Tracking Tater

POST FALLS - Tater is home.

The sheltie missing since July 25 was found Monday.

"I am so grateful to all who prayed for his safe return," said owner Peggy Conklin.

"I think it was a miracle!"

Conklin was called around 5:30 p.m. Monday by a friend "who happened to have another person on the phone stating they had just seen a sheltie with a purple leash cross the road in front of them."

While her husband hopped on the four-wheeler, Conklin drove as quickly as she could to Greensferry Road between Hayden and Prairie by the railroad tracks about five miles east of her home.

Tater, still wearing his collar and leash, ran across the road in front of Conklin's husband.

"He called Tater, and he stopped in his tracks, then he called 'Baby boy' and Tater ran happily over to him. I quickly drove to where they were and we all were re-united."

Tater was tired, dirty and had lost about five of his 20 pounds but was otherwise OK. He is adjusting happily to life back home.

"Yesterday, eyes were bright," Conklin said Friday.

The sheltie was last seen in a field off Celtic Way in Post Falls near the Kimball Office plant on July 25.

Conklin searched the area and posted fliers and ads seeking the return of 4-year-old Tater. She said when Tater was born, his mother had troubles so she had to bottle feed him.

Life wasn't the same without Tater, Conklin said. She had almost given up hope of finding him.

"We can't believe it," she said. "It's just awesome. We missed him so much."

She said she wants to let people know they should never give up when searching for a lost pet, or anything important to them.

"My dog was gone almost three weeks and now he is back with his family," she wrote. "We are all very happy."