Re: muzzle loader issue
Crossing my fingers you find the pooch. Hopefully, she is back at the cabin already..... Good luck..... Stay positive. Maybe you will get a moose too and all will be well....
From the frying pan and into the fire. I suppose the breech was really dirty. Did the gunsmith give any ideas what to do if it happens again? Other than removing the plug?
May I recommend using something like this when loading while target shooting and cleaning. Save the guns ramrod for loading(only) if you use it for hunting. The link is what I've used for years. Heavy duty, don't have to worry about it coming apart or breaking. Rod is brass and the handle is solid aluminum.
http://www.cva.com/CVA-Product-View.php?id=143
You can also get an extension if need be. The rod is 31", I believe your barrel is 28" so you should be good.
http://www.cva.com/CVA-Product-View.php?id=144
They also make a brass bore saver that goes over the rod. It's tapered, fits in the end of the bore and keeps the rod straight. Especially good when loading. Not sure if you can buy that seperately. You could check with your local gunshop.
ps. I never use a brush. Hot tap water, dish soap, swab
http://www.cva.com/CVA-Product-View.php?id=136 , pipe cleaner for inside the nipple, a tooth brush( for the nipples threads and hammer) and cleaning patches to dry/oil the bore. Plastic ice cream bucket works good to store your cleaning supplies and for soapy water to clean the barrel, nipple etc.....