Missing Dog Xiri Found After 8 Days in Andorra

A four-year-old light brown mixed-breed dog named Xiri has been safely recovered after eight days missing near the church in Escaldes-Engordany. The timid animal fled when startled by a loud vehicle on a Wednesday night last week and was finally trapped by its owner Friday morning in Els Cortals d'Encamp.

ARPA, the animal rescue and protection association, led the effort, rallying about 45 volunteers to search zones between Escaldes and Encamp, including Engolasters, the Can Noguer urbanisation near COEX headquarters, and the Madriu bridge. Support came from forest rangers in early sweeps, police patrols scanning for strays, firefighters aiding searches, and traffic agents on watch in both parishes.

Adopted just two months ago from the La Seu animal shelter in Benavarre, the medium-sized dog with a darker muzzle avoided approaches, ignoring calls, food, or pursuits. Teams used drones for overhead monitoring, placed baited carriers with straw and weatherproofing at confirmed sightings, and fitted some with cameras linked to mobiles for instant alerts.

The trail briefly vanished after the escape, sparking concerns that someone might have taken the dog. Sightings soon confirmed it was still roaming locally. A key moment came Thursday afternoon when a volunteer captured clear video of Xiri along the Engolasters path. Drones tracked it, and a barbecue was lit nearby to draw it in with scents, but it kept its distance. It appeared again that night in the area yet slipped away until the owner succeeded early Friday.

ARPA had posted urgent calls on social media, sustaining public involvement throughout. The group continues to assist with lost animals and is reachable at +376 321685.