SELMA – A drone and tracking dog are among the methods used by Raylene Jessup to find her missing dog named Buddha.
Jessup operates the Selma Cotton Mill Antique Flea Market at 1105 W. Anderson Street in Selma. Inside the flea market, she runs an animal rescue called Street Cats & Stray Dogs.
On January 3, Jessup left for about 45 minutes to run an errand. Security cameras revealed that 13 minutes before she returned, two teenagers broke in. The suspects opened two outside gates then made entry through a door.
Twelve dogs ran out the door thinking they were greeting Raylene, but it was the two burglars. One of them tripped over Buddha, which likely startled him.
After the break-in, Jessup was able to locate 11 of the 12 dogs but Buddha was no where to be found. She believes Buddha was “spooked and ran away to hide.”
Buddha was dropped off at Street Cats & Stray Dogs when he was 8 weeks old. That was 6 years ago. Buddha is shy and scared of people. “I know he is terrified. He is afraid and out in the elements.”
Jessup says Buddha hasn’t been touched by anyone other than her in the past 6 years and knows he won’t run up to anyone. “He will be hiding and won’t go to people.”
Determined to find her missing dog, Jessup hired a drone operator who flew a square mile around W. Anderson Street on Jan. 6. There were no sightings.
On Jan. 8, a tracking dog searched four hours leading them to a wooded area on Noble Street near JCATS. Buddha wasn’t spotted but Jessup things he is close by, just afraid to come out of hiding.
During our original store we reported the teen suspects stole $60 from the store register. Jessup says the $60 was actually taken from a donation jar next to the register to help with expenses for the animal rescue organization.
The two teens were later arrested by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. They are awaiting trial on three charges each: breaking and entering, larceny, and conspiracy.
Jessup plans to speak with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office next week to see if the suspects can be charged with animal endangerment.
Buddha is about 6 years old, 40 pounds, tan and white with a black spot around one right eye.
Anyone in the Selma area who spots Buddha is asked to contact Raylene Jessup at 919-631-7138.
Praying Buddha will be found soon.
That’s just wrong. All over 60 dollars that they didn’t even care to get a job and earn.
Oh my God that’s terrible !!!!! My heart breaks for Buddhas owner.
All these teens committing really bad crimes and the sad thing is most of them get thrown right back in the streets to get worse. What happens then, Innocent people pay for their stupid selfish disgusting ways. The parents should be charged for raising such idiots.
I hope those punks get charged with animal endangerment! I will pray your request gets accepted, Buddha if found safe and you’re rescue thrives with adopters.
Agree
It’s just a dog
To someone heartless perhaps, but, to me he is a beloved family member. Did your mother not teach you if you could not say something nice to not say anything?
Just a dog???? You are just an idiot!
Only idiots hide behind fake names
Apparently, you have no soul.
Praying for you and whatever miserable life you must live
And your just an simple idiot. Have the day you deserve.
Back at ya
Its just a baby… overall progressive idiot.
I like dogs better than people…like you
Agree
No, it’s not just a dog.
But, you do sound like a ‘real piece of S…
Agree
Maybe to you, but to any compassionate human animals are family. Plus it’s freezing rain outside an animal can easily succumb to the elements
SOOOO sick of hearing about these juvenile punks in Selma. No, they can’t hold the parents responsible because the father is probably unknown and the mothers are on drugs. Selma has NEVER been the pride and joy of Johnston county and it only gets worse.
Agree
And you’re just a imbicile.
@peoplematter
I bet YOU were the ***** that dumped this poor dog at.the shelter as a puppy. SMDH
You’re probably the type that believes family pets like dogs and cats belong outside no matter what the weather is
Love the rage baiting. Keep it up.
To someone who is heartless perhaps, to me he is a beloved family member! Did your mom not teach you if you could not say something nice not to say anything? She should have!
Agree
These teens need to be punished make a example of them for other teens and criminals.i do wish they find the pup
Peoplematter you say it’s just a dog, well you’re just stupid and heartless! You obviously have never known the love that animals will give. You are a sad individual.
Selma has been having trouble with juveniles. The cops know which ones because they keep arresting them only for them to be released to commit more crimes. Something needs to change to where juveniles can be held accountable. The parents need to do a better job of teaching morals and discipline. Are the fathers around? A question that needs to be asked.
Peoplematter
And, you’re just a dip sh#t
Now the criminal Trump supporters have scared off a dog. Shame on them.
Post your real name
Dogs are good eating
You are a sick troll freak. Keep your mouth shut if you don’t have anything nice to say.
Have they put up trail cams in the wooded area? I’m sure they already have, but I’m thinking they should place some insulated crates (such as used for warm refuge spots for feral cats), food, and water in several locations and set up trail cameras to see if they can catch a glimpse of him. I hope they find him!
Have they put up trail cams in the wooded area? I’m sure they probably have, but I’m thinking they should place some insulated crates (such as ones used for warm refuge spots for feral cats), food, and water in several locations and set up trail cams to try and catch a glimpse of him.
I really hope they are able to find him soon!
Who post their real name?
Right? No one taught these people stranger danger.
Y O U
There are stories here about terrible heartbreak and tragedy. People couldn’t care less. Throw a dog in. People lose their s**t.
Raylene Jessup, thank you for and the sacrifices that you make for the animals. The work you do is appreciated. I do hope that that sweet soul is found soon.
Peoplematter and Sorrynotsorry, I do not think that you guys are capable of understanding the situation. Perhaps you do not have a heart or maybe you were born without the ability to feel sympathy or concern for another being.
Sorrynotsorry, just because people get upset and show compassion when something happens to an animal does not mean that they do not care about their fellow humans. I’m sure that the very same people that are out looking for this scared, cold dog have the capacity to also be concerned for people in our mountains in this winter weather. I’d also be willing to wager that they have sympathy for the people in California who are losing their homes as we speak. I would like to believe that MOST people have the heart to feel sympathy for humans AND animals, and any other living being for that matter. My point is, just because somebody gets emotional over an animal does not mean they have no compassion for humans – it is not one or the other. Maybe for you, but not everyone.
Agree
, and people who care a lot for animals also usually care a lot for humans. Most people have enough caring and kindness to go around. 
Any updates?
I tried looking for him on Monday night with my night vision, couldn’t find him. I am borrowing my buddy’s thermal optic and will try again this weekend.
That’s fantastic, thank you so much for helping.
Hey I tried looking for him cause I stay right by y’all but I did see when they all got released that morning and I think Ik who did it also.