AFTER spending more than a year dodging traffic on the M13 and N3 and surviving alone in Paradise Valley Gorge, an elusive feral dog known as Maple is finally safe thanks to seven months of patient dedication by local rescuers and a community that never gave up hope.

What began as a sighting of an injured six-month-old puppy along the M13 in March 2025 ended 16 months later in an emotional rescue that has captured the hearts of the Cowie’s Hill and Westville community.

Her story began when she and her mother were first spotted on the M13 embankment. Maple, then about six months old, had a broken paw. Concerned animal lovers Sam from Animal Antics and Shaun from SAFE (Safe Fostering Network/Animal Rescue and Adoption) established a feeding station in an effort to rescue the pair.

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“They worked incredibly hard to save them,” said Maple’s rescuer, Carmen Bowers.

“But extensive construction on the cliffs where they were sheltering frightened them away before they could be caught.”

Three months later, Maple reappeared alone on an island beneath the Sasol Bridge near Cowie’s Hill. Her mother was never seen again.

Bowers who eventually rescue Maple said she first learned about the dog in October 2025 through social media reports placing her on the N3 embankment.

Soon afterwards, another post claimed the dog had been found dead.

“I remember going to work that Monday, but something kept telling me she was still alive,” she said.

For two days she and her husband searched along Wishing Well Road, calling for the unknown dog.

“We couldn’t find her. I was devastated.”

Believing the dog had died, Bowers gave her a name Maple and even bought a maple bonsai tree in her memory.

Building Trust

Then, in December 2025, everything changed.

Another sighting emerged from beneath the Sasol Bridge.

“The markings were identical. The broken paw was the same. I asked everyone on our community group if they thought it was the same dog, and most believed it was.”

Bowers said she decided to try one last time.

“I felt I’d been given a second chance. Maple became my 2026 rescue project.”

Just after Christmas, daily feeding began beneath the bridge.

She said the journey was anything but straight forward.

Food bowls repeatedly disappeared before experienced rescuer Janet Murray stepped in to help.

“Janet guided every step of this rescue,” said a grateful Bowers.

“The first thing she told me was to move Maple’s feeding station onto what I came to call ‘Maple’s Island’.”

The pair first came face-to-face in early January 2026.

“There she was. She looked at me, barked, and disappeared into Paradise Valley Gorge. That’s when I realised where she was living.”

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To confirm Maple was returning each night, Murray installed a trail camera.

“That first night, the footage showed it was Maple. That was when the real feeding journey began.

“Over the next seven months, Maple slowly learned to trust the person bringing her food. The rescuer gradually moved closer from sitting inside her vehicle, to the roadside barrier, then on a nearby storm drain until she was eventually only about one-and-a-half metres away.

“For seven months I fed Maple almost every day. Some days she’d come. Other days she wouldn’t. It took enormous patience.”

By March 2026, Maple’s feeding station had been relocated to a safer embankment away from the bridge.

Following Murray’s advice, her menu changed too.

“Bluff Pet Mince became her favourite. She loved chicken, chicken hearts, necks and especially chicken feet.

“Eventually, Maple began waiting for her rescuer before feeding. She would already be waiting on her path when I arrived. It was the most incredible feeling.”
Time Running Out

By July 2026, tree-felling and construction had reached the edge of Maple’s home.

“I remember Janet sending me a video of workers cutting trees along Maple’s path,” she said. “My heart just sank. The danger could no longer be ignored. ‘It’s time,’ Janet told me. ‘We need to speed this up.'”

A humane trap was introduced and left along Maple’s route so she could become comfortable with it.

Then, just one day before the planned rescue, Maple wandered dangerously close to the N3.

“I watched her walking along the edge of the highway and felt completely helpless. That was the moment I realised her chances of surviving much longer on her own were very slim.”

‘We Had Maple’

On 17 July 2026, months of preparation finally paid off.

Murray helped prepare and test the humane trap before taking up position nearby while Maple’s rescuer followed their familiar evening routine.

“I had to stay completely calm,” said Bowers. “Janet reminded me that dogs sense changes in your energy.”

Across the road, Maple appeared one final time on the rock where she often sat overlooking the traffic.

“I remember thinking, ‘This will be the last time she sits there.’ It was emotional.”

Moments later, Maple entered the trap.She stepped onto the trigger plate.The door closed.”We had Maple.”

The emotion of seven months of dedication finally overwhelmed everyone involved.

“I ran to the trap and covered it with a blanket to calm her. Then I burst into tears and hugged Janet. We were just so happy.”

Maple has since been vaccinated, spayed and is adjusting to life in her forever home.

“She is still feral, so it will take time,” said her resuer.

“But she isn’t aggressive. She’s such a lovely dog, and I have all the time in the world for her.”

Bowers credited Murray’s expertise for making the rescue possible.

“I couldn’t have done this without Janet. Her knowledge and guidance were incredible. She has become one of my closest friends and is now Maple’s godmother.”

She also thanked Shaun from SAFE for providing the humane trap used in the rescue, as well as the Cowie’s Hill community for months of encouragement.

“Our community never stopped believing in Maple.

From the people who hooted as they drove past to everyone who sent treats, prayers and kind words, Maple has inherited a huge family.

To follow Maple’s journey, visit https://www.instagram.com/maples_sanctuary?utm_source=qr

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