Mass panic at UF’s Israel vigil leads to lost dog

Shoes, backpacks, keys and phones were lost and strewn across the University of Florida’s Turlington Plaza Monday due to an abrupt end to the “Unity with Israel” vigil that left dozens injured.

In the days that followed, one important item still hasn’t been recovered: someone’s dog.

The candlelight vigil meant to honor and pray for those affected by the current war in Israel ended when hundreds of students and other area residents were sent into panic as they attempted to run from what was a perceived threat. Dozens of students were injured and trampled during what some described as a stampede. Campus police have since said the ordeal was a misunderstanding from students already on edge after someone yelled out “911” when someone fainted.

Among those who ran was Nayana Wing, a 24-year-old Gainesville resident, who went to what was supposed to be a quiet and solemn gathering with a diverse crowd. She brought her dark brown, mixed-breed dog Koda with her. As commotion broke out, Wing said she saw someone on crutches fall and get run over by students, at which point Koda slipped from his collar and leash. He hasn’t been seen since.

“I’m just worried,” she said “It’s just very heart-wrenching.”

Vigil aftermath:‘I assumed I was getting shot at’: Dozens injured after UF vigil for Israel erupts in chaos

To make matters more difficult, Wing twisted her ankle and lost her phone and keys, too.

Wing said she had been searching for Koda since Monday evening for hours on end, but to no avail. Some leads have taken her to the UF bat houses, downtown Gainesville, Depot Park and nature parks.

“We’ve been through a lot,” she said. “He wouldn’t even come up to anybody in the beginning and we’ve built a lot of his personality up, and he is a big personality. He’s a big baby and a sweetheart.”

About Koda

Koda is a rescue dog, originally found tied to a pole in a Target parking lot, Wing said. She adopted him four years ago from Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) at a time when shelters are being overrun with abandoned animals.

Wing said Koda, who she views as a child of hers, has a small white patch on his chest and has a timid personality with strangers. He is also scared of loud noises. He has a microchip that is up to date but isn’t wearing a collar or any other accessory. If found, a local shelter could scan the chip and help ensure his return home.

His picture has been posted on Gainesville Pet Finder, a Facebook group that helps pet owners find lost and found pets in Alachua County. There have been hundreds of shares on the post already.

Wing said she believes he may still be around the UF area and asks that anyone with information about him, contact her at (352) 660-5081 or Nayanawing16@gmail.com. She has alerted the UF vet clinic, UF police department (UFPD) and ACAR to be on the lookout.

“If anybody can help me bring my baby home, I’ll be more than grateful,” Wing said.