January 30, 2025

JCARL rescue highlights importance of microchipping

By Dustin Teays

Simon the dog was rescued by the Jasper County Animal Rescue League after he was picked up by a truck driver in California. He and his owner were on vacation when he got away from her. (Submitted Photo)

The Jasper County Animal Rescue League does its best to get animals back to their rightful owners, and thanks to a stroke of good luck and modern technology they were able to do so for a dog who had journeyed far from home.

A Newton animal control officer received a call about a potential stray dog at Love’s Truck Stop. An unidentified man was trying to give the dog away for free because he no longer wanted the pup. Some animal lovers saw the post on Facebook and came to the rescue, bringing the animal to JCARL.

“Things didn’t add up so the (animal control officer) checked him for a chip. He had a microchip,” interim director of JCARL Jennifer Mouchka said.

The German Shepherd named Simon apparently was with his owner vacationing in California, but he got away from her. The truck driver took the dog from California to Virginia, but realized he didn’t want the dog anymore. He called the owner, who lives in Columbia, Mo., and told her if she wanted the dog she would have to come to him.

“At that point, he realized that this dog is an escape artist and didn’t just hang out in his truck like he wanted,” Mouchka said.

The truck driver stopped in Newton, and Simon found his way to JCARL where they scanned the dog’s chip and located his owner. Mouchka said the owner couldn’t pick Simon up but her friend was able to get him, and he is on his way to being reunited.

“It’s pretty cool. It just shows the value of having your animals microchipped,” Mouchka said.

Chrissy Samples, an animal care specialist with JCARL, added, “It is great. That is what we do here. We want all of our dogs to either find their way home or find new homes.”

JCARL staff reminds Jasper County residents they will be hosting the organization’s inaugural Shindig and Auction Sept. 28 at The Cellar Peanut Pub. Mouchka said anyone is welcome to visit JCARL to pet the animals or volunteer to help care for all of the animals at the shelter.

“We always need volunteers,” she said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com