How One Skittish Stray Found His Way Into My Home and My Heart

Watch Wiley Oakley’s Capture and Recovery

If you have been following Wiley’s journey, we invite you to watch the full capture video at the top of this page. From the moment the Missy Trap was set to the first quiet night in foster care, this video tells the story of a stray who went from survival mode to a life filled with safety and love.

Now, here’s the full story behind it.

The Tip That Started It All

Social Media Call to Action

On the morning of July 20st 2025, I received a message about a small dog that had been seen wandering near Barth Road in Belpre, Ohio. Neighbors mentioned he had been hanging around for a week or more, always alone and cautious. One homeowner said he kept coming back to eat cat food off the porch. That kind of repeated behavior usually means the dog has made the area part of his routine and can likely be recovered.

The homeowners had already tried to catch him without success. He was fast, very skittish, and they said he did not seem to like men. That part is especially funny now because today, I am his favorite person.

Setting the Trap

We started with a large coyote trap, hoping he would walk right in. He approached, sniffed around, and almost stepped inside. Then he looked up, saw the trap gate, and backed away. It was clear this dog had seen a trap before.

The next day, we replaced it with our Missy Trap. It is a lazzer-triggered, climb-out design that gives us better control in tough cases like this. We reset the feeding station and left the area undisturbed. That night, a cat triggered the trap, but it climbed out on its own. The homeowner reset it and we waited again.

Then on the evening of July 21 at exactly 6:37 PM, our trail camera started sending photos. One after another. The dog was inside. Then the trap closed. He was safely contained.

A Nervous Wait and a Careful Approach

Scared and unsure

It took about 30 minutes for me to reach the site. Traffic and construction made things slow, and the dog had to wait inside the trap the entire time. The homeowner kept watch from a safe distance.

When I arrived, I moved slowly, speaking gently and offering salami, which we had been told was his favorite. I sat on the ground, inching closer. Eventually, I climbed inside the trap with him. He was flat against the wall, tail tucked, completely shut down. He was underweight, with his spine and hips showing, and covered in fleas and ticks. But he was safe now.

Kenzie, one of our PSA responders, helped transfer him into a crate. We immediately drove him to Parkersburg, where Nicole and Vanessa got to work. They gave him a warm bath and pulled dozens of ticks from his coat. He tolerated it better than we expected. By the time he was towel-dried, he was already starting to soften.

Much needed bath and lot of fleas and ticks.

No Room at the Shelter

In transport to get checked out and much needed bath

The original plan was to transfer him to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. But when we called, we learned they were completely full. Over 100 dogs were already in a facility built for about 45. There was simply no space.

The homeowner could not take him. That left us with one option. I called my wife Lisa and asked her to prepare a space at home. Our plan was to foster him until an owner came forward or a rescue partner had room.

The Vet Visit and a Name

That night, he came home with me. Lisa had everything ready. A crate, soft bedding, food, and water were all waiting. I slept downstairs beside him. He did not move for hours. He was completely exhausted.

The next morning, we took him to Mid-Ohio Veterinary Hospital in Marietta, Ohio. He tested positive for intestinal parasites and had ulcers on his paw pads, likely from walking on hot pavement. He was given a dewormer, antibiotics, and we started treatment immediately.

We named him Wiley Oakley. It suited him perfectly. Clever, resilient, and a little bit wild.

A Whole New Dog

First trip to the bank. Thanks for treats Peoples Bank.

At first, our plan remained the same. Foster him while we searched for his owner. We checked for a microchip, posted him online, and asked around. But no one ever came forward. No calls. No messages. Nothing.

And while we waited, Wiley adapted to our home like he had always been there. He followed our other dogs around the backyard. He learned the routines. He found the toy box and only played with what he was supposed to. He carried my flip-flops around the house, but never chewed on them. I think he was just teasing me.

He put on at least five pounds in just a couple of weeks. His hips stopped showing. His coat started to shine. He chased tennis balls. He started to trust. He slept soundly. He stopped hiding.

Wiley even went with me to the bank one day. The teller gave him a treat, and you could see in his eyes that this was all brand new to him. But he was starting to understand what a good life feels like.

When They Find You

Who’s a good boy?

I have rescued dozens of dogs through Pet Search Alliance. I have always told myself that I would never bring one home unless I was absolutely ready. But sometimes a dog does not just need to be saved. Sometimes, they find you.

We lost our black Lab, Paxton, not long ago. We had no plans to bring another dog into the family right away. But Wiley filled a space we did not even know was still empty. He is not just a rescue. He is home.

Wiley Oakley, PSA Mascot

Wiley Oakley is now the official mascot of Pet Search Alliance. He represents everything we stand for safe, humane capture, compassionate recovery, and the belief that every animal deserves a second chance.

You might see him at events, training sessions, and across our website and social media. He is a symbol of what can happen when people come together to help those who cannot ask for help themselves.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in Wiley’s journey. Your donations helped cover his veterinary care, equipment, and transport. You helped make this recovery possible.

Help Us Save More Dogs Like Wiley

Pet Search Alliance is an all-volunteer organization. We respond when shelters are full, when pets are scared and hiding, and when families are desperate to bring them home. Your support makes all of it possible.

Please consider adopting. There is nothing quite like the bond you build with a rescue animal. Choosing adoption over breeders gives a second chance to a dog who truly needs you.

Want to help?

Together, we can make sure no dog like Wiley is ever left behind again.