Man Whose Dog is Missing Says Courier Responsible Refusing to Help

For the past few weeks, Walker Bayas has been trying to get the word out about his missing dog, KD. He’s contacted every animal shelter possible, he’s called animal control, he’s called the police, but still nothing has led to the recovery of his dog. Now the person that lost his dog in the first place is refusing to help.

KD got off her leash at a truck stop near the I-55 Great Chicago Truck Plaza and Route 53. Richard Baker, a courier hired via uShip, according to Bayas, was in possession of the dog. Not only did Baker have the dog, but he had KD’s collar, toys and food. Bayas is trying to get at least the collar returned so another dog can help trace KD’s scent.

Bayas said he told Baker that all he had to do was take the collar and ship it via FedEx. Bayas would pay for the shipping costs.

But Baker is refusing to comply.

“He basically told me yesterday to ‘F’ myself and hung up on me,” Bayas said. “That’s all I need is the collar.”

Bayas hired Baker to bring KD from Denver to Chicago, where the dog would stay with a friend of his until Bayas got himself set up in New York, where he moved for a job.

When he met Baker, Bayas said he seemed fine and didn’t worry that something would happen.

“Then he lost the dog and he called and he said, ‘I’m gonna do what I can to get her back.’ Then he called me back a few hours later and said ‘Hey man, I’ve got other shipments I’ve got to do. I’ve got to go. Let me refund your money.’”

Bayas said Baker told him that he used the leash as a choker and when he went to take it off of her, she wrestled out of the collar and ran off. The dog allegedly snarled at Baker, who then let her take off.

“That’s the story I got,” Bayas said. “I don’t know if that’s the truth.”

Bayas said he’s considering legal action against either Baker or uShip.

“My uncle’s a lawyer. I’ve talked with him. He said I have an open and shut case,” Bayas said. “I don’t want to. All I want is my dog back. If I get my dog back, I won’t take any legal action.”

An employee at uShip said they don’t discuss matters with those not directly involved and directed all inquiries to its legal department. An email sent to uShip’s legal department was met with an automated response saying the inquiry is being reviewed by uShip’s staff.

Baker declined to comment for this story.

If you’ve seen KD, contact Walker Bayas at 310-428-4721. For more information, visit the Facebook page set up for finding the dog. A Go Fund Me account has also been set up to raise money for a reward for the person who finds her.