Owner of wandering dog called 'Shaggy' comes forward

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The mystery surrounding a large, brown dog seen wandering for months through neighborhoods in western Michigan is more clear after a woman has come forward, saying it's her pet.

The Newfoundland mix, called "Shaggy" after his shaggy appearance, has evaded capture attempts for six months. He has been seen around wooded areas of Kent County, including Cascade Township.

WZZM-TV (http://on.wzzm.com/1BTorPz ) reports owner Christina Sanchez wants people to know the dog's past, including his real name, Jacob.

Sanchez says she rescued the dog from a Lowell kennel in July. She says he was very skittish around people and needed to be socialized, so she sent him to a trainer.

The trainer says Jacob escaped within 10 hours of arriving at his home, and he now roams a nearby neighborhood.

The original owner says she's interested in getting her dog back if he can be caught and rehabilitated.

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Information from: WZZM-TV, http://www.wzzm13.com