3 Days After Girl Goes Missing Trick-Or-Treating, Mom Follows Neighbor’s Pitbull
A Small Voice
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But a small voice in the back of her head was telling her they wouldn’t. “She’s gone,” the voice said. “She’s gone, and it’s all your fault.” Caitlyn let out a whimper.
Watching the authorities work was more agonizing than anything Caitlyn had ever endured. She couldn’t even bring herself to cry as her mind tortured her with what-ifs and what could have been.
After every minute, Travis would come and wrap his arms around her, assuring her everything would be fine. She choked out another whimper, remembering she’d done this to him throughout the day as Alissa was out trick-or-treating. Was his consolation payback or genuine?
Back To Max
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Max, the pit bull, barked, pulling Caitlyn out of her spiraling thoughts. He stuck his nose down and started sniffing. He’d caught something, and the authorities wasted no time going to him.
He barked again and started sniffing around. First, he began with the area around the perimeter the authorities had closed off.
But soon, his nose led him past this area and into the woods nearby.
Determined Dog
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Despite the find earlier, Max’s determination didn’t waver. He continued to sniff the ground as if urging the team to keep searching. It was as though he knew something that the others didn’t.
Hope kindled in Caitlyn’s heart, born from Travis and Max’s zeal and determination.
She should never have given up hope. To Travis and Max, there was still a chance that Alissa would be found. It was time she started believing, too.
Go After Him
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Caitlyn ran after the dog, following closely. She would see her daughter again, no matter what. She couldn’t succumb to the voice in her head when she needed to be strong for Alissa.
She was a mom, and moms never give up. With a determined look, she asked for a flashlight from one of the officers and followed Max as he led the charge. “Mommy’s coming to get you, baby,” she whispered.
Getting Later
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But it got later, and later into the night, the lead detective announced that they would have to call off the search for the night as mist began to envelop the wooded area.
“How can you leave my child here overnight? Who knows what’s lurking here?” Caitlyn protested.
There was no way she was going to leave Alissa in the woods overnight.
Hampering The Search
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But it was Travis who convinced her otherwise. “The mist is hampering the search, Honey. It will be better for them to continue first thing in the morning,” he said as gently as he could.
In the end, Caitlyn accepted and reluctantly headed home. They had the worst night of their lives.
They kept thinking about their daughter and if she was safe and warm.
