Date: Fri 29-May-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Julian-St-Bernard-lost

Full Text:

On The Trail Of The Elusive Julian

(with cut)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

It has been more than a week since the hunt for Julian began.

The 100-pound St Bernard mastiff took off from his home at 34 Meadowbrook Road

May 19 and has been missing ever since. The search for the 11 month-old dog

first started with his owner, Heather D'Angelo. It has since become

widespread, with neighbors and dog catchers from three towns joining in.

The elusive pooch is believed to be wandering along the three-town border of

Newtown, Easton and Monroe. There have been several alleged sightings in and

around the Hattertown Historic District, but Julian's owner has not been able

to track down the runaway dog.

"I've gotten calls from several people who told me they spotted Julian, but

he's always gone when I get there. It's like chasing a ghost," said a

frustrated Mrs D'Angelo Tuesday. "Everyone in the neighborhood has been great.

They're all animal lovers and they've started their own searches."

Dog warden George Mattegat saw what he believes was Julian on Eden Hill Road

late last week. But not even an elk meat sandwich was enough to bring the dog

in. Mr Mattegat called the dog "extra elusive."

"He's just very, very shy," Ms D'Angelo said.

Julian may want to come home, but animal experts think he's simply lost. Ms

D'Angelo says it makes sense since he was only picked up at the "New Leash on

Life...Adopt-a-Pet" facility in Milford two days before he took off.

Julian found himself at the "New Leash on Life" center after spending five

months in the Westport dog pound. Police found the stray dog in a building

somewhere in the city, according to Ms D'Angelo.

Late last week, a resident of Town End Road in Newtown called Ms D'Angelo to

say he had spotted Julian in his back yard. Thinking the dog might still be in

the area, he invited Ms D'Angelo and some friends over for a barbecue in the

hopes that the smell of fine cooking would lure him back.

"We set up a trap and threw in a rack of ribs, but all we caught was a stray

cat," Ms D'Angelo said.

Local dog lovers are expected to continue the search for Julian, but Ms

D'Angelo is starting to lose hope.

"I think it will be by accident if we catch him," she said.

A few years back, a German Shepherd mix named Mandy ran away from her owner

(believed to be from Newtown) and spent the next four years in the woods along

South Main Street. Several attempts were made to bring Mandy in, but she

always managed to get away, according to Pat Anzellotti of Newtown's canine

control department. Finally, Mandy was tracked down and, after a few shots,

was quickly placed into the arms of a new owner. Mrs Anzellotti figures Mandy

gave birth to at least 30 puppies during her days in the wild.