ACE - The Missing Rhodesian Ridgeback (Okeechobee)

ACE went missing on the night of August 10th 2024 at 10:20 pm. As a Service Dog, ACE lived in the house and was always near his owner day and night. ACE and his companion Pirata were let out of the house for a final bathroom break before turning in for the night. Pirata, a female Black Mouth Cur was in heat and at the peak of her cycle, which had been driving ACE crazy. ACE was not acting like his normal self and he had refused to leave Pirata's side.  Within two or three minutes of being let out, the two of them vanished into the darkness, most likely chasing deer. They chased deer almost every night, but they always returned after they ran the deer off of the property. This night was different.

Several minutes after they ran off, ACE's owner went inside to grab a flashlight and returned outside to look for them and call them back in. When they didn't respond, he jumped in his Gator and searched the property but couldn't find them. He then began searching the neighborhood and calling for the dogs. He continued at periodic intervals until daybreak. The next morning an immediate and exhaustive search effort began on foot, via drone, and by contacting nearby neighbors and property owners.  Flyers were mailed and placed in mailboxes. Signs were posted. The search continues to this day.  ACE was not wearing his collar at the time because his owner did not want him to get hung up in the bush due to the recent deer chasing he and Pirata were doing. It should be noted that until that night, ACE had never left his home property without his owner or other person.

Pirata retuned home three days later at 9:20 a.m. Tuesday August 13th, 2024. She was clean and dry (there was extremely heavy rainfall that previous night). She was not hungry and only ate a small portion of food. Since her return, Pirata has repeatedly attempted to go to ACE's last known location.