UPDATE: Shanti was returned to her owners on Tuesday around 3 p.m. The people who found her reportedly saw the story air on WBTW News 13 on Monday evening.
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) – A local Hebrew school lost its service dog, Shanty, who works with challenged children.
On Thursday night, Shanty went missing. On Monday the Hebrew school where she serves as a service dog came together to ask the community for help in locating Shanti.
Shanty belongs to Shani Bell. “She came from Israel with me to be with the kids,” said Bell.
Over the past five years, the specially trained service dog has become part of the family at the school Bell runs in Myrtle Beach.
“We play fetch, and I would always lay down on the floor and she would always come and lick me,” said student, Yuval Zyora.
Happy memories have turned to tears since Shanty lost her collar, got loose and ran off Thursday night. Students from the school made signs to ask the community to help find the beloved pet, who was a constant companion to the kids.
“Everyone wants to play with her. All the kids love her. She’s like our baby,” said student Leehe Zyora.
A connection felt especially strong by Bell’s adopted daughter Jessica. “I was abused before I got adopted, and Shanty helped me a lot. She was always there for me. She saw that I was sad and came right by my side.”
The Bells have worked non-stop searching for the dog, putting up flyers, and checking area animal shelters.
“Every single morning I’m there before they open to check maybe someone found Shanty and [brought her] back, but for now nothing,” except hope that Shanty will come home. “That would make me the most happy in the whole world.”
There is a $1,000 reward being offered for any information leading to Shanty. If you have any information you’re ask to call the owners at 843-457-7776.
