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Lost children and lost pets evoke similar responses on the part of the families they belong to.

First, disbelief, the calling and calling of a beloved name, worry as nightfall sets in, sleeplessness, more worry, then utter sadness and despair.

Isabel Tome’ - friend of hundreds, maybe thousands of appreciative customers over the years at her famous “Isabel’s” café - and her disabled daughter Vanessa are hoping against hope that someone in Ashe County may know the whereabouts of Vanessa’s therapy dog, a reddish-brown male Pomeranian named Victor.

An Ashe County Animal Control orphan last year, Victor was given to Vanessa and Isabel and life began to look up for all of them. Victor became the star of the family, carried around by Isabel’s grandchildren, and constant companion to Vanessa, whose fragile health improved once he arrived. Isabel too, called him her greatest joy.

Friends and customers were delighted to see the laughter come back in to Isabel’s life as Victor’s antics provided the therapy that she and her daughter needed. Victor stayed with Vanessa and knew what to do when she exhibited the signs of a seizure.

Victor was last seen at Isabel and Vanessa’s trailer home on the grounds of High Country Greenhouses on N.C. 88 West between the town of West Jefferson and Smethport. Victor and his buddies, who belong to the nursery owners, roamed the greenhouses together greeting customers during the day, but always came in at night.

On Saturday, April 15, a customer buying plants admired and held Victor and said he would make a great pet for a friend whose dog had just died. When the customer was told that Victor wasn’t up for adoption, the customer put him down, but hours later Victor had disappeared.

Vanessa’s health has deteriorated, and she neither sleeps nor eats, waiting for some word on the dog who had become a lifeline for her, and her dearest friend. Isabel, who has taken care of so many in our county, is heartsick and is praying that someone will respond to the fliers posted at the grocery stores and veterinary clinics in town.

A friend has posted a $100 reward, no questions asked, for Victor’s safe return. If Victor strayed and was picked up by a good Samaritan, the family will be most grateful for that news as well. Any news at all to help reunite this service dog with the girl he cares for, will be much appreciated.

Please call 336-877-2935 with any information or email claretager@gmail.com.

A note can also be left anonymously at the Jefferson Post c/o Linda Burchette.