Help Find Flip! Senior Blind Dobie lost in Pine Mtn, GA

My name is Nikki, and I'm starting this fundraiser for my friend and professional mentor Lori McKibben.

Lori has proudly been owned by her Doberman, Flip, since 2014. Flip just celebrated his 10th birthday in August of this year. Through the years he has been a testament to the breed exhibiting love, loyalty, protection, and acceptance without judgement. He has never met a stranger. He loves people, dogs, and even chickens .

He has seen Lori through many trials and tribulations standing by her every step of the way. He loves big without expectations of anything in return. His love has always been reciprocated by Lori in every way possible. He is a beach goer, a boater, a ball chasing, velcro, gentle giant lap dog ❤️.

Recently though, Flip lost his vision due to bilateral retinal detachment. Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done to correct this, nor could a cause be determined. Flip wasn't deterred however, and was still living his best life.

Lori has gone few places without Flip over the last decade and this Thanksgiving was no exception. Lori, along with her sister, nephew, and of course Flip decided to enjoy Thanksgiving Weeknd at Pine Mountain, GA where they would see the start of the holiday season.

On Thanksgiving Day evening, Lori and her family decided to go see Christmas lights. It had been a wonderful day filled with family and happiness, and as a senior boy, Flip was tired so they left him in the cabin. Unfortunately that happiness was replaced with confusion, grief. and desperation when they returned to the cabin to find the door open and Flip nowhere to be found. They don't suspect anyone broke in as the door was locked when they left, but rather Flip managed to push the handle up and let himself out. This wasn't a task unknown to him, as he's a very smart boy, but they did not realize the door didn't lock from the inside.

They immediately started searching the area and continued to search through the night. On Friday, other visitors joined the search and a drone team provided services to help with the search. They placed items of clotting, toys, and food outside the cabin in hopes he would find his way back. They also played a recording of Lori's voice on a loop to help him find his way.

Lori did not sleep all weekend not knowing where her beloved Flip was. They never stopped searching nor did the locals in the area. Unfortunately Lori and her family had to leave to return home on Saturday Nov 28, 2024. She continues to remain in touch with people in Pine Mtn as search efforts continue.

Lori desperately wants to return to Pine Mountian to continue helping in the search for Flip. Doing that will mean taking time off work, paying for accommodations, and food. She also wants to hire a tracking service and another drone service.

As the holidays approach, I know there's little extra to spare, but I am here asking that you please consider donating to this cause. The desperation, guilt, and grief that accompanies a missing pet is overwhelming and at times, paralyzing. The helpless feeling of not having answers or being able to do more is gut wrenching and not a feeling I would wish on anyone. As someone who provides counseling for pet loss and grief, I can assure you it's real grief.

So, on behalf of Lori and her family, I ask that you please donate if you can, and if you can't please share this fundraiser!

If you prefer to donate outside of GFM, you can send directly to her Venmo at :lori-Mckibben