UPDATE: Crofton Family Finds Lost Dog Joey

(Updated Jan. 16) CROFTON, MD — Joey, a black Labrador retriever being cared for by his owner's family while he's out of town, ran off during a walk Friday in Crofton. Area resident's shared the worried family's story and say Joey was found safe on Sunday.

Patch's Original Story:

Becky Steiner‎ wrote on the Crofton Patch Facebook page that Joey is her father's dog, and her sister is dog sitting while their father is in Florida for his wife's birthday. Joey ran off while he was on a walk; his collar and leash were still on when he bolted about 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

"We've been out looking all night last night and this morning. There's no sign of him at all, but it's such a busy area. Someone had to of seen him," Steiner wrote Friday morning.

Joey ran off toward Route 3 North from the Carver Road, Charing Cross and Chapman Farms area, she said.

Family members are desperate to bring Joey home before their parents return from their trip next week. "My stepmother had just landed in Florida and was beside herself when we had to break the news to her that the leash dropped and he ran," Steiner tells Crofton Patch.

Joey was rescued from and abusive home in Calvert County last year, and was just starting to feel comfortable with his new owners. Steiner says the dog will be very skittish around people and loud noises.

If you've seen Joey call Steiner at (443) 534-3018.

»Photo of missing lab Joey by Becky Steiner