Rescue dog Tommy missing after running away from Vancouver airport

A search is underway for a pup named Tommy that was rescued from a kill shelter overseas but broke loose when he arrived in Vancouver.

Anyone heading for the Vancouver airport has been asked to keep an eye out for Tommy, a lost rescue dog believed to be wandering the area.

Lisa McGalliard with Furever Freed Dog Rescue said the young jindo-corgi mix escaped from a pet enclosure near the international arrivals area last Thursday, and has eluded capture ever since.

“This is one of our worst nightmares, a dog going missing,” said McGalliard. “It’s upsetting for everybody.”

Tommy, who was wearing a red scarf and blue harness, was flown into Vancouver International Airport from South Korea, where he had been facing euthanasia at a kill shelter, McGalliard said.

“We had a good home for him here,” she added. “He’s such a happy boy, loves his belly rubs.”

But the flight over left Tommy frightened, and his crate was soaked with pee when he arrived.

The dog was placed into an outdoor enclosure, only to squeeze between two steel bars and run off, McGalliard said.

“Tommy is like 20 pounds, we never thought he’d push his way through there,” she said. “It’s like a three-inch gap.”

The escape has prompted a worried search effort with help from unexpected places. McGalliard said RCMP officers stationed at the airport shared Tommy’s picture in a group chat, and YVR staff have placed missing posters up.

In a statement, an airport spokesperson said members of the YVR operations team are “doing all they can” to help bring the missing dog home.

“Operations will continue to stay in close contact with those involved as efforts to locate Tommy continue,” the spokesperson said.

Furever Freed said there have been several sightings of Tommy, including near Templeton Street, near the Canada Post processing centre—but none since Sunday.

The Langley-based rescue urged anyone who sees Tommy not to chase him, as it could drive him further away, but to immediately call Petsearchers Canada at 604-339-5680.