Cynde Puckett
In Motion Staff Writer
Thanks to the quick thinking and compassion of Daytona State College employees an injured, lost dog was reunited with his family after being found on the DSC campus. He was missing for nearly a week following a car crash at 966 W. International Speedway Blvd.
The crash resulted in the death of Crystal Duncan who was taking her dog, Copper, to the vet. Copper ran away from the crash scene and wandered the streets for about a week. Duncan’s longtime partner, Scott Jackson, and their son, began searching for the redbone coonhound following the tragedy. They received good news when Copper was found in some bushes at DSC.
Christina Katsolis, Programming Director for the Southeast Museum of Photography, saw Copper and contacted Campus Safety.
Jacquie English took the call from Katsolis and warned her to be cautious around the skittish dog. Campus Safety officer, Nancy Hodge, was assigned to the call. As soon as she saw the dog she was certain it was Copper. Campus Safety had been trying to catch him for almost a week. He had been spotted on the campus several times and Jackson and his son were on the campus in the evenings looking for Copper.
“He was scared and shaking. Christina was in the bushes with him. Talking to him calmed him down. We were trying to keep him away from ISB. The more we talked the calmer he became, at first lowering his head then lying down completely for us. As soon as Scott and his son showed up, Copper ran right over. He perked up immediately when he heard their voices,” said Hodge.
Copper had an injury from the car crash, he was hungry tired and thirsty. He was given bottled water to drink by Campus Safety officers and Jackson made it a priority to get Copper to the vet to make sure he was okay.
The dog was found the day before Duncan’s funeral, which brought a measure of joy to the family in the midst of their sadness and loss. He was able to be at Duncan’s memorial service with his loved ones.
In a report by WESH-Channel 2, Jackson said, “We got closure. He’s here. This is Crystal’s baby. She loved him so much. We have him now. Thank you so much for what everybody’s done.”
“There was a $500 reward being offered, but it wasn’t about the reward. It was about the love of animals and getting him to his family,” said Hodge. “Everyone agreed the reward money should go to the family.”
“I’m so thankful. I got my brother back,” said Jackson’s son. “I’m definitely taking him to the funeral home because she would want him there.”
Katsolis recounted that, “I was introduced to the family and it was so incredibly emotional. I cannot fathom what that family was going through, but I gather that finding this dog, this beloved pet, brought them a measure of solace. The young man, Scotty, referred to Copper as being ‘his brother.’ This pup was obviously just another member of the family, and they were not going to give up hope of finding and bringing him home. I’m thankful that I was in the right place, at just the right time.
“When they told me about the reward, I said ‘Absolutely not!’ To see them reunited with their dog was just wonderful.”
Campus Safety officers corralled another stray dog at the Welcome Back event on Jan. 24. That dog was released by its owner and taken to Sophie’s Circle Pet Food Pantry and Animal Rescue. For more information about Sophie’s Circle, visit www.sophiescircle.com.
“Campus Safety was wonderful—they had obviously been following this case and gave me great advice. They provided support, gave continual updates, and were extremely happy to see the family reunited!,” said Katsolis.