Service Dog Goes Missing in Billings, Found Dead

Heather Duncan's service dog Handsome slipped out of her hotel room and was tragically killed near Interstate 90.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:33am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a leash and collar lying on the ground, with soft pools of warm light and color surrounding it, conveying a sense of melancholy and loss.The tragic loss of a service dog who provided vital daily assistance highlights the dangers they can face when they get loose.Billings Today

Heather Duncan, an Oklahoma resident, was staying in Billings, Montana with her service dog Handsome when he escaped from her hotel room. A frantic town-wide search ensued, but Handsome was later found dead along Interstate 90, a tragic ending to the search.

Why it matters

Losing a service dog is an immense hardship for the owner, as the dog is not just a pet but a vital daily companion. This incident highlights the dangers that service animals can face when they get loose, especially near busy highways.

The details

While Heather Duncan was packing up to leave her hotel in Billings, her service dog Handsome managed to slip out unnoticed. A search across the city was launched, with signs posted and rewards offered, but Handsome was ultimately found dead near Interstate 90, likely struck by a vehicle.

  • Handsome went missing while Heather Duncan was packing up to leave her hotel on Friday.
  • Handsome's body was found near Interstate 90 in Billings.

The players

Heather Duncan

An Oklahoma resident who was traveling with her service dog Handsome when he went missing in Billings.

Handsome

Heather Duncan's service dog who escaped from her hotel room in Billings and was tragically found dead near Interstate 90.

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The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers service animals can face when they get loose, especially near busy highways. It highlights the immense hardship that losing a service dog can have on an owner who relies on the animal for daily assistance.