For the past four months, missing dog posters have been popping up all over the city; outside grocery stores, on the doors of restaurants and taped to people’s car windows. From Troy to Clawson to Royal Oak, they have captured the attention of passersby, and now, it seems everybody is talking about it.
McKenzie, or “Mac” for short, is a 4-year-old female coonhound owned by Troy residents Chris and Cynthia Booth. Mac is a rescue dog who was first fostered by the Booths three years ago. After caring for her for a little over a year, they adopted her out to a family in Bloomfield Hills. Mac stayed there for a couple of weeks, then suddenly ran away. After four days, she had found her way back to Troy to be with the Booths.

“We decided she had adopted us, so we officially adopted her,” Cynthia said.

On June 22, Cynthia brought Mac to a friend’s house in Ferndale. “She has been in constant training since we adopted her to help her get over her fear of people, so she pretty much goes everywhere with me,” Cynthia said.

At around 10 that night, firecrackers went off nearby. Spooked by the noise, Mac jumped the fence and took off. The next day, she was spotted in Royal Oak, and soon after that, she had found her way back to Troy.

At first, the Booths thought McKenzie was trying to find her way home like before. But sightings of Mac have all been on the side of I-75 opposite of where the Booths live.

“We believe she is traveling along I-75, using that as a border she does not cross,” Cynthia said. Some locals who are also on the lookout for Mac suspect she may be moving based on garbage days in different neighborhoods, but this has not been confirmed.

After notifying animal control, police and local animal shelters, they began putting up the signs. The Booths posted them on street signs and telephone poles, as well as in stores, veterinary offices and any other establishment that would allow it.

“I was getting three sightings a week,” Cynthia said. “Then Troy said we were not allowed to put our posters and flyers on public property or we would be fined.”

As they took down flyers, people unfortunately began to think Mac had been found, so the Booths stopped getting calls. But with the help of social media, they are back to their normal rate.

If McKenzie is spotted, the Booths want to warn people not to chase or call out to her. Instead, use calm actions and voices. Dropping food may help bring her closer as well. The Booths also say to call one of their numbers immediately.

“I would love it if someone could get a picture,” Cynthia said.