JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo — The Jefferson County community is rallying around a local Navy veteran who has been looking for his beloved service dog for weeks. A dog named after local fallen hero Jared Schmitz. Timothy Festa is a Navy veteran who calls Hillsboro home.

His property is surrounded by thick woods, so when Festa’s service dog, Jarred, went missing one morning, he assumed his pup would be back in no time. On the morning of Wednesday, May 22, 2024, around 8:30 a.m., the German shepherd was let outside for his usual bathroom break.

As Festa chatted with his sister and prepared his morning coffee, Jared noticed something in the front yard. The security camera footage shows Jared strolling off-screen, drawn to whatever had captured his attention.

Festa said, “It didn’t really fully hit me yet, to be honest, until about two hours went by and that’s when the panic really hit. you know, all of these negative thoughts started rolling over my head, like, Ok, whats going on? Where’s he? All these bad things can happen. We need to find him.”

Jared came into Festa’s life through Dogs That Help, a non-profit organization providing service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders at no cost. The pair has been through thick and thin.

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Festa said about his trusted companion, “He’s been a lifesaver too. he’s helped me through some very dark times.” Jared is described as a very playful and friendly dog who loves pretty much everyone that he comes into contact with.

“I just want him to come home because I miss him so much,” the veteran stated. In the past two months, Festa has received an outpour of love and support from all over the country from people who want to help Jared come home. Drones, thermal imaging, search and rescue dogs, and even animal psychics have been used in the pursuit. Jared was spotted at one point via trail camera in House Springs and also at Don Robinson State Park.

Festa said, “Having him return home would take a lot of the stress off of me and it’s also just what I need.” The dogs that help have since provided Festa with a service dog named Hazel. The sweet and playful yellow lab is beginning her training and is head over heels for her new dad.

The pair is awaiting the safe return of their third family member. If you have any information on Jared’s location or if you spot the German shepherd, Festa wants to remind you not to yell or chase the dog but to get low on the ground and wait for Jared to approach you. you can reach Festa by searching Operation Reunite on Facebook and by calling 314-277-3332 .

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