LYNN — Julie Forry posted on Facebook and texted everyone she knew in her Pine Hill neighborhood after her dog, Arya, broke free from her leash and ran away during a walk.
Arya, who was described as tiny and timid, took off on Thursday, Jan. 6, leading more than a dozen family and friends searching for her.
Donald Castle, who also lives in the neighborhood, said he left work to join the search, and Forry even hired a professional company with a trained German Shepherd to help sniff her out.
Two days later, on Sat., Jan. 8, two men a couple of streets over noticed something in their backyard.
Lamar Harris and Nicky Lebron found Arya in their yard, healthy and fine after being missing for more than 48 hours during a snowstorm.
Harris and Lebron returned Arya to her home, and the neighborhood came together to collect money to give them a gift to thank them.
“We all appreciate what these kids did,” Castle said.
Forry gave the two men a gift card and present and councilors Brian Field and Fred Hogan presented them with a citation on Thursday night to ensure the “outstanding young men get the recognition they deserve,” Forry said.
“We were so happy to have Lamar and Nicky come by so we could thank them for saving Arya,” Forry said. “We are forever grateful to you, and Arya was very excited to thank them, too.”
Hogan said Thursday was a special night in Pine Hill, as neighbors came together to celebrate the return of Arya, who was named after the Game of Thrones Character Arya Stark.
“This is truly what community is all about,” Hogan said.
After two days of the community searching for Arya during a snowstorm, Hogan said Harris and Lebron were quick to react when they heard Arya cry out for help.
“This shows you how the people of Lynn step up when bad things happen,” Hogan said. “I was proud to present them a citation from the Lynn City Council; they are both well deserved of this hero award. We are so happy for Julie and family tonight. You could see how happy they all were.”
