Missing pet detective’s dogs poisoned and killed in home invasion

Karlene Treunicht, known for her work in tracking down missing pets, now faces an unthinkable tragedy. She is calling on the community for help.

Beloved search dogs poisoned

Karlene is a qualified dog trainer and missing pet detective who has helped reunite countless families with their lost animals using her specially trained K9 companions.

Last Friday morning, her world shattered when her two beloved tracking dogs, Red and Khaos, died during a home invasion.

The attack occurred early Friday morning, after Karlene, her husband, and her daughter had left for Durban the night before.

“My son, niece, and parents were home looking after the dogs,” Karlene explained.

“At around 03:30, four men dressed in black with hoodies, two of them armed, broke broke through the back gate. During the robbery, the intruders took electronics and valuables. But the real devastation came when Red and Khaos escaped into the garden, unknowingly stepping into a deadly trap.

“The men poisoned the neighbour’s dog and scattered sausage laced with two-step poison around our yard. We did not know until it was too late.”

By the time Karlene’s family went looking for Red and Khaos, the dogs had already succumbed to the poison.

Family devastated by the loss

“They were my children. Khaos was a princess, always cuddling, and always wanting treats. Red was my baby boy, my shadow. I couldn’t get in the car without him.”

The Missing Animal Response Network (MARN) in the US trained Red, who would have turned four this month. Khaos specialised in locating deceased pets and brought closure to grieving families. Together, with Karlene’s skills as a trained pet detective, they formed a fearless team.

“I am not coping,” she said.

“I had one counselling session, but still avoid things like their toys and blankets. I feel numb.”

Red’s first successful case remains one of Karlene’s fondest memories. “He found a missing min pin (miniature Pinscher) just days after finishing training. He tracked the scent to a block of flats and sat at the gate. When the owner opened the door, the dog ran into the owner’s arms. It was beautiful.”

The loss of Red and Khaos not only left a hole in Karlene’s heart but also stopped the vital service she provides to desperate pet owners. With no tracking dogs, she cannot continue the work that gave many families hope and healing.

Community support offers hope

“It takes four to six months to train a cat as a searcher, and six to 12 months to train a search dog,” she explained.

“I launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds for two new tracking dogs and their training. Getting back to work is important, not just for my healing, but for the families still searching for their pets.”

Despite delays in the police investigation, law enforcement failed to collect fingerprints or arrive in time to secure the scene.

Karlene says she draws strength from the community’s support. “Every message, call, and donation feels like a hug. I cannot thank everyone enough.”

Though the pain of losing Red and Khaos is still raw, Karlene believes their spirit will live on through the next generation of rescue dogs.

“They will never be replaced, but I know Red and Khaos will guide the new dogs.”

Help bring the mission back to life

As she continues to grieve, Karlene remains committed to her mission.

“What keeps me going is the thought of Red and Khaos, and the families still praying for a reunion. This work means everything to the people we help. Closure, even when it is not the ending we hoped for, is everything.”

Anyone wishing to support Karlene’s mission to acquire and train new tracking dogs can donate to Missing Pet Solutions.

“If Red and Khaos could hear me now— I love you with every fibre of my being. I’m so proud of you. Rest softly, my babies,” said the heartbroken fur mom.