New Orleans has a new folk hero, and he walks on four legs. Scrim, a scruffy terrier with wiry ears and an attitude to match, has become the city’s most talked-about runaway. His improbable escapes and uncanny ability to outwit his pursuers have earned him a place in local lore—and a loyal following of fans who track his every move.
Scrim’s journey from stray to sensation began in March 2024 in a trailer park in Houma, Louisiana. Rescued from near-certain death at a shelter, he was brought to New Orleans by Michelle Cheramie, the founder of Zeus’ Rescues. Renamed Scrim, he was placed in a loving home, but the terrier had other ideas. Within days, he broke free and hit the streets, where he stayed for six months, dodging traps, tranquilizers, and nets.
The Great Escape(s)
In October 2024, after countless sightings and near-misses, Scrim was finally cornered in a fenced lot and brought back to safety. The relief was short-lived. While recuperating in Michelle’s home, Scrim pulled off a Houdini-worthy escape: he chewed through a second-story window screen, leapt 13 feet to the ground, and disappeared into the city once again.
His return to the streets set off another search, one that grew into a community-wide effort. Volunteers equipped with wildlife cameras, thermal imaging, and even a tactical net launcher have joined forces to bring Scrim back. Each close call only seems to add to his legend. In one memorable incident, he was spotted napping under a raised house. A carefully coordinated plan to trap him unraveled when an eager volunteer lunged too soon, leaving Scrim an escape route.
A City Rallies Around a Dog
Scrim’s escapades have united New Orleanians unexpectedly. From casual dog lovers to seasoned animal rescuers, people from all walks of life have shared tips, sightings, and strategies. Someone created a crowd-sourced map of Scrim’s movements and said the terrier symbolises resilience and community spirit.
Michelle, who has dedicated her life to rescuing animals, feels a deep responsibility for Scrim. She sees his determination as a reflection of the city’s grit, but she’s also acutely aware of the dangers he faces. Traffic, fireworks, and unpredictable hazards make the streets a perilous place for a dog.
Scrim Videos and Recent Sightings
On New Year’s Eve to welcome 2025, the search for Scrim continues with renewed urgency. Michelle has shared the latest updates and videos confirming Scrim’s movements. With fireworks spooking him further, predicting his movements has become even more challenging.
Despite tireless efforts from Michelle and her team, who used electric bikes, Vespas, and cars to keep up, Scrim proved too quick and elusive. Along the way, they set up feeding stations, trail cameras, and traps to ensure his safety.
Freedom or Safety?
The debate over Scrim’s future is as intense as the search itself. Some fans, using the hashtag #FreeScrim, argue that he belongs on the streets, living on his own terms. Michelle and her team see it differently. They want to find him a safe haven—perhaps a secure sanctuary where he can roam without fear.
Scrim’s story is more than a tale of escape. It’s a reminder of the unpredictable, sometimes chaotic beauty of life in New Orleans. Whether his next chapter leads to a safe home or more adventures, one thing is certain: Scrim has already left his paw prints on the heart of the city.
