Former Patriots Player Jerod Mayo Seeks Closure in Case of Missing Dog

A former member of the New England Patriots is seeking closure after his beloved dog went missing nearly two months ago.

Former linebacker Jerod Mayo told WJAR-TV he hired a trainer through Off Leash K9 Training in Providence. The trainer picked up his English bulldog "Knox" on May 24.

When Knox was due to be returned several weeks later, the trainer told Mayo she lost the dog while out walking with another dog in Wrentham.

Police searched the Joe's Rock conservation area off 1500 West St., but were unable to locate Knox. They did, however, find his electronic collar out in the open on the trail.

The collar was in pristine condition and there was nothing to suggest that it had been removed forcibly. There was also no blood or fur near the collar and no sounds were heard that would indicate that Knox had become prey to another animal.

"It's funny, but it's not funny, because the thing about Knox, he couldn't even walk down the street without huffing and puffing," Mayo told WJAR-TV.

According to Cranston Police, the trainer, Amelia Ferreira, later changed her story, saying Knox was last seen in his crate at her Cranston home and disappeared.

Since then, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began an investigation and seized five Maltese dogs from Ferreira's home. The dogs were living in the basement, matted and dirty, according to the RISPCA.

Ferreira's husband was arrested in connection with the alleged abuse and charged with domestic simple assault.

Mayo told WJAR-TV that they wished they hadn't gone through Off Leash K9 Training to hire Ferreira.

"It's sad, especially when there's no closure, and that's what we're after is to find closure," Mayo said.

A joint $5,000 reward for the return of Knox has been offered by the Mayo family and the RISPCA.