Samantha Paulino adopted a rescue dog named Autumn from South Korea, unaware that Autumn would go on a six-month surviving journey on her own. Autumn arrived in the United States in September 2023 with a history of anxiety and independence. Despite improvements in their relationship, Autumn ran off during a walk in December 2023, eluding all capture attempts due to her speed and evasiveness. Paulino immediately began a search campaign, but Autumn remained out of reach for a month until a woman named Katie spotted her at Arlington National Cemetery.
Autumn had made a home for herself at a nearby Army post called Fort Myer, where Katie helped in posting lost dog flyers. Eventually, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) got involved with their animal control team, establishing Autumn’s patterns and habits to try to bring her home. After months of tracking and observing Autumn, the AWLA was finally able to confine her with a specialized trap on June 11, 2024. Despite Autumn’s initial reluctance, she settled near her rescuers, relieved that her long struggle was over, and was reunited with Paulino the next day.
The capture of Autumn was a challenging task for the AWLA, as she evaded various traps and tracking methods, including prototype traps. The organization dedicated significant resources and efforts to rescue Autumn, finally devising a successful trap on June 11. Paulino mentioned that Autumn received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian, despite her six months on the run. The next few weeks will be crucial as Autumn reacclimates to living in a home and with an owner, requiring ongoing support from the AWLA for a smooth transition.
Autumn’s capture was the most difficult in the career of AWLA’s Chief of Animal Control, Jen Toussaint, highlighting the challenges they faced in capturing the elusive dog. To prevent further escapes, Autumn now wears a GPS tracker and is double-leashed during walks. Paulino expressed gratitude for the support of the AWLA and the community in reuniting her with Autumn after a daunting six-month ordeal. She emphasized the importance of continued care and vigilance to ensure Autumn’s successful reintegration into a domestic pet lifestyle.
The journey of Autumn, the resilient rescue dog, garnered attention and support from the community, culminating in her safe capture and reunion with her owner, Samantha Paulino. The dedication and efforts of the AWLA and their animal control team played a pivotal role in tracking and capturing Autumn after months of evasiveness. Autumn’s emotional and physical well-being will be closely monitored in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition back into a home environment. The remarkable story of Autumn’s survival and rescue showcases the power of determination, collaboration, and compassion in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
