Bucks is a 3 year old dark brindle boxer. If truth be told, he's a little small, and his ears are cropped a bit too short for style points. But no matter--Bucks is Hungarian born and bred, and until August 6, 1998, had lived with his Russian family as a cherished pet.Everything changed for Bucks on that summer morning when he left Kiev to begin a new life in Colorado.
<<< A special ceremony for Bucks at the spring Colorado Boxer Club specialty. From left to right: Pat Edwards, Jennifer Congdon, Ruslan Feldshteyn, Eugene Esayev. Buck's medalion reads "Welcome to America, Bucks"
Bucks' "people," the Feldshteyns, were flying on Refugee Status to join their son in the Rockies. Bucks was flying with them, ensconced in a $400 shipping crate required by Ukraine Air. Unfortunately, the first stop of the journey, Paris, almost proved to be the last for poor Bucks.
When they arrived at the Paris airport, the Feldshteyns watched Air Ukraine unload their luggage-and Bucks. However, upon approaching the TWA terminal for the second leg of the trip, they were informed that Bucks had escaped. He was loose on the airport runways and no one could catch him. Utterly distraught, the Feldshteyns were compelled to continue to the USA with TWA. To interrupt their travels would have created a real problem for their immigration status, and no commercial jet was going to wait for them to search for their dog.
Meanwhile, Bucks, who didn't know how to respond to French commands, was barely avoiding disaster at the airport. Chased by well meaning workers, police, and firemen, he soon left them behind and disappeared. He was utterly lost. What he didn't know was what a complicated and truly international effort was even at that moment being initiated on his behalf.
Responding to anguished telephone calls and messages from the Feldshteyns, who filed their first "Lost' report when they landed at JFK in New York, boxer lovers from the USA, France, and Germany soon became involved in the effort to recover Bucks. E-mails were sent and translated, appeals went out over the Internet's Showboxer List, and soon fanciers who knew people in Paris, or just felt they could help, added their expertise. The Boxer Club of France, Rosemarie Westphal from Germany, and American Boxer Club members and friends all joined forces to help locate Bucks.
Bucks' personal odyssey continued for 6 days and 7 nights. Employees of TWA and Air France fellow workers, dog lovers all, had kept close watch on the small brindle boxer. He seemed to be "headquartered" in a particular area at the edge of the airport grounds. No one could get near him--not even those who called him in Russian, having been given quick language lessons on Bucks' behalf. Finally, on advice from a representative of the Boxer Club of France, a plan was devised and a crate was left in his "area." It was baited with food and lined with blankets. Valerie Godin of Air France, and Mary Jo Lepage of TWA (who was a tracking title winner with her own German Shepherd) hid nearby and waited. And waited.
Finally, Bucks appeared, sniffed at the food, and amazingly walked right into the crate! Valerie ran out of the bushes and closed the door. Bucks was safe at last!
August 13, 1998 was a happy day. Bucks finally arrived at Denver International Airport, to be greeted by CBS News, representatives from the American Boxer Club and Boxer Rescue, and his joyous family. There were many tears of happiness shed as he licked the faces of those who loved him.
When he reached his new home, he greeted the Feldshteyns again, one by one, solemnly placing his head in each person's lap. Eventually, he fell asleep in his new "favorite" chair.
In time, Bucks may not remember the truly international effort it took to bring him home. But boxer lovers--once strangers thousands of miles apart-- will never forget it. Heartfelt thanks to all the many heroes of this story.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
