Published: July 07, 2008 10:49 pm      

Errol's Destiny is calling

By Steve Gillespie

sgillespie@themeridianstar.com



Destiny Burge is looking for her best friend.

Errol, the 4 and a-half year old Irish Wolfhound that has been her companion, champion, and school chum, has been missing since July 4.

Burge, 19, of Hope, Ark., was injured in a one-vehicle crash early Friday afternoon near Exit 154 on Interstate 20-59. Errol ran away from the scene after the crash. Burge didn't want to leave until her dog was safely rounded up, but she had to be taken to the hospital before paramedics could catch him.

Burge was on her way back home after visiting her father in Alabama.

Amber Holmes, a family friend from Louisiana, said Monday that Burge had surgery, was out of ICU at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center, and may be going home today.

Holmes and other friends from Arkansas and Louisiana have come to Meridian to help search for Errol, a cream colored Irish Wolfhound wearing an orange collar. He is almost 35 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 145 pounds. He also is micro chipped, which can prove his identity and ownership. Pictures of Errol can be found in his photo album on the Web site www.steppinwolfiw.net.

Holmes said the Irish Wolfhound Club of America, and the Rocky Mountain National Irish Wolfhound Association are gathering donations for a reward in Errol's name.

A champion of dog shows, now retired, Errol has been neutered.

"Destiny was home schooled," Holmes said. "So, Errol spent every day hanging out with her while she did her school work."

Friends and family have contacted local animal control personnel, police and fire departments, and local veterinarians. They've distributed posters to try to find him.

Burge's mother, Donna Hinkle, said she appreciates all the help people in the local community have provided in looking for Errol.

"Any information would be appreciated," Hinkle said.

Anyone with information about Errol should call Hinkle at (870) 703-3118, Holmes at (501) 626-9247, or Burge's aunt, Jonette Jones at (870) 703-2598.