There is hope for the safe return of the 11-year-old Border collie named Haiku who was taken along with a vehicle stolen from Willow Way shopping centre on September 22.
Recently locals and security guards in Mamelodi West cemetery reported seeing the dog.
The car was found in Selepe Street near the Mamelodi Baptist church in Mamelodi West, on Saturday morning, with the dog’s collar inside, but unfortunately, Haiku was nowhere to be seen.
However, the owners of the dog are concerned that she is traumatised and have pleaded with the public not to scare her by trying to grab or chase her.
A family member of the owner, Ferdinand Loubser, told Rekord the family left dog food with the security guards at the cemetery, so that they can lure Haiku since she might be very hungry after a week missing.
Haiku recently had surgery on a hind leg, and is limping and struggling to walk.
Loubser said anyone who sees the dog must give it food but not too much “put a little bread or other food down then sit at distance” so as not to scare her.
Loubser said they can call her by name to build rapport.
Tebogo Maredi, director of Soshanguve Animal Shelter posted this morning on social media that his team had confirmed that Haiku was seen last night.
This morning early they visited the cemetery and saw her sleeping under bushes in a ditch. When she heard the approach, she was startled and ran away. He remains determined that they will find and return Haiku to her home.
Talking to Rekord, Loubser confirmed that Dr van Schouwenburg, Haiku’s owner had her keys stolen from her handbag while shopping.
But back where she had parked, realised her car was missing and the car keys were no longer in her bag.
She suspected they were taken as she was bumped by people while shopping.
“Dr Van Schouwenburg is an elderly lady living alone. She is absolutely devastated that her only companion is missing,” said Loubser.
Dr Van Schouwenburg’s phone was also in the car when it was stolen so is unreachable at the moment.
In a Facebook post, residents pleaded with anyone who might have more information to please call Ferdinand on 082 468 3818 or Waterkloof animal hospital on 066 047 3473.
“There is a reward on offer for anyone that can supply information that leads to Haiku’s safe return,” said Loubser.
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