Reddit Rallies to Rescue: East Valley Unites to Bring Iris the Dog Home

TEMPE, Ariz. — After a harrowing 11-day search, a Chihuahua mix named Iris is back at home, much to the relief of her owners, Jacob Robbins and Guadalupe Mabry-Torres.

The couple, visiting family in the Valley for Thanksgiving, discovered Iris was missing after returning home from dinner. “What is she up to? What did she get into?” Jacob recalled their initial panic as they searched the area.

Upon finding Iris’s collar near a hole in the backyard fence, they resolved to find her. With limited success from traditional searching methods, Jacob took to East Valley Reddit communities to rally support.

Initially met with indifference, Jacob’s posts gained traction when more sightings of Iris emerged, culminating in a crucial tip from a family near Costco, who had been tracking her movements.

“People were incredibly generous with their time and emotions about her,” Jacob remarked. This community support transformed their search efforts as more locals joined in to hunt for Iris.

On the 11th day, a couple located Iris at Kiwanis Park. Jacob rushed to the scene but watched helplessly as she ran away. With persistence, the couple used a leaf blower to usher Iris into a safe area where they managed to catch her.

Finally reunited, Jacob and Guadalupe celebrated the return of their beloved pet, who, though a bit scratched up, remained healthy. “Thank you to Tricia and Patrick for being amazing,” Jacob said, expressing heartfelt gratitude.

While the ordeal has ended, Jacob and Guadalupe acknowledge the emotional toll it took. “The support and love we received will stick with us forever,” Jacob stated, reflecting on the experience. For now, Iris is grounded and sporting a cone, a fitting reminder of her adventurous escapade.