A young Springs girl named Lilly Burger (3) has taken it upon herself, with the help of her family, to help find a missing Yorkie who happens to share her name. The Yorkie disappeared on June 25 and was last seen near Selpark Primary School.

Lilly first heard about the missing dog through community posts and social media. According to her father, Roelof Burger, every time the family drives past one of the posters, Lilly points it out and reminds them that they need to help bring the dog home.

“When our daughter Lilly first heard that another little Lilly was missing, she immediately wanted to help find her.

“For her, it was very simple: ‘Her name is Lilly, my name is Lilly, and we need to find her,’” said Burger.

The family from Geduld Extension has since joined the search by sharing missing posters and information on social media, encouraging residents to keep an eye out for the Yorkie across Springs, Brakpan, Nigel and surrounding areas.

Burger explained that the idea came from Lilly herself, who wanted to help after learning that another family was searching for their beloved pet.

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“As two first-time dads, we believe in teaching our children compassion and that we should help others when they are in need,” he said.

Burger believes Lilly’s love for the children’s television series Paw Patrol has also influenced her determination to help.

The Burger family is using their children Lilly and Luka’s social media presence to help spread the word. Burger said the family’s main aim is to keep Lilly’s face and story visible in the hope that the right person will see the posts and provide information.

“One share could reach the exact person who has seen Lilly or knows where she is,” he noted.

For the young Lilly, the search has become personal because of the shared name and because she doesn’t see it as something complicated. She sees another Lilly who is missing and believes the family needs to help find her.

Burger said the family has also been touched by how much the missing Yorkie means to her owners, David and Chantel Payaniandi.

“It is very clear that Lilly is not simply a pet. She is part of the family. They love her deeply and desperately want her home. They are waiting, hoping and praying that someone will come forward with information that can help bring her back,” expressed Burger.

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Burger indicated that watching his daughter become involved has been emotional and inspiring, while also reminding the family that the search must continue.

The family is appealing to residents not to forget about Lilly and to continue sharing her photograph and information.

“If anyone has seen Lilly, believes they know where she is, or has any information that could help, please get in touch with David on 071 446 2869.

“Even if someone is not completely certain, they should still pass the information on. A small piece of information could be the missing link that gets Lilly home,” said Burger.

He also appealed directly to anyone who may currently have the Yorkie or know her whereabouts.

“Our message is from the heart: Please bring Lilly home,” he said.

Burger said the family hopes the community will join the young girl’s efforts to bring the Yorkie home.