West Richland ‘bait dog’ rescues another frightened runaway pet

West Richland police deployed their secret weapon this week to rescue a lost and scared pet.

Gracie, a pit bull mix, was recently adopted from The Pit Bull Pen rescue by Marcella Gilbert. But the new pooch managed to escape her new yard.

She ran for miles from Keene Road almost to Flat Top Park on Bombing Range Road, before doubling back.

“Many people tried to contain her, but she kept running from everything,” said a West Richland Police Facebook post.

She was finally caught hours later near Enterprise Middle School with the help of another dog named Lucias.

West Richland police say he’s been helping them with loose and frightened pets for five years and is proud to serve as a “bait dog,” helping safely distract a jittery Gracie.

“He is very skilled at his role and loves to visit the children of our community at schools, events and on the road,” said the post.

Gilbert posted on Facebook her big thanks to Lucias, the officers and others for their help.

“We did laps & loops in the area for 4 hours before Lucias could help me get Gracie,” she posted.

“Once I got near enough for her to recognize me, she was all wiggles and glad to be going home,” she said. “My yard is dig & gate proof but my son didn’t know she could/would jump a 6ft fence. Whew.”

This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 6:28 PM.