At 6AM staff was contacted by the homeowner of a site that has been under surveillance for over a week. Dakota was seen on the rear deck and was still there when staff arrived at 6:30AM.
When approached, Dakota flew off to a tree, flying low to the ground the entire distance. After several more lower, short flights between homes, trees, and fences in the area, he landed on the railing of a nearby home. One of our staff members was able to slowly approach up the stairs and after an excruciatingly long few moments, was able to safely contain him. After successfully securing him for the ride back, Dakota was finally returned home.
He is resting and recuperating after being examined by his veterinarian earlier today. (we are extremely grateful for the hours volunteered by Dakota’s Veterinarian, Dr. Waliszewski and others who assist us with both resident and patient animals all year long) Dakota returned very dehydrated and thin, but has likely been able to find some food to survive. We are still waiting for results from blood tests to determine if he has other health problems that will need to be addressed.
Dakota will be monitored and cared for, including fluids, for the next week before another evaluation will be completed to see if his condition is improving. Obviously, his physical condition as well as his temperament will determine when he will be able to return to programs and resume his position as the Wildlife In Need Center’s ambassador. We are grateful to have Dakota back where he is safe and only he can determine when he will be ready to return to work.
Thank you to everyone for their support and concern over the past several weeks. Keep watching this blog for updates as Dakota's recuperation continues.
I'm so very happy to see Dakota is now home! YHEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am soooooo happy to hear this news! I clicked on my WINC desktop icon not expecting any change and i just about whooped with joy. God Bless all of you who cared. I will continue to pray for Dakota's health and well being.
ReplyDeleteSo glad he's back home safely where he belongs! I hope your visitors will happily begrudge Dakota the time he needs to recuperate and feel more like himself again!
ReplyDeleteSoooo excited to hear this wonderful news!! THANK YOU to all the WLIN staff & volunteers who have worked tirelessly to recover Dakota & care for him, as well as the other animals.
ReplyDeleteThis is the happiest news EVER!!!! Congrats WLIN! And a giant THANK YOU to the observant home owner.
ReplyDeleteThis news made my week, seriously!! I will keep thinking good thoughts! Thank you also to the homeowner who took an interest in his wellbeing and made the call!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I thought about when I read of Dakota's return home was, "Thank you Jesus"! Sooooo happy he has been found. What a horrific experience for him. Thank you to all who helped make this a very happy ending!
ReplyDeleteI too almost fell off my chair with excitement after checking on Dakota's status as I have been doing multiple times a day. SO glad he is safe and under the best care. I sure hope he recuperates...poor thing should never have been put in this dire situation. Thanks for the updates...keep them coming!!
ReplyDeleteI am crying tears of happiness. I would check everyday for updates. Thank you to the homeowner who cared and called. Thank you all for your diligence, caring and love to make sure Dakota was returned.
ReplyDeleteNow I pray for him to return to his healthy condition.
Best news of the day!
ReplyDeleteYay! So glad he is home. I hope he recovers nicely. Poor guy....so unnecessary!
ReplyDeleteIt might be safe to say that never has a community been so thrilled to get its owl back. Nicely done, WINC staff!
ReplyDeleteThank God ~ Prayers are answered ~~ Dakota is
ReplyDeletehome and safe.
Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!! I'm so happy for you all. Thank you God!!!
ReplyDelete:)
I have been praying every night for Dakota's return and that is all I really wanted for Christmas. I would love to be a volunteer at your center but I live in the Oshkosh area. I will be sending a donation for Dakota's recovery.
ReplyDeleteMy sister called me on the phone and said, "They found the owl!" I shouted with joy and shed tears of joy. I've been praying morning and night for him and will continue to pray for his recovery.
ReplyDeleteI wish Dakota a great recovery! I am so glad to hear he is safe and at his home. Bless you all for your care of such a wonderful Owl. He is blessed and I hope he is now happy to be home. I actually cried when I heard on the radio he was found, it made my day.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely the best news and has made my week!I have been checking everyday for updates on Dakota out here in Salt Lake City, UT. I'm so glad he's returned home. Thanks for all that you do!
ReplyDeleteAMEN!! - I AM VERY HAPPY AND FULL OF JOY WITH TEARS IN MY EYES - KNOWING DAKOTA IS SAFE AND BACK HOME IS FORSURE A TRUE BLESSING!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the best Christmas present for the thousands of people Dakota has touched over the years. Now, May be the lives of the Thousands who have shown so much concern can be filled with love and cheer for this Holiday season!
ReplyDeleteI would guess Dakota is not out of the woods just yet (Pun intended), But with the care and love that the staff and volunteers at WINC provide for every animal in their care Dakota stands a chance. Something he would not get in the wild he was not used to.
Oh and for those that don't know, WINC DOES NOT receive and Tax dollars, they survive on the donations for thousands who believe in "Helping Wildlife".
Welcome Back Dakota, I hope you get well and can get back to work soon educating us.
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This story has captivated my attention beyond anything I may have expected. It is gratifying to know that Dakota has been recovered and here is hoping that his recovery is quick and complete.
ReplyDeleteDakota is one special and amazing owl for everything that he has gone through...we humans have so much to learn from him. Welcome Home Dakota!!
ReplyDeleteSOOOOO happy to hear the great news, overjoyed that he's back!! Proud of Dakota for hanging tough and think the world of WINC for your efforts. A special shout-out to Team Friday!
ReplyDeleteExtremety happy that Dakota is home safe and sound. Thank you to all! He is truly a blessing!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic news!!! So happy to hear Dakota is back where he belongs! Thank you to everyone who helped to bring him home. Dakota and the volunteers have been in my thoughts and prayers daily. I continue to pray for Dakota's swift recovery. May all of you at WINC be blessed this holiday season!
ReplyDeleteGod bless all everyone at WINC, God bless the homeowner who found him, God bless the vet who gives his time to help these precious animals and God bless Dakota-my ONLY Christmas wish has come true. I dont know why we chose today, but, my Mom and I drove from West Bend to WINC to bring items on their wish list. As we walked up to the door, the note on the door with updates on Dakota was being taken off the door - as we walked in we were told he was found this morning and was home. I have never been so happy - I have prayed every day for Dakota to come home - thank you God for bringing him home where he belongs.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to have Dakota back home! He has educated us many times at Wales elementary and we hope to see him soon.
ReplyDeleteHuzzah Huzzah for the safe return of Dakota!!
ReplyDeleteI suppose his next stunt will be applying for
Workman's Comp!! He's earned it. God bless all who assisted in his return and a special congratulations to all volunteers and staff for the well planned and patient approach to achive his rescue.
Shane C
Milwaukee
Christmas blessing!!!! Thank God for truly wonderful people out there who care so much!! You make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful news. I have been watching your website diligently since Dakota was taken...now the prayers will be for his speedy recovery!!
ReplyDeleteSo very happy that this story has a happy ending. Thank goodness for kind people who cared enough to not give up and continue searching for this natural treasure. Welcome home, Dakota!
ReplyDeleteGod does answer prayers! I have been checking the website daily and have prayed for Dakotas' safe return. God bless the homeowner that watched and made the call and to those who diligently kept up the search. There are still a few good people left in this world. Thank God for restoring my hope in mankind. Get healthy fast, Dakota and welcome home!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to see so many people are concerned about Dakota. I only met him once, at the open house for the new building. I was truly touched by the love and dedication of the staff and also the volunteers I met that day. They truly love all the animals in their care. I think they are all angels sent from heaven to help the animals who are unable to make it on their own. I thank God, and I thank the staff and volunteers for every mouth they feed, every animal they release, and all the things they do inbetween. I have prayed for Dakota and his caregivers every day. And, thank you also to the neighbors who cared, and watched for Dakota, and who called in this morning, when he was reunited with his caregivers. I cried with joy when I heard he was found. I will continue to pray that he makes a full recovery and the sadness and worry of all his caregivers will soon be a thing of the past. God bless you all. Get well soon, Dakota. (You have no idea how many people are praying for you.) (Ellen)
ReplyDeleteWhat a Christmas present! Dakota,you are now safe at home. We love you and wish you the best.
ReplyDeleteThis is what life is all about.
Thanks to everyone.
What wonderful news! I'm sure after all this, Dakota will continue to be strong and make a full recovery. Wouldn't it be fun to know about his conversations with the other owls? Oh the stories they could tell! I’m sure he’s happy to be back with his “friends” at WLIN. And I’m sure those at WLIN might finally get a good night’s sleep! Thanks for keeping us posted on Dakota’s progress.
ReplyDeleteGreat news! It will be a very Merry Christmas indeed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog post; I am so relieved to hear that this imprinted owl is back home and is being cared for by those who know him. Thank you, WINC, for what you do.
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to hear you got Dakota back. I hope he recuperates well and enjoys his new life as a CELEBRITY!
ReplyDeleteCelebrated Dakota's return home! Congratulations and thanks to WINC staff, volunteers, and the community of people who helped bring Dakota home! Now, on to the next challenge...his recovery. Praying that he will be back to full physical and mental health as soon as possible. Hang in there, everybody!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Home Dakota!! I will pray for you to make a full healthy recovery. You are truly a very loved owl! Thank you to all that helped in the search and in bringing Dakota home -- I am very thankful and extremely happy. Blessings, Susan (Hartford, WI).
ReplyDeleteWHOOOOOO! WHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHooray! Many thanks to the people who volunteered time and resources to bringing Dakota home! Here's hoping for a strong recovery. And of course, way to go, Dakota! He is one tough bird with a strong survival instinct. :D
ReplyDeleteHad to be careful driving, as the good news came over the radio and my eyes filled with tears of joy and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteThank you to all the staff and volunteers who spent countless hours searching for Dakota as well as the public who sent so much support to WINC. This is the best Christmas present ever. Thanks for taking such great care of him at WINC. We can't wait to see him again healthy and happy.
ReplyDeleteI am THRILLED to hear that Dakota is back home. I was worried sick reading about the theft and escape. I am going to make a donation in his honor.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Dakota!