CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Max, a teacup Yorkie who was feared to have been taken by a hawk from a local dog daycare, has been found safe. The small dog, who went missing from Pawz N’ Clawz daycare on Saturday, was discovered about a quarter-mile away from the facility, with no apparent injuries.
Julie Batycki, a family friend of Max’s owners, took the dog to a local animal hospital for an examination. According to Dr. Kelsey Yates, the veterinarian who examined Max, the dog showed no signs of being harmed by a bird of prey. There were no puncture wounds, scratches, or injuries typically associated with hawk attacks.
“We didn’t find any significant injuries,” Dr. Yates confirmed. “He looks to be in good health.”
Max’s disappearance initially sparked concerns that a hawk had swooped down and carried him away. Pawz N’ Clawz, the daycare responsible for Max, had suggested this theory in an earlier statement. However, Batycki, who took Max to the vet, questions the daycare’s account, feeling that not all the details have been revealed.
“I personally feel there’s more to this story than we’re being told,” Batycki said.
The dog was spotted by neighbors early Saturday morning, who took him in and contacted the owners. Pawz N’ Clawz, which has previously reported seeing hawks in the area, issued a statement asserting that no one directly witnessed the hawk take Max. The daycare’s account of the incident stated that a worker had let the dogs out for a bathroom break, then left to clean another area. When they returned, Max was gone.
The daycare confirmed that they are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of small dogs in the future. Nets will be installed in outdoor areas to prevent further incidents.
Despite the confusion surrounding Max’s disappearance, Pawz N’ Clawz owner, Stephanie Painter, expressed her continued support for the employee on duty when Max went missing.
“We stand by our employee and the original statement posted on our social media,” Painter said. “We are just so happy Max is home safe.”
An incident report filed with the Cleveland Police Department revealed that Max was found at 6:30 AM on Saturday by a local resident, a few hours before the daycare’s surveillance footage last showed Max at 8:22 AM.
Pawz N’ Clawz is grateful for the community’s support and is taking steps to improve safety for the dogs in their care.
“We appreciate all the love and support,” the statement concluded. “We are thrilled to have Max back home.”