Help Find Cooper, the Australian Shepherd, for Gordon Before He Goes in for Surgery

Friends have been scouring the neighborhood, more than 15,000 Sherman Oaks residents were called, but Cooper the shy 6-year-old Australian shepherd is still missing.

Gordon Carnie, 60, said he is heartbroken, and would like his "boy" by his side before he is scheduled for surgery next week, Nov. 6 for pancreatic cancer.

"We've been getting a lot of calls, but no sightings yet," said Carnie's wife, Janet on Tuesday morning. "Gordon went in for treatment today, and he's still hoping." 

It was a month ago, on Sept. 30 at 3:30 in the afternoon that Gordon took his three Australian shepherds to a dog groomer. They were walking along Ventura Boulevard between Kester and Cedros avenues. In front of the Mad Bull Tavern, 14704 Ventura Blvd. Cooper slipped out of his collar and ran west and into the street. He dodged a few cars down the busy boulevard, but got away.

Cooper is described as shy and sweet, about 55 pounds, male. He has a reddish brown coat and his super white fur fully around his neck and chest, forehead and paws. Cooper has copper colored eyes and no tail.

Carnie has been fighting pancreatic cancer for four years. He is scheduled for surgery next Tuesday and wanted the company of Cooper to help him lift his spirits and aid in his recovery.

Susan Beck, a spokesperson for the family, said Cooper is skittish, but neighbors and friends believe someone may have taken the dog in without knowing that his family is looking for him. 

The neighborhood is plastered with signs. They have posted on Patch, Craigslist, scoured animal shelters, sent fliers to countless vets and launched a robocall to 15,000 neighbors through lostmydoggie.com. One person thought they saw the dog in Encino at Louise Avenue, but otherwise there have been no leads.

"I don't need to tell you, this is a tough cancer to fight, and my husband is fighting with every ounce of his energy," Janet said. "It would help to have Cooper back."

There is a $1,000 reward, no questions asked, for any information leading to Cooper's safe return home.

"We believe a well intentioned family may have taken our lost dog to their home," Janet said. "We just want our dog back and there will be no questions related to his return. Please keep your eyes peeled and be on the look out for our Cooper."

Maybe, Janet wonders, people can keep an eye out for him while canvassing the area while trick-or-treating.

Anyone with any knowledge or sighting of Cooper should call Carnie's wife, Janet, at (818) 486-6895 or (818) 486-9635. You can follow Coopers search @HELPFINDCOOPER on Twitter.