A Pittsburgh dog owner is asking for help in bringing his missing dog home as the search stretches into its second week.
Frank Gale’s 7-year-old German Shepherd, Flame, disappeared during a storm on December 13. Gale said the dog managed to open the door leading from the family’s den into the garage and slipped outside. Since then, there has been no sign of him returning on his own.
“I haven’t seen him since,” Gale told CBS News.
Flame has been part of the family since he was a puppy. Gale described him as more than a pet, explaining that the dog has been a constant companion for his wife and a central part of their daily life.
“I feel like I lost a child. He’s our boy. That’s my wife’s constant companion, and now they just stole him from me basically. They stole my child,” Gale said.
As days passed with no answers, the emotional toll grew heavier. Gale said the waiting has been overwhelming and difficult to manage.
“I just can’t, I can’t,” he said, pausing before adding, “It’s too much.”
The family has posted signs throughout their neighborhood, taping flyers to utility poles and tree trunks along and around Rockland Avenue. Each sign is a plea for information or help in getting Flame home safely.
“I’m just completely devastated,” Gale said. “I don’t know what to do because everybody I went to just passed me off to another, and when I went to the police, they said it’ll go to the bottom of the pile. My dog deserves better than the bottom of the pile.”
On the day Flame went missing, a Reddit user posted online asking whether anyone in the area had lost a dog. Gale said his family did not see the post right away. When they eventually reached out, they were given conflicting accounts about what may have happened.
“I think the only reason why he hasn’t found his way back home is that someone’s holding him,” Gale said.
In an effort to bring Flame home, Gale has offered a reward for information leading to the dog’s safe return. While the reward was meant to encourage people to come forward, he said it has also led to false claims and painful setbacks.
“It’s caused me tremendous pain,” he said. “Every phone call, every follow up, it’s just another blow to you. It just takes hope from you.”
As the holidays approach, Gale said his wish is simple. He wants Flame back with his family. “Send him home for Christmas, please,” he said.
Gale continues to ask anyone with information to come forward. He hopes that someone who may be caring for Flame or has seen him will do the right thing and help reunite the dog with his family in Pittsburgh.
For now, the flyers remain posted, and the family waits, holding onto hope that Flame will find his way back home.