'Our Family Is Not Complete:' Oyster Bay Family Desperate For Missing Puppy's Return

LONG ISLAND, NY — After an Oyster Bay family's puppy chased a deer into the woods, the family has been searching desperately for the nearly 8-month-old Labrador.

Since September 11, even through a recent nor'easter, the family's search efforts have not waned, Danielle Schadler said.

"We're not sure if he's outside on these cold nights or if someone found him," Danielle said.

The Schadlers, a family of five plus three dogs, adopted Finn in April at 6 1/2 weeks old.

"We're heartbroken," she said. "Our family is not complete."

Last month, Finn chased a deer into Longwood Pine Barrens State Forest near Eagle Drive and Smith Road in Ridge. This was the last time Finn was seen.

Danielle's husband called her, frantic, after Finn ran off, launching the family's search for their young pup. They have spent countless hours hiking through the woods on foot and searching with a drone.

Nearly a month later, Danielle said the family is beginning to believe someone may have taken Finn into their home.

"By now, he could be anywhere on Long Island," she said. "Someone could have picked him up."

The family is offering a reward for anyone who can help bring their lost boy home.

Finn is a black Labrador retriever who is microchipped and was last seen wearing a red collar. He has a smaller build for a Labrador and is projected to weigh in the 70-lb. range, similar to his sister Ashley, who is approximately 75 lbs., Danielle said.

"The uncertainty is killer," she said, adding that she is doing all she can to make sure Long Islanders know his photo and name. "I am trying to keep him famous."

Danielle reminisced about raising Finn, who had a rough start. He required IV fluids after developing parasites and a urinary tract infection. Since then, she said, he has been a happy-go-lucky puppy with plenty of energy and, at times, not the best listener.

"He's not your typical puppy," she said. "He's my ADHD puppy. He's a tough puppy."

He doesn't sit still, she said with a laugh.

During the first part of Danielle's recovery from a recent surgery, Finn stayed by her side.

"He was an important part of my healing," she said. "I don't want to do the next part of my surgery without him. I'm afraid without him. He was my good luck charm."

The family is hoping Finn is safe wherever he may be and that they can bring him home.

"Finn is a hunter by nature," she said. "He can survive."

Throughout the ordeal, Danielle has tried to remain strong for her children and her other two dogs.

"It's hard because you have to get back to life," she said.

Torn between continuing to search the woods and trying to let go and leave the outcome to fate and prayers, Danielle said she has tried to find a middle ground.

She said she is "trying to be positive," but "hurting and depressed inside."

Danielle added that her family is "going through waves of grief."

The Schadlers are working with a professional tracker, Teddy Henn and his Dachshund, and said having the exact location of a possible sighting could make all the difference.

"The silver lining is that the community response has been huge," she said.

Danielle said the equestrian community has been sharing Finn's photos in their groups, and local business Rocky Point Ship and Pack has offered to reprint flyers for the family.

"There are so many people out there looking, but so many eyes are looking, and it's still not enough to bring him home."

During this vulnerable time, Danielle said she has also received numerous scam text messages, beginning the day Finn disappeared. She received messages from people claiming they had found Finn, along with AI-generated photos

She hopes sharing those experiences will help warn other families going through the same heartbreak.

If someone sees Finn, or a dog they believe may be Finn, Danielle is asking them not to chase the dog or call his name. Instead, she asks people to take a photo and text the photo, exact location, and time of the sighting to 631-804-2764 or 516-382-4783.