"A Family Tradition for 133 Years" Heartsick owner is seeking return of beloved Sheltie By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star It's been nearly three weeks since "Sprite" ran away from a truck accident on Hwy. 12 near Saintfield. But her owner is convinced the four-year-old Tri-Colour Sheltie is still alive, and per- haps even making her way slowly back home in Oshawa. "My feeling is that she is trying to make her way home," said Pat Schiller, who lives in the Harmony Rd. area of Oshawa. She is especially encouraged by the fact that Shelties match- ing the description of Sprite have been sighted at Hwy. 47 near Uxbridge, on Scugog's Sideline 14, and most recently on Simcoe St. in Port Perry. Pat has been a devoted dog owner for many years, and since Sprite disappeared she has spent countless hours searching the woods and fields between Port Perry and the accident site, between Saintfield and Blackwater. And she is offering a cash reward to anyone who provides information léading to the safe return of the black, tan and white purebred dog, who has obedience and companion training. Sprite stands about 16 inch- es tall at the shoulder, weighs about 22 pounds and answers to her name, of course. At the time she disappeared, she was wearing a choke chain collar. A tattoo on her left flank reads GKBA4E. March 4 was a cold and very windy day as Pat drove north on Hwy. 12 to Sunderland to keep a veterinarian's appoint- ment for her Shelties. Under the cap of her half ton truck with Sprite were her two other Shelties -- Cisco and Shania, both Blue Merles and the parents of the five newly-born puppies that were travelling in a large box beside Pat on the front seat. Pat's not sure if she hit a patch of ice or the truck was caught by a sharp gust of wind, or both, but she lost control on a turn and the truck flipped onto the driver's side in the ditch. Pat was not badly injured, but she was trapped in the cab. Somehow she managed to keep the three-day-old puppies from getting out the broken window. But the three dogs in the back of the truck all jumped free. Shania stayed at the acci- dent scene, while Sprite and Cisco, likely in shock, ran off in opposite directions. Emergency crews had to cut his local history book, The Merchants of Old Local historian will speak at Manchester dinner Fresh on the heels of urging all those attend- the successful launch of. ing to look through their old pictures and bring any photographs or Pat from the wrecked truck. She was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment of cuts, bruises and whiplash. One of the police officers brought Shania and the five pups to Pat while she was being checked at the hospital, but the other two were nowhere to be found. As soon as she was released later that day, Pat and her husband rushed to the accident site and began search- ing for their two missing Shelties -- to no avail. Pat's husband returned 'again to the scene the next morning and found Cisco dead beside the highway. He had returned to the accident site during the night and had been struck by a vehicle. While the loss of Cisco was' devastating for Pat -- he is a former Canadian champion -- it gave her some hope that Sprite had survived the acci- dent and might return to the area as well. Since March 4, the search for "Sprite" has widened, espe- cially with the sightings in the three locations south of the accident scene. Pat refuses to give up hope and will follow up any lead at any time of the day or night. She would dearly like to get her Sheltie back and has Port Perry, author Paul Arculus will be speaking in Manchester this Friday night. Mr. Arculus is the guest speaker at the Manchester Community Pot Luck dinner being held in the village's ~ United Church and will be speaking about the history of Manchester and surrounding area. Mr. Arculus, who along with Port Perry Star publisher J. Peter Hvidsten is trying to compile an archive of local photographs, is photo postcards of Manchester, Port Perry and area along with them. Mr. Arculus will per- sonally autograph copies of his new book during the evening. The pot luck dinner starts at 7 p.m. and orga- nizers are inviting every- one to come and meet their neighbours. There will also be a special musical presentation by The Groves Family. For further informa- tion call Diane at 985- 7049. Police investigate vandalism Durham Regional Police were called out to the William's Point Rd. area last week after a cou- ple incidents were report- ed. Durham Police were called to the area after numerous fire route signs were knocked "over in the neighbourhood sometime between 5 p.m. on March 15 and 11 a.m. on March 16. An investigation led police to a 14-year-old boy, who was spoken to by the police officer. Police also attended to a cottage owned by a North York resident after thieves entered the build- ing sometime between March 15 and 20. Thieves gained entry by breaking a north side window and stole a set of binoculars. Police were eventually led to two 12-year-old boys and a 14-year-old girl, who were spoken to by the offi- cer. Arrangements were made with the youths' par- ents to pay restitution for the Seton window and stolen binoculars. : ul FEATURE RESTAURANT ' Cn VA NR Ean A 0 EA A ST ¥ 5 RI br Sie, bd oh RX Td eS. & 3 ANE ME 279 Queen St. (opposite IGA) 98 Downtown Port Perry GREAT FOOD. GREAT ATMOSPH ERE. Pat Schiller of Oshawa is hoping for the return of her dog Sprite (sitting up), which went missing after @n accident north of Greenbank March 4. offered the cash reward to any- one who helps her. If you have seen "Sprite" or know where she is, call Pat (collect if nec- essary) at (905) 5679-7450. Try one of our quick LUNCH SPECIALS Don't Forget Our All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch Buffet from 11am - 3pm i As the weather warms up 279 Queen St, Port Perry f - the patio will be open too! (90%) 985-2775 J g Go RN NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON Ee Make A Date with | Friends & Family... 5 Come Out & Enjoy. Ii § SOE AT Cl A hr Tr ¥ ¥ % aki Welcome to the Home of the freshest i roasted coffee. id We order - 24 pH PRY they roast it for us. ka great beginnings of our rh "real" cappuccino', lateés ns 3 § ! COFFEE HOUSE 217 Queen St., Port P 985-1033 oN