Centreville, VA Lost Female Dog, Bella Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Sarah F.

6 hours ago

🚨LOST DOG 🚨 CENTREVILLE, VA - POTENTIAL SIGHTING IN MANASSAS PARK BY COMMUNITY CENTER - LOST FROM BOARDING IN CENTREVILLE BY ROUTE 28/RT 29 INTERCHANGE - MAY RUN SO PLEASE DO NOT CHASE OR TRY TO CATCH HER - PLEASE JUST CALL NUMBER ON FLYER WITH SIGHTINGS. 🚫 DO NOT CALL OUT TO, FOLLOW, OR CHASE ➡️ Following on foot or by car is chasing. ➡️ Chasing is terrifying to a lost dog and often causes them to bolt into traffic or far outside the search area. 🧠 WHY THIS MATTERS (PLEASE READ THIS PART): MAY be in SURVIVAL MODE. Survival mode is a documented and common state where a lost dog becomes highly fearful, even of people. In this state: • Dogs often do not recognize their own family • Calling out, approaching, or “trying to help” usually backfires • Chasing increases panic and danger, not safety Well-intentioned actions can and do cause dogs to run into traffic or disappear for weeks. ✅ WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS: • Report sightings immediately with exact time, general location, and direction of travel (PLEASE report older sightings too — we are mapping movement patterns) • Check exterior/security cameras and enable animal alerts • Share this post so others understand not to chase • HELP KEEP FLYERS UP 📣 PLEASE SHARE FLYER WITH: Neighbors - People walking the area - Businesses - Dog walkers - Community pages - Facebook groups • Email lists, ETC. 🚫 PLEASE DO NOT ACTIVELY SEARCH FOR HIM Walking around, calling out, or trying to locate him can scare her away from the area where she currently feels safest. 🎥 Use calming signals: get low to the ground, avoid direct eye contact, turn your body slightly sideways, and watch this video for a quick visual on how to help a scared dog feel safe. https://youtu.be/cmiZzB643is?si=fX9haeZuBfNOBZAE