More than a month after their Yorkshire terrier Lilly disappeared from Selection Park, the Payaniandi family is still searching for the beloved pet and appeals to residents to help bring her home.

Lilly went missing on June 25 after a malfunction caused the family’s gate to open, allowing her to leave the property. She was last seen near Selpark Primary School.

Pastor David Payaniandi told the Springs Advertiser that Lilly had been part of the family since she was four months old.

“She has literally grown up with us. Lilly is much more than a pet. She is a cherished member of our family,” he said.

Payaniandi described Lilly as gentle, loyal and intelligent, adding that she was wary of strangers.

He emotionally said that she has always been deeply attached to her home and to the family. He does not believe she would have willingly left them or chosen another family.

The family realised something was wrong when they discovered the gate open and Lilly was nowhere to be found.

They immediately searched the neighbourhood on foot and by car, spoke to neighbours, checked nearby parks and open spaces, and reported her missing.

Appeals were shared widely on social media and posters were distributed throughout the area, with one resident even volunteering to print additional flyers. The family has followed several leads since Lilly’s disappearance.

“We were told Lilly was seen near Selpark Primary School shortly after she disappeared and later received information suggesting someone had picked her up,” said Payaniandi.

He added that every lead had been investigated, but none have resulted in Lilly being found. Adding to the family’s distress, scammers have also contacted them in an attempt to exploit their search.

“The hardest part has been not knowing where she is or whether she is safe. Every day without answers is emotionally exhausting,” he said.

ALSO CHECK: Springs SPCA seizes 88 dogs from commercial facility in cruelty investigation

Despite the uncertainty, Payaniandi shared that they refuse to lose hope. He thanked the community for the support shown over the past few weeks.

“Neighbours, friends, strangers, local animal lovers, rescue organisations and thousands of people on social media have shared our posts, offered prayers and kept an eye out for Lilly. We are deeply grateful for every person who has helped.”

Payaniandi hopes the family’s experience encourages pet owners to take extra precautions to protect their animals. He also urged residents who find stray or lost animals not to keep them.

“If you pick up an animal, please take it to the SPCA or a veterinarian in your area and use social media to let the community know. It is the right thing to do.”

Payaniandi ended with an emotional appeal to anyone who may know where Lilly is.

“If you have Lilly, or know where she is, I ask you from the bottom of my heart to please do the right thing.

“Lilly already has a family who loves her deeply and has never stopped searching for her. We are not seeking revenge or conflict. We want our little girl back home where she belongs,” he concluded.
Payaniandi may be contacted on 071 446 2869.