Lost and Found–Scotch Captures Community’s Heart 

When the Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park opens, visitors will see a bronze statue of a dog rising from the ground. The sculpture, named “A Hero’s Journey,” depicts the true story of an Edmond woman and her dog, Scotch. Their harrowing experience now symbolizes the hope that emerges when a community comes together to support two lost souls. 

Jennifer Fields was in the midst of a personal crisis. On her way out of town, Jennifer dropped her dog off at her mother’s house. Scotch was special. The cutest dog she’d ever seen, and a rare breed to boot. 

The Coton de Tuléar, known for their cotton-like coats, are considered royal dogs in Madagascar. The Coton (kuh-tawn) is an extremely loyal companion dog, and Scotch was no exception. He had bonded with Jennifer and was a bright spot during her dark time. When Jennifer heard that Scotch had darted out the front door of her mom’s house and disappeared, she was devastated. 

“I was struggling to put one foot in front of the other in that moment, but other people came through for me,” Jennifer said. “Scotch’s photo was shared on Facebook and Paw Boost. People I didn’t even know started looking for him and sending me words of support. I was offered a thermal camera drone, a pet detective, and search parties were held. Their investment meant the world to me—but no one found Scotch.” 

A month later, Jennifer was moving into a new home. As a realtor, she knew it would be a fresh start. And then, Jennifer got an unexpected call from two young boys. 

“Ma’am?” said one of the boys. “I have your dog. I’ve never found a dog before.” 

“Okay,” Jennifer said, feeling numb. “Can I talk to your mom? Can you text me a picture of the dog?” 

The photo came through. 

“That’s him! That’s Scotch! Is there a safe place to meet?” 

The boys had found Scotch near a barn in their Edmond neighborhood, five miles from Jennifer’s mom’s house. As soon as Jennifer arrived at the entrance of the neighborhood, she ran to the boys, thanking them as she scooped up a very shaggy Scotch. 

Scotch was in shocking condition. After 28 days, the twelve-pound dog now weighed seven pounds. He was covered in wounds and “stuff was growing out of him.” Jennifer rushed Scotch to her vet, but the diagnosis was not hopeful. He might not survive. He might have gone feral. 

“It’d been so long since he’d eaten, I could only feed him a teaspoon of food an hour so he wouldn’t bloat,” Jennifer said. “Seeds germinated under his skin for nearly eight months, which had to be carefully removed. But he fought his way back, and he’s perfectly healthy now! It’s like he never left.” 

What happened to Scotch? Based on breed behavior and speculation, Scotch had buried himself. Cotons will dig themselves into a hole for long periods of time to hide and camouflage in the wild, and Jennifer had seen Scotch himself dig down into the mulch before. 

Once again, strangers poured out love to Jennifer and Scotch, sending “welcome home” presents and messages, checking on his progress. Feeling grateful, Jennifer commissioned A Hero’s Journey. The artist, LaQuincy Reed, listened to Jennifer’s story and developed the concept of Scotch, rising up out of the ground that was holding him down. 

“Scotch came out of hiding just in time,” Jennifer said. “I think his survival became a symbol of my own healing, because he showed me that we can endure when people have failed us––but there are still good people in the world. The people of Edmond gave selflessly of their time to search for my dog––just because they love dogs and our community. They renewed my hope in humanity.”