HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Truckee, the cattle dog that went missing following a deadly law-enforcement shooting and high-speed chase earlier this month, has been found safe after an extensive search that stretched through the Christmas season.
Truckee was sent into the rugged terrain on Dec. 13 by her owner, Kevin Peloso, as he traveled on back roads south of Sun Valley, with law enforcement in pursuit.
According to witnesses, Peloso let Truckee out of the vehicle, and she took off. Shadow, the other dog, did not exit the Bronco, probably due to her old age, and was killed along with Peloso during the incident on Dec. 13.
After being released, Truckee fled into the surrounding area south of I-40 and remained unaccounted for as Joshua and Christy Dean of Adamana, Arizona, Mountain Daily Star, and community members searched the rugged terrain near the Painted Desert.
The Deans devoted the Christmas season to searching for Truckee, continuing their efforts amid cold conditions and rugged terrain.
During the search, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) worked with the Deans by providing Truckee’s dog bed and articles of Peloso’s clothing, which were placed near a trap in an effort to draw her back using familiar scents.
The Deans said the focus of the holiday shifted entirely toward ensuring Truckee was found and returned safely.
Then on Dec. 27, after 14 days, the Deans pulled up to the trap, and Truckee was there.
In a statement shared after Truckee was located, the Deans reflected on the tragedy surrounding the incident and expressed gratitude for the support they received throughout the search:
“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity in our lives. Truckee is safe, and our hearts are with all of you during this difficult time.
The fact that we met Kevin in such a horrible and tragic way would never have deterred us from wanting to know him, or his family and friends. The loss of life in this manner is tragic beyond words. In time, we hope the good memories will remain strong, and the pain of these moments will slowly soften.
As for our fence line, it is a material object—something that can be repaired or replaced. What truly matters is life and the people we love.
Truckee is innocent in all of this, and perhaps Kevin, in his heart, knew she would be returned safely home to his family.
We believe the people we meet in this lifetime come into our lives to teach us something—sometimes their lesson becomes part of our own.
To everyone who reached out and offered support, compassion, and love: your kindness gave us the perseverance to continue searching and ultimately find Truckee. We are profoundly thankful and deeply grateful that she is safe.”
The Deans also expressed appreciation for the Arizona Department of Public Safety, thanking Troopers and investigators for working with them throughout the search for Truckee and for providing items that helped guide Truckee safely back using familiar scents.
Community members widely shared Truckee’s description and last known location on Facebook, urging residents in the area to remain vigilant. The Deans said the outpouring of compassion and encouragement played a critical role in sustaining the search through the holidays.
Truckee is healthy, lost some weight, but is doing fine. She has eaten food, been watered, and is getting some much-needed rest while sleeping on the dog bed she once shared with Shadow and Peloso.
“She is decompressing, and we will care for her until her family comes to get her,” said Joshua Dean.
Truckee will be handed over to Peloso’s family when they get to Arizona.
DPS continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No additional updates were released this week regarding the status of the investigation.
For those who followed Truckee’s story, her safe return offers a rare moment of relief amid a tragedy that has deeply affected multiple families, a Christmas miracle.
Thank you, DPS! You showed our rural community you care.
