Businesses & strangers aid in search for missing dog

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Clovis woman desperately searching for her lost dog has captured the hearts of animal lovers across the Valley.

Jaimy Gaines isn't the first person to lose a beloved pet but what makes this story unique has been the growing support from people and even businesses.

Gaines has made hundreds of signs and helped put many of them up to help find her dog Lainey. The five-year-old miniature black schnauzer old got out of the yard back on April 14th. Jaimy lives in the Buchanan high area.

She said, "We're just so grateful for everybody that's helping us look for Lainey. She's our child."

Jaimy and her husband Richard found their other dog Paisley that day but not Lainey.

She explained, "My husband said let's get on social media and do Facebook."

The Facebook page "Bring Lainey Home" has over 1,000 likes. But the search has struck a nerve. Friends and strangers like Ramona Barker have joined the effort.

Barker asked, "Who's there for you when you come home each day? Who's there for you when you need them? It's your pet."

It has been difficult to drive around Clovis without noticing the signs. They're everywhere.

Gaines said, "We are just blown away by the support not just in Clovis anymore. It's gone into Fresno. We get calls. I just got a call from Idaho."

The Animal Compassion Team helped put up a message on the electronic billboard at Shaw and Blackstone in north Fresno to aid the search.

Barker said, "This situation has brought the entire community together so it's a good thing."

Even the Piccadilly Inn in northwest Fresno has pitched in to help find Lainey. The family has offered a $1,000 reward for Lainey's return - no questions asked.

Gaines said, "We believe someone may have picked her up and they don't realize how loved she is and how many people are actually looking for her."

Lainey is micro-chipped and was wearing a pink collar with a shamrock. Jaimy and Richard have left Lainey's bed out along with her favorite toys. They hope she'll come home soon.

Jaimy said even though Lainey hasn't been found yet, many calls and leads have come in for other missing dogs that have led to them being reunited with their owners.