The four-legged mascot of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs was returned to Coca-Cola Park after he fled the ballpark and was missing for six days.Champ, a 4-year-old Shepherd Mix and a valuable member of the IronPigs front office that had gone missing since last Friday, was found within a half-mile of Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday afternoon. A Good Samaritan, Loretta Pursell, was at The Bull & Bear Restaurant and noticed the dog on the LSI property on Union Boulevard in Allentown.
IronPigs staff members ran to the LSI building and spotted Champ huddled over a heating vent trying to stay warm. When his rightful owner and IronPigs Merchandise Director Janine Kurpiel came into sight, he raced into the arms of his relieved owner. While slightly tired and hungry from a six-day adventure, Champ is healthy and ecstatic to be back home safe and sound.
“I am so thankful for all of the people that kept Champ in their thoughts and prayers and helped us in bring him home safely,” exclaimed Kurpiel. “There are no words to describe the feelings I have now that he is back with me and safe.”
Throughout the last week, hundreds of people have assisted the IronPigs front office in helping to safely locate and return Champ, whom got loose last Friday night during a fireworks show following an IronPigs-Yankees game at Coca-Cola Park.