Family Dog, 2, Missing In Naperville Found Safe

NAPERVILLE, IL — UPDATE: Otis has been found safe. Check out the story of how he found his way home:

Community Helps Naperville Pup Get Home Safe

Original story: Two-year-old Otis had just found his forever home with Lori and Tom McCarthy in Naperville days before he pushed through a gate and went missing Wednesday. Now, the family is hoping to enlist the help of the community to get Otis home safely.

McCarthy told Patch that Otis was rescued from hoarder-type living conditions in Tennessee before he was placed in temporary foster care in Columbus, Indiana. The McCarthys brought Otis home Feb. 15 and say he is an "amazingly gentle spirit" and "a fearful fellow with a heart of gold."

Unfortunately, Otis's fearful nature has made it difficult to get him home. McCarthy told Patch he was spotted near Jane and Olesen Friday morning, but was too scared to be approached.

If you see Otis, McCarthy says do not approach or chase him and do not feed him or leave food for him. He can be skittish and may run off further if approached.

Instead, text McCarthy at 860-608-8841 to let her know where he was spotted, which direction he was headed, whether he was on the sidewalk or in the woods, etc.

Here's hoping we get Otis home soon!