Hunt is on for missing K-9

SAGLE — The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a K-9 officer which has gone missing.

Zip, a 7-year-old Border collie, was let outside at around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday as part of his regular morning routine but has not been seen since. He was last seen in the Gun Club Road area.

The medium-sized sheepdog has a mostly black coat and head, with a white stripe down its face, and a white chest and legs. Zip was wearing a standard metal choke chain with a rabies vaccination tag registered through Dr. Bob Stoll’s Animal Medical Care clinic in Sandpoint, said the dog’s handler, Deputy Jeremy Deal.

The dog is trained to sniff out illegal drugs and has a friendly temperament around adults, children and other dogs, said Lt. Ror Lakewold.

“It’s important to note that it’s not an apprehension dog,” Lakewold emphasized.

Although Zip has no history of taking off for extended periods of time, sheriff’s officials say there is no indication that foul play involved with its disappearance.

Those with information about the dog’s whereabouts are asked to call Bonner Dispatch at 265-5525.