NEW ORLEANS — Known affectionately on social media as the “Houdini” of the Mid-City area, Scrim, a scruffy mixed-breed dog, has been apprehended after a remarkable six-month escape from his yard.
On Wednesday night, the 13-pound (approximately six-kilogram) canine was captured using a tranquilizer dart. Local news reports indicate that Scrim is missing part of his ear and bears several abrasions. Additionally, X-rays have uncovered two foreign projectiles lodged within his body, believed to be either small bullets or pellets from an air gun.
Veterinarian Dr. Mary Miller, speaking to local media, explained that she could not definitively identify the type of weapon involved, opting to leave the projectiles in place. “We’re probably not going to remove them,” she stated, reassuring that they wouldn’t lead to any complications for Scrim. Despite these injuries, Dr. Miller assured that Scrim’s overall health “wasn’t awful.”
Michelle Cheramie, director of the nonprofit Zeus Rescues in New Orleans, recounted how she had saved Scrim from a dog pound in southern Louisiana where he was at risk of being euthanized. After being adopted by a family in Mid-City, Scrim made a daring escape.
His tale quickly spread through the neighborhood, and he became something of a local sensation on social media, with people frequently sharing videos captured on their smartphones and security cameras whenever he was spotted. For months, he cleverly evaded various traps and attempts to recapture him with nets and tranquilizer guns until this latest operation.
Ultimately, Cheramie received a tip regarding Scrim’s whereabouts, prompting her to head out armed with a tranquilizer gun, accompanied by a group of enthusiastic volunteers.
“WE GOT HIM!!!!” Cheramie joyfully proclaimed in a post on social media late Wednesday night.
Once Scrim has fully recuperated, he will be available for adoption again. Tammy Murray, co-founder of the New Orleans Animal Welfare Society, expressed her intention to provide him a loving home once he is ready.