The search for Jackson is over.
The 6-year-old Italian greyhound that got away from a Rochester kennel Dec. 16 was found dead Saturday, according to a Facebook post by his owner, Jenna Macken.
The family had held out hope the dog would survive the bitterly cold temperatures in the area, and a massive search helped keep the hopes alive.
Friends, family and dog lovers took to social media soon after Jackson disappeared, resulting in a citywide search. The Macken family, including Jenna, her husband Henry and the couple's two daughters, cut short a family vacation to Florida when they learned Jackson and their other dog, Tyson, a white bichon frise-poodle mix, had gotten loose from an in-home boarding facility near John Marshall High School.
Tyson was soon found unharmed, but not the skittish Jackson.
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Macken told the Post-Bulletin last month that some people might be puzzled about why someone would go to such lengths to find a dog, but most dog lovers would understand.
"Jack is part of the family," she said at the time. "I know he's a dog to some people. But a lot of dog lovers would understand. All our pets are super important to us."
But at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Macken posted the following status on the "Find Jackson" Facebook page:
"It is with deep sadness to let you all know that Jackson has crossed the rainbow bridge. He was found under a patio today by a lovely lady who called after she had found him. Things did not turn out as we had prayed, however we feel blessed that we were able to bring him home to rest peacefully.
"There are not enough words to express how thankful my family and I are to all of you who helped and stood by our side."
