COLUMBUS (WCMH) -More than 100 lost dogs made their way to the Franklin County Dog Shelter after the 4th of July holiday, but time could be running out for their owners.

“It was a heck of fireworks show,” says Rick Parrett of east Columbus.

Rick and his wife Katie are on the hunt for their missing dog, Bow. He’s a two-year-old pocket beagle who went missing this weekend after his neighborhood fireworks show.

“Someone went in to use the restroom, even though that’s what I had the port-a-potties for, just to keep people from going inside,” says Rick. “That’s when he went missing.”

Bow is one of hundreds of local dogs who’ve gone missing over the 4th of July holiday. As of Tuesday night, 131 four-footed loved ones were new, hopefully temporary residents at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. The shelter said 40 dogs had been reunited with their owners.

“We’re dealing with the aftermath of dogs who got frightened by the fireworks, they ran off, they spooked and eventually made their way here,” says Franklin Co. Dog Shelter Community Relations Agent Susan Smith.

But now the timing is urgent. State law says these canine companions must be held for three days, then they can be prepped for adoption.

“The ones we picked up Friday are just about to go off the three-day hold and so we’re gonna be getting them ready for adoption just as soon as we can,” says Smith.

For Rick and Katie Parrett, the trip through the dog shelter didn’t turn up Bow.

Now they have to tell the kids, and just wonder how he got out.

“They’re just waiting for us to come back from here, they’re hoping he’s here,” says Katie.

Dogs who came in on Friday, July 4 could be on the adoption floor by Thursday.

The Franklin Co. Dog Shelter is open from 11am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 9am to 5pm on the weekends.

The shelter is located at 4340 Tamarack Blvd. For more information, visit the shelter’s website. What others are clicking on: