by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — A Beechview family is holding onto hope as they search for their missing German shepherd, pleading with anyone who may have information to help bring him home after nearly two agonizing weeks.
Frank Gale says the pain of not knowing where his 7-year-old German shepherd, Flame, is has become overwhelming. The dog disappeared during a storm on December 13, and the days since have felt unbearable.
“I just can’t. I can’t,” Gale said, lowering his head. “It’s too much.”
Dog Vanished During December Storm
According to Gale, Flame escaped during severe weather when he managed to open a door leading from the family’s den into the garage. From there, the dog got out and was gone before anyone could stop him.
“I haven’t seen him since,” Gale said.
The family has had Flame since he was a puppy, and Gale described him as more than just a pet — especially to his wife.
“I feel like I lost a child,” he said. “He’s our boy. That’s my wife’s constant companion. They basically stole my child.”
Flyers Blanket the Neighborhood
In the days following Flame’s disappearance, Gale covered the neighborhood with flyers. Utility poles, trees, and street corners along Rockland Avenue and nearby streets are now lined with signs bearing Flame’s photo and a simple plea to bring him home.
“I’m just completely devastated,” Gale said. “Everybody I went to just passed me off to another.”
He added that when he contacted police, he was told the case would go to the “bottom of the pile.”
“My dog deserves better than the bottom of the pile,” Gale said.
Online Clues Raise More Questions
On the day Flame went missing, a Reddit user posted about a dog seen in the area, asking if anyone had lost a pet. Gale said his family did not immediately see the post, but when they eventually reached out, they were given conflicting accounts about what happened next.
Those mixed stories have only deepened the family’s concern.
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“I think the only reason why he hasn’t found his way back home is that someone’s holding him,” Gale said.
Reward Offers Hope — and Heartbreak
Gale has offered a reward for Flame’s safe return, hoping it would encourage someone to come forward. Instead, he says it has led to false claims and misleading phone calls, each one taking an emotional toll.
“It’s caused me tremendous pain,” he said. “Every phone call, every follow-up — it’s just another blow. It takes hope from you.”
Despite the setbacks, Gale is still appealing directly to the person who may have Flame.
“Send him home for Christmas, please,” he said.
A Family Still Waiting
As the holidays pass, Gale says the house feels empty without Flame’s presence. The family continues to search, share information online, and follow up on every lead, no matter how small.
For now, the plea remains simple: if Flame is safe somewhere, bring him home.
Have you seen Flame or know someone who may have information? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below — even the smallest detail could make a difference.
