Sad News - Missing Pine Beach Dog Found In The Toms River

PINE BEACH, NJ - It was not the outcome everyone was hoping for.

The body of Hank, the missing Old English Bulldog, was sadly found today in the Toms River, said Matt Geissinger of the Lost Dog Search and Rescue Facebook page.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I make this post, Hank was found this morning in the Toms River and he has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge," Geissinger wrote. "Our deepest and sincere condolences to Hank's family. You will be in our prayers. Thank you for all sharing and helping to look for Hank. The family is grateful for everyone's help."

Hank disappeared from his home in the 200 block of Huntington Avenue home on Jan. 16. Hank's owner Steve offered a reward for any information leading to his much-loved pet.

As the days passed, many thought Hank had been stolen because of the short amount of time between when he went missing and when the search started. There had been no sightings of the dog after he disappeared.

Hank's body was found in the water just about a block from his home, Geissinger said.

"We are thinking he must have been out on the ice and either slipped or fell through," he said."The water is so cold he had to go to hypothermia within a few minutes and could not get back to land."

Hank's discovery hit Geissinger and the group's searchers very hard.

"This is probably the hardest we've ever looked for a dog," he told Patch. "My heart really goes out to this family. This just took the wind out of my sails."

Rest in peace, Hank.

Photo: Courtesy of Lost Dog Search and Rescue Facebook page.