Katy Miracle: Missing Mom Found Alive After her Dog Alerted Rescuers

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

May 6, 2022

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy celebrates a miracle today as missing Katy mom, Sherry Noppe was found by volunteers and authorities in George Bush Park early Friday morning. Her black Labrador, Max barked alerting the rescue team as she was huddled up cold and afraid. Noppe and Max have been missing since Tuesday.

Story updated below after press conference. Katy Magazine declares May 6th as National Max Day, as his icessant barking led to Sherry's rescue.

Sherry Noppe and Max went missing while out on a walk Tuesday May 3, 2022.

Missing Mom and Dog are Safe

Sherry Noppe and her dog Max are safe and well after last being seen on a home security camera out for a walk on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. When they never made it home the community and local authorities rallied to bring them home.

Prayers and the tireless rescue efforts of countless community volunteers and multiple agencies paid off when the pair were found deep in George Bush Park around 3:00 a.m. this morning.

"It's a small miracle that she has been found alive after being missing for so long," says Harris County Constable Ted Heap.

“My family and I want to thank the entire community for all the love and support we have received,” says Courtney Noppe, one of Sherry’s daughters. “We truly believe we would not have found them if it wasn’t for each and everyone of you!”

While roughly 20 volunteers and deputies were on site when she was found they give credit to her dog Max for alerting them and to the countless efforts made by so many.

Mike England and a friend since childhood of Noppe’s son was part of the volunteer group that aided authorities in her rescue.

Location of Where They Were

Map provided by Mike England.

Safe and Sound After Efforts of So Many

“Yesterday evening around 5:00 p.m. tracking dogs found her scent but then it kept going cold,” says Mike England. “Every now and then you’d hear a dog bark and we just kept following that until we found them.”

England grew up knowing the Noppe family and knew the park well as he and her son would often ride bikes and four wheelers through it.

“Max absolutely saved her life,” says England. “She was huddled up, cold and scared.” He says that back in the area the woods are very thick, and she would not have heard them. Max did.

Amy Majewski and Mary Beth Cameron are both friends of the Noppe family for over 20 years. They immediately set up a Facebook group, Find Sherry.

“We knew how important social media would be so we set it up to keep communication going,” says Amy Majewski.

“I cannot stress enough that she was found safe because of all the many and many people involved,” says Majewski. “This was not because of one group but the efforts of so many people.”

Majewski reported to the Find Sherry group of over 9,000 volunteers this morning that Sherry and Max have had water and both of their vitals are good.

"I keep saying that this is the stuff of movies," says Majewski.

The Katy community rallied in a big way.

Harris County Constable Ted Heap's Office shares a picture of the deputies and volunteers who found Sherry and Max.

“Thank you to Texas EquuSearch along with the army of volunteers and multiple law enforcement agencies who never gave up in her search," says Constable Heap.

“We are so grateful and will never be able to thank y’all enough,” says Courtney Noppe. “This will be the best Mother’s Day ever.”

The Noppe Family Recalls her Rescue and Thanks Community

Max getting food after their rescue. Photo credit: Courtney Noppe

Sherry Noppe’s children Courtney, Justin, and Jessica addressed media this morning from the Walgreens at South Fry Road and Highland Knolls, which served as one of the staging areas throughout the search.

“We are so grateful and will never be able to thank y’all enough,” says Courtney Noppe. “This will be the best Mother’s Day ever.”

The conversation quickly shifted to the heroic dog Max, who was still at the vet getting a bath. He also is reported to be in good health.

“Oh my God, that dog saved her life,” says Courtney Noppe. “He saved her, that is how they found her.”

The Noppe children recalled the hours that led to their mother’s rescue. Tracking dogs earlier yesterday tracked her scent and authorities brought in a helicopter. Rescuers then started hearing a dog bark. Local authorities and community volunteers worked through the night following Max has he barked.

“Max at that point had no collar or leash on, but he stayed with her,” says Justin Noppe.

The Noppe family praises the Katy community. “This shows you about the type of people in Katy,” says Justin Noppe.

“Our mother wouldn’t be here without this community,” says Courtney Noppe. “If anything like this ever happens to y’all we’d be out there because we know what it’s like.”

The Noppes believe that she’s been in the same area since she got lost. They think she wondered off the path and then couldn’t find her way out.