Orland Park Family Desperate To Find Dog That Escaped During Storm

ORLAND PARK, IL — An Orland Park family is worried sick about their beloved dog that darted out of the house Thursday afternoon as brutal temperatures and snow hit the area.

The Vavra family’s 8-year-old Shiba Inu darted out the door as a family member was carrying in Christmas purchases. Family immediately followed the dog—named Carl—but visibility was poor as snow fell.

The dog ran from their home near Aspen Street and Fairway Drive, and was last seen near Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Ave. There, a family member believes she saw him slip through a hole in the fencing about 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

“With how dark it gets early, we’re thinking he got in there, and maybe couldn’t find his way out.” his owner Connie Vavra told Patch.

Carl is very energetic, and likes to run, Vavra said. He’s mostly tan with some white on his face, and a white belly. He’s wearing a collar that is striped with tan, burnt orange, blue, and a Blackhawks tag. The number on the tag is that of an ex-partner, but they have been in communication and have had no tips called in there.

He is microchipped, and should be scanned for a chip if found.

Vavra has been in contact with staff at Silver Lake Country Club, in hopes they may be let in to search the grounds.

The family has had Carl since he was a puppy, she said, and their other dog, an Australian Shepherd, seems lost without him.

“She’s just been sitting on the couch, staring out the window,” Vavra said.

The family is usually very cautious with Carl, but he pushed past Vavra’s daughter and bolted, she said. They followed on his heels as long as they could, but “he’s such a fast dog,” she said.

The family has contacted Orland Park and Orland Hills police. Vavra has also turned to social media in hopes of finding Carl, sharing the info anywhere she can. If anyone spots him, they should avoid chasing him, she said.

“He’s a very sweet dog, chasing doesn’t normally work,” she said. “He loves squeaky toys, and food’s always good encouragement.”

With temperatures that plummeted overnight and brutal windchills to match, Carl’s family is so worried about him.

“He’s part of our family,” she said. “They do have really thick coats, but their paws—the pads in this weather. …

“If he’s still out there, he’s probably just about frozen.”

Anyone who spots Carl is asked to call (630)313-9012.