A missing dog has returned home to his family safely after 16 days lost in bushland near a walking track on Brandy Creek Road.
It was over two weeks ago when Linda Peacock had been walking seven-year-old ‘Bear’, a Shar-Pei cross, and her other dog ‘Banjo’, a Border Collie pup, when a wild pig jumped out of the bush.
The two dogs immediately raced after the pig and within seconds they disappeared into the thick undergrowth.
The recent rains meant the sounds of flowing water were loud and Linda struggled to shout their names loudly enough to be heard.
Despite this, she stayed all day and into the evening, hoping to find the dogs.
Reluctantly returning home when it was dark, Linda put a notice up on popular Facebook site, Whitsundays Chat, and waited hoping that someone would find them.
Miraculously, Banjo was returned home after 32 hours but, despite possible sightings of Bear, he remained elusive.
“It was beautiful hearing of sightings because it kept the hope there,” said Linda.
“We knew he wasn’t dead because we just felt that he was alive, but it was difficult when it past the two-week mark because we’d heard that’s how long most dogs can survive.”
On the 16th day, Linda felt despair creep in and called out to the universe and pleaded for his return.
Five minutes later she received a call from three backpackers who had found Bear.
“It was amazing timing,” said Linda.
“The backpackers nearly didn’t see him as he was hiding and camouflaged under a tree, but another walker had informed them that they had seen a dog so fortunately, the boys knew to keep a look out.”
Shortly afterwards Bear was reunited with Linda, his little face lighting up the second he saw her.
“He was so happy to see us,” said Linda.
“But he’d lost over five kilos – when we took him to the vet it was like he’d gone on the Biggest Loser and it was Reveal Day!”
The two dogs are now reunited with Linda’s third dog and the family is very happy to be back together.
Caption:
1: Bear was found by three backpackers after spending 16 days alone in the bush
2: Happy to be reunited with his family and on the way home. Photos supplied
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