Terrified Dog on a 200-Kilometer Journey Across Thüringen

In a remarkable and distressing saga, an 8-year-old mixed-breed dog named Lotte has been on the run for over two weeks, traversing more than 200 kilometers across the Thüringen region of Germany. This frightened canine, a former stray originally rescued from Romania, seems to be fleeing from an unknown fear, with no clear destination in sight.

Lotte was initially taken to the Kandelhof animal shelter in the Saxon Vogtland region, where she was successfully adopted and relocated to Greiz. Unfortunately, during her adjustment period, the anxious dog chewed through her leash and escaped, initiating a chaotic journey through various towns and landscapes.

Since her disappearance on September 2, Lotte has been sighted in several locations, including Saalfeld, Dröbischau, and Ilmenau. Her journey has raised significant concern among animal welfare advocates, as she has been spotted looking visibly distressed throughout her travels. A recent photograph shows Lotte with a remnant of her leash still attached around her neck, underscoring the urgency of her situation.

Recently, sightings reported her in the Weimar area, with the last confirmed locations being Apolda and Gelmeroda. Animal behavior expert Katja Culbertson has been actively involved in the search for Lotte and emphasizes the need for caution. She advises that attempting to catch the dog could exacerbate her anxiety, making her even more elusive.

Culbertson highlighted that Lotte is in a state of heightened fear and will likely not respond to calls or attempts to lure her in. Observers are encouraged to simply watch and report her whereabouts without making any sudden movements that could scare her further. Local authorities and animal rescue groups have been notified and are on alert for any developments regarding Lotte.

The ongoing search for Lotte illustrates the challenges faced by rescue animals adjusting to new environments. As the days progress, the chances of her encountering danger increase, which adds urgency to the community's efforts in locating her. Anyone who spots Lotte is advised to contact Culbertson or the local police, providing crucial information that could lead to her safe recovery.