Lost Dog Reunited With Deceased Woman's Family

When Margaret Wix was struck and killed Nov. 4 on Seminole Boulevard, the 82-year-old woman had apparently been looking for her dog along the Largo street, just south of the Largo Mall.

A Patch reader alerted the community two days later that a lost dog had been found, and according to its microchip, Wix was the owner. Sheri Brown of the Animal Hospital of Seminole posted the following on the Largo Patch story:

"A man brought in a dog on Monday (Nov. 5) he found with it's leash still attatched to the collar. We did a scan for a microchip number and found that Ms. Wix was the owner of the dog. The phone number attatched to the dog was disconnected but when we did a search for her name in the Seminole area we found this article. We don't know her but are shocked and sad to hear that she has passed away. The dog is here and safe."

Meanwhile, Wix's family from Tennessee reached out through Facebook to see if anyone had found the dog:

"My mother in law was killed Sunday night (Nov. 5) when her new Scotty dog got away from her and I really want to make sure he/she isn't put down or homeless or hungry...If you hear anything or one shows up could you please let me know as it would be comforting to know the dog she died trying to get is safe," wrote Suzie Wix in a Facebook post.

Community members, including Pinellas County Animal Services and local animal rescuer and advocate Holly Fleming, saw the post and Largo Patch's story and helped connect the Wix family with the Scottie. 

Suzie Wix hopes to get the dog, Ellie, up to Tennessee soon, but says she is safe with family in Florida for now. She wrote on Facebook:

"Ellie (is) safe and happy no longer scared, lost and alone in her new Thunder Shirt. Thanks to each and everyone of you Awesome people that helped bring a Happy ending to such a horrible tragedy!!!" 

Wix said via email there were so many people to thank.

"Thanks to Elizabeth @ Pinellas County Animal Services, All of their wonderful Facebook followers that networked her...(so many to mention all their names but Angels one and all), Sheri at Animal Hospital of Seminole who called me and the man who found Ellie and took her there, Ellie will be able to have a great life considering the circumstances."

Wix said that while Ellie is transitioning into her new temporary environment before she heads up to Tennessee, the dog is still looking for her owner, Margaret Wix.

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