PALATINE, Ill. —  At 5 years old, Digger the dog is the leader of his pack..

But a pack of three dogs is now missing its leader, because Digger got away.

His owner, Todd Caponi, said when his family went on vacation to California last week, they boarded their three dogs at Baxter and Beasley, a mile from their home in Palatine, Ill.

The family is searching,  leaving clothes out in the yard for scent, putting up signs, warning people that Digger will likely run away if chased. They even chartered a chopper for a view from above.

They’re hopeful that someone sees Digger and calls. He’s microchipped but doesn’t have his normal collar on; the kennel takes it off during boarding.