Pet recovery efforts intensify after dog escapes from Chicago daycare

In Chicago, a seven-and-a-half-year-old dog named Minnie made headlines after she managed to escape from the PUPS Pet Club, a doggy daycare located in the South Loop area. The incident occurred on February 16, 2025, and was captured on surveillance video, showing Minnie scratching at a closed door before successfully using her mouth to open it. As temperatures plummeted to around 21 degrees Fahrenheit, Minnie bolted into the street, setting off a frantic search by her owner, Laura Simpler, and other dedicated volunteers. Despite multiple local efforts, searches continued with no sighting of the dog, identifying the need for enhanced tracking methods. The daycare had previously implemented security measures to prevent escapes, but the unforeseen incident raised concerns among pet owners and daycare staff alike. After the escape, they publicly expressed their distress, stating their commitment to locating Minnie. The individual who owns the daycare, Dan Rubenstein, enlisted help from various sources, including a pet psychic and a certified drone pilot specializing in locating lost animals. Their involvement highlights the increasing trend of utilizing technology and specialized knowledge in pet recovery efforts. The search strategy has included a mix of ground actions and technological support. Volunteers have been canvassing neighborhoods, distributing flyers, and reaching out to local shelters and veterinarians for any leads. Online resources including PetFBI and Pet Amber Alerts were employed to cast the search net wide and gather information about sightings or tips that could assist in locating Minnie. However, this modern search approach faced challenges, especially in an urban environment where the use of drones came with strict regulations, such as avoiding federal properties and populated areas. Despite the extensive measures taken, the situation has also been marred by distressing incidents involving scams. Laura Simpler, Minnie's owner, noted that she received multiple scam calls from individuals claiming to have information about Minnie's whereabouts, which added to the exhaustion and frustration of the search. Nonetheless, Simpler and her family have remained hopeful and focused on finding their beloved pet. As they continue to rally support from the community and coordinate all resources available, the effort has drawn widespread attention, capturing the hearts of many residents who empathize with the family's plight and anxiously await news of Minnie's safe return.