Dog missing after owner’s car was stolen
When she came back a mere 20 minutes later, she discovered that the car had been stolen - with Java still in it.
Owners are worried about Java, a 12-year-old Jack Russell, who has been missing since Tuesday afternoon when it was stolen along with their car.
The beloved canine went with owner Madeleen van Niekerk (39) as she made a pitstop at Silverwater Crossings in Silverton to deliver rusks in her white Volkswagen Polo.
When she came back a mere 20 minutes later, she discovered the car had been stolen – with Java still in it.
“A vehicle is merely an earthly possession, but I will never be able to replace Java,” a distraught Van Niekerk told Rekord.
Her voice is shaky when she speaks about her “firstborn”.
Java became part of the Van Niekerk family about 13 years ago.
Madeleen offers therapeutic horse lessons out on the Boschkop Road.
“Java was brought into our lives before our three children were born.
“He adores traveling with me, loves the outdoors and he even jumps onto my lap when I go horse riding,” she said.
During the first lockdown last year, the Van Niekerk family visited Madeleen’s parents’ farm in Waterval oven, Mpumalanga.
A Mozambican spitting cobra bit Java in its left eye and the family had to rush back to Pretoria to get him to the nearest vet.
A cancerous tumour was also cut out of one of his front legs, but the cancer unfortunately returned.
The family’s other Jack Russell, Rugby, died due to cancer just before Christmas in 2019.
“The saddest part of Java’s disappearance, is that life goes on – with or without him.
“All I’m asking for is his safe return,” she said.
In the meantime, she has contacted vets, animal welfare organisations and security companies with the hope of finding him.
A case of motor vehicle theft was opened at the Silverton police station.
Police have yet to comment.
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