel. However, be aware that the dogs may not actually belong to anybody as such, especially up in the mountains.
I presume you have looked for him? Sometimes they don’t go that far from ‘base’ and he could be hiding in a bush. I would always keep my cats shut in a room for a minimum of 2 weeks when moved to new place, that way they become familiar with the smell etc and a small enclosed area so they feel safe. Then let them into the house for another couple of weeks before letting them out. I’ve done this for the past 50 years and find it works very well.
Don’t give up yet, he may not have strayed that far. I would continue to comb the area when you have time, they can hear your voice from a long way. Is he trained to come when you whistle? If he hears you regularly he may come. Also try all the animal shelters in your area, does he have a microchip.
Also let the local vets know, people sometimes take stray animals that are obviously pets, to them.