Kota Bean, a yellow Labrador Retriever from Macon, Georgia, had earned a reputation in her family for her remarkable ability to escape.
After a storm damaged the electric fence surrounding her yard, she slipped out and managed to bypass every other barrier her owners tried to install.
But this time, her disappearance wasn’t like the others.
Vanished Without A Trace
Kellie Deck Tuten shared on Facebook that no matter what they did, Kota always found a way out.
“We have been through countless crates, kennels, cages and all sorts of ways to contain her during the very few hours we needed her contained,” wrote Kellie.
Typically, Kota’s escapes didn’t last long. She either returned on her own or was found nearby within hours.
This time, however, night fell and Kota didn’t come back.
The Tuten family quickly organized a search. They distributed flyers and contacted every animal shelter in the Macon area, hoping someone had seen their beloved dog.
Despite their efforts, weeks turned into months with no sign of Kota. Their hope began to fade.
Then, everything changed.
A Face They Couldn’t Forget Appears Online
While browsing the Bibb County Animal Shelter’s website, the family spotted a familiar face.
“They shared it with a general location in the description, and that’s when I saw her. I KNEW it was her,” Kellie said.
She recognized the area where Kota had last been seen and contacted a friend who lived nearby.
Her friend confirmed that Kota had been spotted in the area and promised to notify Kellie if she saw her again. But each time Kellie rushed over, Kota had already moved on.
Though it was discouraging, Kellie refused to give up. Then, another rescuer reached out with unexpected news.
“Lisa Wood … had been feeding my dog twice a day, took in her (not 1 but 2 litters of) puppies and found them all loving homes,” Kellie shared.
Lisa had recently seen Kota again but hadn’t located her latest litter. Determined to find both the dog and her babies, Lisa and Kellie joined forces.
Tracking Kota To Her Hidden Den
Capturing Kota proved difficult. They came close several times, but she remained elusive. Eventually, Lisa managed to slip a collar with a GPS tracker onto her, giving them a way to follow her movements.
When they arrived at one of her hiding spots, they faced a new challenge.
“Kota ran up to a drain pipe and sniffed and then ran back several feet and laid down. We were pretty certain the puppies were in there … but we couldn’t hear or see them.”
They called in reinforcements. Amy Beth Wall and Sean Wall joined the effort, helping cut into the tunnel to reach the hidden family.
After hours of digging, they successfully pulled four tiny puppies from the pipe.
But Kota still wasn’t ready to come close. She remained fearful and kept her distance.
“It wasn’t until the next night that we were able to get Kota to jump in the car with us and the puppies and come home.”
The mission was complete. Kota and her babies were safe.
Healing At Her Own Pace
The puppies quickly adapted to their new environment, but Kota needed more time.
“She is still warming back up to us. She doesn’t have much interest in coming inside, which is a huge change from before. But she comes to greet us when we go sit in the backyard.”
Though she accepted cuddles, Kota remained cautious. Her family noticed she didn’t play with her old toys and seemed distant.
“She doesn’t seem interested in her old toys or anything either. It’s been hard for us because it just makes it seem like she’s unhappy here, but I think it’s more so that she’s still traumatized from having to fight to be safe.”
The Tutens chose to be patient, allowing Kota to heal on her own terms.
For now, they’re simply grateful to have her back and to watch her four puppies bring joy and energy to their home once again.