Tamaqua resident Dawn Clouser was devastated when she learned that her dog, Whiskey, had escaped from her home.

Her sister was caring for the dog when he got away earlier this month, she told Tamaqua Borough Council as she fought back tears.

The canine was missing for four days - and all the while, Clouser knew the Tamaqua Police Department was looking for him.

Whiskey eventually found his way home.

“I was trying not to cry but I just want to show my appreciation to the Tamaqua Police Department with Chief (Michael) Hobbs and his crew,” she said.

She attended council’s Tuesday meeting to present Hobbs with a card - and a hug.

“Thank you,” she said.

Clouser said Officer Douglas Springer took the report when Whiskey went missing.

“There is more going on in the world and there is a lot of craziness, so it felt like they really didn’t need to be looking for my dog when they were out on patrol,” Clouser said. “The reason I know this is that people that we stopped in the area (while trying to locate the dog) said, ‘Oh, are you the one that is missing the German shepherd? Because there was a police officer up here patrolling and also looking for the dog.’”

Clouser said the officer told individuals to be on the watch for the dog - and if they spotted him, to call the police department.

Thankfully, she said, Whiskey returned.

“He is safe,” Clouser said.

“It’s nice to hear good things,” Council President Brian Connely said.

“And just so you understand, it is not a small item,” Councilman Ron Bowman told Clouser. “Anybody that has pets and loves them like you do, understands.”

“It might be something small to them but it means the world to me,” Clouser said.

She also said she surprised the police department with delivery of pizza to express her gratitude.