Samantha Paulino, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, made headlines when her rescue dog, Autumn, managed to survive on her own for six months after running away shortly after arriving in the United States from South Korea in Sept. 2023. Despite Paulino’s efforts to catch her, Autumn proved to be a skilled escape artist, always managing to stay one step ahead of her would-be rescuers.
From the moment Autumn arrived, Paulino noticed that her new pet had anxiety and a strong desire for independence, likely stemming from her unknown past in the streets of South Korea. The small Finnish spitz mix was estimated to be around 2 or 3 years old when she was adopted, and she quickly bonded with Paulino, showing signs of affection and companionship.
However, on Dec. 28, 2023, while out for a walk in Arlington’s Virginia Square neighborhood, something spooked Autumn, causing her to bolt and evade capture despite her small size and weight. Reflecting on the incident, Paulino described Autumn as a “speedster” who would only run faster if chased, making her nearly impossible to catch.
Determined to find her missing dog, Paulino launched a full-scale search campaign, distributing flyers, alerting animal control authorities, and posting updates on social media. Numerous sightings of Autumn were reported in the weeks following her escape, but she always managed to slip away, eventually finding refuge at Fort Myer, an Army post near Arlington National Cemetery.
It wasn’t until early February that a breakthrough came when a woman named Katie, a member of the military band at Fort Myer, contacted Paulino claiming to have spotted Autumn. With Katie’s help, Autumn’s lost dog flyers were distributed throughout the base, raising awareness among residents who initially mistook her for a stray.
As sightings became more frequent, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) and its animal control team sprang into action, meticulously observing Autumn’s behavior and routines to devise a plan to bring her home safely. Despite the challenges posed by Autumn’s evasive tactics, the team remained determined, eventually devising a trap that successfully captured her on June 11.
Following her capture, Autumn spent a night at the AWLA to decompress before reuniting with Paulino the next day. Despite her six-month ordeal, a veterinarian confirmed that Autumn was in good health, and Paulino expressed gratitude for the community support that helped bring her home.
Looking ahead, Paulino is committed to helping Autumn readjust to life as a pet, with plans to work closely with the AWLA to ensure her safety and well-being. Autumn is now equipped with a GPS tracker and double-leashed for walks, providing added security to prevent future escapes.
In conclusion, Autumn’s incredible journey from surviving on her own for six months to being reunited with her owner is a testament to the unwavering dedication of animal rescue organizations and the power of community support. Despite the challenges she faced, Autumn’s resilience and eventual return home serve as a heartwarming reminder of the bond between humans and their beloved pets.
