An Update + Gratitude

Encouraged! I’d like to tell you how very encouraged we as a family are with the way searching for Emily is progressing. We’ve mentioned repetitively how full of gratitude we are for the extensive water searches the Flathead Co. Sheriff’s Office and CSAR has and continue to conduct. We are aware of and fully prepared for the possibility of a water discovery. The surprise would be if the cause was determined to be by accident.

In addition, as previously mentioned,

• The services of a Private Investigator have been enlisted

• A forensic cyber security firm has been engaged

• A forensic accountant has been hired

• Emily’s computer data is being painstakingly combed by experts

• Her mobile phone data is in the process of being scrutinized by forensic experts

• Her car and paddle board are undergoing additional processing

• Out of state Missing Persons detectives have joined our search team.

When these entities and further investigation reports are compiled and returned, we will be able to state unequivocally we have done everything conceivable to conduct as thorough and comprehensive a search for Emily as was humanly possible. We anticipate the results of these efforts to be completed by summer’s end. Should she not be found, Emily is still only lost on this side of eternity. Praise God! Although public involvement may not continue, family will not cease to search.

We also can hardly begin to thank you enough for continuing to inquire about assisting us financially. When the Go Fund Me account was set up, an initial figure of $60,000 was the goal. The funds received to date have been $39,460. Those funds have been meted out carefully and with great discretion. As you can imagine, since becoming general contractors, so to speak, the financial needs are significant.

As a refresher, we have a Montana based accountant who manages all financial aspects. She formally established an account with Stockman Bank in 2024; The Find Emily Rea Fund. There is a check and balance process before any funds are granted permission for release.

Coming from one who had the greatest of challenges selling Girl Scout cookies (I used to babysit extra to buy my quota and give them away, rather than sell), I’m making an uncomfortable personal request for any of you who are so inclined, to please consider making a contribution to assist with this summer’s investigation expenses. You’ll find option links under the “Donate” tab.

Over the next several posts, I believe you’ll begin to get an idea of how many people have been

involved in Emily’s search and the significant roles you’ve played. The community Emily immersed herself in and so enjoys has more than stepped up to the plate. I would like to continue thanking each and every one of you. As far as businesses, local and on-line, are concerned, you as the Emily community, can in turn augment those verbal thanks by visiting those businesses and by tagging them in social media. Wouldn't it be kind to sing the praises of especially business entities who take a vested interest in their community?

This post will concentrate on dogs; Emily’s Hugo and my Handsome; both rescues. Both have trust issues and are reactive rather than aggressive, but nonetheless challenging for those who aren't their trusted/safe moms.

Hugo

So many of Emily’s friends and acquaintances stepped in immediately to help with Hugo

care. Temporary homing and transportation to and from was provided by Zac, Susan, Briar,

Bridgett and Stephanie Juneau and Ken Salsgiver of Three Dog Ranch,

I was thrilled by the care and concern for this pup who was obviously disoriented and missing his mom. The extra efforts expended to maintain a semblance of his regular schedule, special dietary needs, and being certain to include his belongings and articles of clothing with Emily’s scent. Not to mention integrating another dog into their own households with pets. No small feat!

Businesses stepped in as well!

Chase and Abby Pierce of Tail Waggers donated food and goodies immediately, and a means by which others could help fund Hugo care was set up. You did! Thanks to each of you who directly contributed financially to Hugo’s needs and helping relieve the burden of an additional dog for those offering him a temporary home.

Despite best efforts, the more transitions Hugo made, the more frazzled he became. It was

evident experts were needed. In stepped Neil and Tracy Day, All Day Dog Adventures, With hands-on (re) and (un)training. Neil, by the way, also donated hours of his time and canine expertise on the CSAR searches.

When it became evident the search for Emily was more than short term, Lindsay Abernethy of

Southern Mutts Rescue Wagon came to the rescue again herself by finding a temporarily permanent home for Hugo. Lindsay initially placed him with Emily. A Georgia dog no

less! Her screening process is nothing short of adopting a child and it pays off. What a perfect

pair Emily and Hugo quickly became!

As tender as the situation was, she once again scored by finding Hugo a more permanent home with Meagan and Keith. Replete with a new brother/playmate, Spike. You can see by the photos, they’re managing….very well. Spike even shared his toys. Part of Lindsay’s adoption agreement was for Hugo to have intensive and then ongoing re-training. Meagan has been stellar in keeping to the schedule and practice exercises. And benefitting from it, I dare say with Andre LaFosse of JPK-9.

Meagan is quite entrepreneurial. It would be wonderful if you would show your appreciation for

her Hugo care by visiting www.Raskolinkllc.com. She also has a Spirit’s brokerage Co.: Raskol Spirits Brokerage.

Handsome

When I made my initial trip out to MT, it was to be a short jaunt; Emily was to have been found

before I got there or shortly thereafter. It was inconceivable to think otherwise. I left home in GA in a flurry. As with Hugo, help calls were quickly made. Shawna, Teresa and Jack were jiffy quick

to respond with help for “just a few days.”

Help included purchasing and preparing food, checking in on and playing ball with him. Handsome, a German Shephard/Golden Retriever mix, has past abuse and trust issues. Precious few are even allowed in our yard. So, collars or leashes on and off are non-negotiables; thank heavens our yard is large with terraces over which to chase balls and get tuckered out, and doggie doors. (I’ve much more to say about neighbors, but in another post.)

Those few of days stretched into nearly two months during which time Brandon Grisham of Fetch The Leash, was able to arrange his schedule to tag-team. An absolute God-send! Brandon has “that touch” with the four legged community. Everyone was so incredibly helpful and filled in whatever was needed in my absence which lasted until September 4th, 2024. Yes, more, much more to come on neighbors.

Someone, somewhere knows something. Emily is still missing, we are still searching!

Thank you for helping in so very many ways.

Please remember: Never stop praying

* PLEASE forgive me if someone has been omitted from this list. It certainly isn’t on purpose.

I’d like very much to know, so don’t hesitate to pop me a note.