Buddy the dog rescued, joins search for owner missing since June 22

The dog of a missing Alcorn County man has joined the search to locate his owner, Wade Davis.

77-year-old Davis left his home in Jacinto two and a half weeks ago to go for a walk with his dog, Buddy.  That was the last time Davis was seen.

Davis with his dog, Buddy, who was rescued on July 6.

On July 5, searchers located Davis’ brindle Boxer near the intersection of Highways 356 and 367, but he ran away from them. The next day, Buddy was reunited with the Davis family and, after being checked out by a vet, the loyal pup joined the search for his missing owner.

With a tracking collar on Buddy, search and rescue crews hope that the dog will lead them to Davis.

The Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office, MBI, MDWF, National Guard and dozens of responders and volunteers have combed through 2,000 acres of land searching for Davis. Horses, canines, drones, planes and helicopters have all been utilized in the search effort.

After a week of exhaustive searching, officials announced that the search operation would be suspended.  “After covering approximately 2,000 acres and over 3,000 foot miles walking as well as horse teams, also drone, helicopter, and fixed wing aircraft flights, for the past 7 days and nights no new evidence has been discovered,” Alcorn County Sheriff Ben Caldwell said. “The investigation will continue until he is found. If anyone has any information or if anyone has seen anything please contact the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office at 662-286-5521.”

77-year-old Wade Davis has been missing for over two weeks.

When Buddy was found, the search effort was renewed.  A few days later, Davis’ daughter Sharon Davis Clemmer shared an update on social media.

“The ground search has been suspended again. All SAR teams are leaving. They searched between 800 miles and 300 acres in the area the dog was located. They brought in air scent dogs and h&r dogs with no results. They continue examining all drone information and follow up on any leads. We are confident he is not in the area that has been searched. If we have new leads, they will return to the grounds ASAP! Please continue to pray!” Clemmer said in a Facebook post.

The family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to his whereabouts.  “We as a family would just like our husband/father/grandfather back or at least closure,” the flyer says.

The search for Davis continues through local volunteers.

“Updates will be fewer because the ground search has slowed down,” Clemmers posted. “I hope to bring you one that says we found him – soon!”