Fireworks: Missing maltese found safe after three days
Three days missing after New Year’s fireworks, Dixie’s story has a happy ending.
The family of Dixie, the 10-year-old Maltese cross from Atlasville who reportedly ran away on New Year’s Day after being frightened by fireworks, are over the moon after their beloved pet was recently found safe and sound.
Her owner, Ursula van der Merwe, previously explained that they were attending a braai and had planned to return home before the fireworks started, but the noise began earlier than expected, and Dixie went missing.
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The family tried everything in their power to find their furry friend, including posting about her on social media, visiting nearby SPCAs and looking into manholes.
A breakthrough came when Dixie wandered into the Lacomo Lifestyle Estate three days after going missing.
Estate security picked her up and shared a photograph of the dog on their trustees’ group.
The image was later recognised by a former friend of the family, who had also seen the Facebook posts about Dixie’s disappearance and alerted her owners.
“We received the call on the morning of January 4 and immediately went to fetch her,” said Van der Merwe.
She said Dixie was badly shaken when she was found.
“She was a nervous wreck, covered in burrs, thorns and ticks, and extremely dirty. She was also completely exhausted.”
Ursula took the dog to the vet for a full examination and medication, after which she was washed and microchipped through TAG.
“I removed about 50 ticks one by one. She didn’t complain once and just slept through it. She slept a lot afterwards, but she ate very well.”
Also Read: Fireworks: Stick to the rules warns City of Ekurhuleni
Despite her ordeal, Dixie is now recovering well at home.
The family has thanked everyone who shared posts and helped spread the word, saying the community’s quick action played a vital role in bringing Dixie home safely.
