The Religious Sisters of Mercy at Our Lady Star of the Sea with Naylor
After nearly a week on the run across Shaw Island, Naylor, a gentle poodle mix recently adopted from Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor, is finally safe at home thanks to the determination of animal care staff, the Sisters who never gave up on him, the compassionate support of island residents, and one very persuasive rotisserie chicken.
Naylor had recently been adopted by the Religious Sisters of Mercy at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Shaw Island. The Sisters of Mercy are dedicated to a life of prayer and service throughout the world, particularly through healthcare and education. Here in the San Juan Islands, they serve in the churches on Orcas and Lopez, assisting the priests and helping to form adults and children in the Catholic faith.
But on Sunday, May 17, shortly after arriving, Naylor became startled by Oxford, the convent’s resident cat (who also happens to be an APS-FH alumni). Frightened and overwhelmed in his unfamiliar environment, Naylor bolted through the door and disappeared into the woods surrounding the property.
For the next several days, Naylor remained in what APS-FH staff described as “flight mode.” Though deeply concerned for his safety, staff understood that even confident, friendly dogs who are in this mental state often cannot think clearly enough to seek help, even from people they know. Despite multiple sightings, he would not approach people, respond to familiar voices, or even stop for treats.
APS-FH immediately mobilized to support the search effort. Staff provided guidance and recovery tips to the adopters and community members and sent a team member to Shaw Island to set up a large humane dog trap in an area where Naylor had been spotted repeatedly. The search strategy needed to be carefully calculated because frightened, loose dogs often avoid direct human contact and can be driven farther away by well-intentioned rescue attempts. Concerned neighbors played a critical role in the search by installing trail cameras on their properties to monitor Naylor’s movements and promptly share sightings with rescuers.
Rather than pursuing or approaching him, which could have caused him to move farther from the area, residents focused on observing from a distance and reporting his whereabouts. Many rearranged work schedules, left early from their jobs, and spent hours monitoring trails, roadsides, and wooded areas, all in an effort to provide timely updates that helped search teams track his movements and prioritize search efforts.
“We were overwhelmed by the love and support from the entire island community,” said APS-FH staff. “People truly came together for him.”
Finally, on Friday, May 22, APS-FH staff member Abby traveled back to Shaw Island after receiving reports that Naylor had returned once again to one of his familiar hiding areas. Armed with patience, a calm familiar voice, and a large King’s Market rotisserie chicken, Abby slowly gained Naylor’s trust.
The combination proved irresistible. Hungry, exhausted, and recognizing a familiar and trusted person, Naylor cautiously approached and was safely secured after nearly a week on the run. Though tired from his adventure, Naylor was otherwise safe. He was dirty, covered in sap and sticks, and clearly worn out from days spent outdoors.
APS-FH hopes Naylor’s story serves as both a reminder and an encouragement to adopters of newly rescued animals. Transitions into new environments can be overwhelming, especially for dogs adjusting to unfamiliar sights, sounds, people, and other animals. Rescue animals often require extra patience, decompression time, and careful management during their first days in a new home.
Most importantly, Naylor’s journey highlighted the power of community compassion.
“Shaw Island showed up for Naylor in every possible way,” APS-FH said. “We are so grateful to every neighbor, volunteer, and supporter who kept watch, shared sightings, searched tirelessly, and never gave up on him.”
Naylor is now safely back with the Sisters, resting comfortably and beginning his next chapter, hopefully with a little less adventure and a little more peace! Following his big Shaw Island great escape, the Sisters have lovingly given him a new name: Bruno.