Missing service dog found, heading home to Colorado owner

Susi, the formerly missing service dog, is staying at the SPCA for Monterey County until she is reunited with her owner.

Her owner, Eero Kanerva of Colorado, suffers from an anxiety disorder and relies on Susi to help alleviate his symptoms, which include panic attacks.

“If I start to get to that level of anxiety, she will actually sense it before I even realize what to do about it. And she will paw on me, she will nudge me, she will make noises at me. [She will] more or less refocus me to handle the situation in a better manner,” said Kanerva.

Kanerva claimed a Central Coast woman vacationing in northern Colorado stole Susi two weeks ago.

Kanerva said the two met at a dog park. Several days later, they planned to take their dogs to a lake.

During a pit stop, Kanerva went to grab drinks and that’s when the woman sped off with his dog.

“I don’t understand how somebody can ever do that, especially somebody that loves dogs as she apparently did. She should know that that dog is going to be confused and lost, and let alone me, the owner,” Kanerva said.

Authorities located Susi after witnesses reported seeing the dog on the Central Coast. On Saturday, a Monterey County sheriff’s deputy found Susi in Watsonville and took her to the SPCA.

Susi is receiving a veterinary examination Monday and is expected to stay at the SPCA until she flies back to Colorado Wednesday morning.

The SPCA said Susi is doing well but they’re watching her closely.

“She’s a little nervous. She’s a little thin. She’s been through a lot,” said SPCA for Monterey County Director of Communications and Outreach Beth Brookhouser.

When asked how he felt about his pending reunion with Susi, Kanerva said, “I can’t wait! It’s just the most exciting thing to anticipate right now.”