Community members both locally and internationally have come together in the search for a white Bull Terrier.
Toboe the Bull Terrier, and a beloved pet, has been missing since the flooding of November 9.
“This is the worst thing that has happened. I cannot describe it,” said Mr Michael Bowen, Toboe’s owner.
The six-year-old dog has been a big part of Mr Bowen’s life and means everything to him.

Community unites in search for beloved pet, Toboe

“I raised Toboe from a puppy. Me and him have been through thick and thin together,” said Mr Bowen.
During the heavy rains Mr Bowen received a phone call from his landlord saying there had been extensive damage to his house, which he had moved into only eight days before the flood.
Mr Bowen said that Toboe had been kept in a courtyard, giving him his own space but allowing him access to the house.
“I raced to my house and when I got there I just saw the devastation caused to our house by the flood,” said Mr Bowen.
After searching around the house for Toboe, Mr Bowen said he began screaming out Toboe’s name in the hope that the dog would hear him and return.
“I felt helpless. One of my first thoughts was that I had failed Toboe,” said Mr Bowen.
In the search around the property Mr Bowen said that he and his helpers found paw prints and began following them in the hope that they would find Toboe.

Gallery: Residents band together to clean up after floods

Unfortunately for Mr Bowen the debris and rubbish left by the flood hindered the search for Toboe.
After being unable to follow the tracks, Mr Bowen said that was when he turned to social media.
Mr Bowen said that many Edenvale community members showed concern.
“The response from the community has been really great. It has restored my faith in humanity once again,” said Mr Bowen.
He said on the third day after turning to social media there had been hundreds of shares.
Often Mr Bowen has been left exhausted from the searching, as he would began his search for Toboe once he ended work.

Gallery: Business clean-up operations in full swing

“When I feel exhausted and I see the messages from people saying ‘dont give up, we are looking in this area’, it gives me hope and I think to myself if they are out there why am I not,” said Mr Bowen.
Through the support of the community Mr Bowen said he was able to raise R7 700 as a reward for finding Toboe.
Mr Bowen said the donations came from Edenvale community members, fellow South Africans and people overseas.
“I am offering such a large reward to discourage people from keeping the dog or using him for dog fighting,” said Mr Bowen.
Mr Bowen said he would like to thank everyone who has assisted in the search for Toboe from the bottom of his heart.
For Mr Bowen and his girlfriend, the entire incident has been traumatic and emotional as they had also lost most of their possessions in the flood.
“The whole ordeal has been overwhelmingly emotional for my girlfriend and I,” said Mr Bowen.
Mr Bowen said because his girlfriend is pregnant, he is trying to keep the stress away from her. They are both currently living with her parents.
He said he is remaining hopeful because he knows Toboe is a strong dog and the support of the community has helped.
“I wake up feeling positive every morning,” said Mr Bowen.
If community members do see Toboe, Mr Bowen urged them to approach the dog.
“Bull Terriers may look aggressive but Toboe is a very friendly dog,” said Mr Bowen.
“As humans it is our responsibility to care for and look after all animals,” said Mr Bowen.
Anyone with information can contact Michael on 062 533 6207 or Chantal Levings on 084 095 6395.