Bring Milo Home: Family Pleads for Safe Return of Near-Deaf Dog

The Ryan family of Tinley Park have spent every night the last week with flashlights in hand, combing woods in the area of their home near 167th and Oak Park Avenue. 

Kelly and Joe Ryan, along with daughters Halie and Heather, are heartbroken that their beloved, 11-year-old Shar-pei remains missing a week after he slipped out of his collar while the family was on vacation.

Milo, who goes by "Mi-Mi" and is going deaf, has been with the family almost the daughters' entire lives—and through their mother's two brain surgeries.

"He never left my side," Heather Ryan said. "He's been by my side through it all."

Milo escaped from a neighbor walking him on Feb. 25. He wriggled his way out of his collar, and is not microchipped. 

As crippling cold bears down on the area, the family knows this is Milo's worst-case scenario, and finding him soon is crucial. 

"I've had him since he was six weeks old," Kelly Ryan said. "He's not just a dog, he's a member of the family."

Milo loves other animals and children. He can tend to be a bit skittish due to his age and difficulty hearing, so the family discourages residents from running toward him if spotted. 

"I'm praying and hoping a family has him and has taken him into their home," Kelly Ryan said. 

Anyone with information on Milo can call 708-491-6768, or 708-250-2094.

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