Source: Kellie Deck Tuten via The Dodo
Kota Bean, a yellow Labrador Retriever, has earned a reputation within her family as a master escape artist. This clever dog has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to overcome various barriers designed to keep her safe at home in Macon, Georgia. Her escapades are not just about escaping physical confines but also the emotional journey of her family as they deal with her adventurous spirit.
The Escape Artist: Kota’s Adventures Beyond the Fence
Kota’s tale of escapades begins with her ability to break free from an electric fence, which was left damaged following a storm. Her skills did not stop there; she managed to escape from every other type of confinement her family tried. Crates, kennels, and cages—nothing could hold back the spirited Kota. Her family, led by Kellie Deck Tuten, has shared stories on social media about their relentless but unsuccessful efforts to contain her.
Source: Kellie Deck Tuten via The Dodo
The Breakout That Changed Everything
However, one of Kota’s adventures turned out to be unlike any other. During her most recent escape, she did not return as she usually would. As the daylight dwindled, there was no sign of Kota, sparking a wave of worry in the Tuten family. They mobilized quickly, forming a search party, distributing flyers, and contacting every animal shelter in and around Macon, clinging to the hope of finding any information that would lead them back to their beloved dog.
Source: Kellie Deck Tuten via The Dodo
A Year of Silence
As days turned into months and eventually a year, with no trace of Kota, the Tuten family began to lose hope. The pain of not knowing the fate of their furry family member hung heavily on their hearts. But just as they were about to give up, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon.
A Familiar Face in the Crowd
One fateful day, while scrolling through the website of Bibb County Animal Shelter, a very familiar face caught their attention. It was Kota! The family saw her picture posted with a general location. Kellie recognized the area immediately and contacted a friend who lived nearby.
The Chase and Frustrating Near Misses
Kellie’s friend confirmed it was indeed Kota wandering around the area. Every time Kota was spotted, Kellie rushed to the location, but each time, Kota had vanished by the time she arrived. Despite the frustration, Kellie’s hope never waned. She was even contacted by another local rescuer, Lisa Wood, who had been feeding Kota twice a day and had taken in not one, but two litters of puppies Kota had during her time away, finding homes for all of them.
The Rescue Mission: A Collaboration of Hope
Source: Facebook
Determined to bring Kota and her puppies home, Kellie and Lisa joined forces. Their efforts finally paid off when Lisa managed to place a GPS collar on Kota during one of her sightings. This crucial step allowed them to track her down to her hiding spot—a small den in a secluded area.
The Discovery and Rescue of the Puppies
Following the GPS signal, they found Kota leading them to a drain pipe. After observing her behavior, they were certain the puppies were inside. The rescue team, including Amy Beth Wall and Sean Wall, worked diligently, cutting into the pipe and eventually rescuing four adorable puppies.
Kota’s Reluctant Return
Source: Facebook
With the puppies safe, the focus turned back to Kota, who was understandably wary and hesitant to join her rescuers. However, the following night, they successfully coaxed her into a car with her puppies, finally bringing the little family back home.
Adjusting to a New Life
Back home, the puppies quickly settled in, but for Kota, the adjustment was more challenging. She remained distant, showing little interest in coming indoors or engaging with her old toys, a stark change from her previous indoor life. The Tuten family understood that she needed time to heal from the traumas of survival.
Source: Kellie Deck Tuten via The Dodo
Healing and Hope
As they give her the space and time to adjust, the Tuten family is overjoyed to have Kota and her puppies back where they belong. Despite the challenges, they are hopeful that with patience and love, Kota will feel comfortable and secure once again in her home.
A Tale of Love, Loss, and Reunion
Kota’s story is a testament to the resilience of both the dog and her family. It’s a story of adventure, the pain of separation, the joy of reunion, and the healing power of love. The Tuten family continues to share their journey, offering hope and encouragement to others who might be facing similar challenges with their pets. Kota, the great escapist, has not only tested the limits of her confines but also the hearts of those who love her.
Source: Kellie Deck Tuten via The Dodo
