Elderly resident reunited with best friend on father’s day

JOHN Plakke’s health went downhill when his little dog Jack disappeared. But the 80-year-old bounced back when his mate returned and now the bond is stronger than ever.

John Plakke, from St Helens Park, was reunited with his dog Jack on Father's Day after he was missing for three weeks. Picture: Robert Pozo

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FOR St Helen’s Park resident John Plakke, his dog Jack is the best medicine.

The 80-year-old’s health took a turn downhill when his canine companion went missing for three weeks, but on Father’s Day he was given the best present — he got his best friend back.

Daughter Louisa Van Der Ende said Mr Plakke improved immediately.

“When Jack went missing my dad went really backwards, he was totally not well. Now that Jack is back, he is back too,” she said.

“He’s walking every day and the dog is so good for him, you can see it on his face.”

Mrs Van Der Ende said the pair were inseparable and had both helped each other.

“My dad had a Maltese about six months ago that he had to put down, so we went to the pound where we found Jack and the two really suited each other,” she said.

“I think after being reunited they actually bonded more. He won’t leave my dad’s side and just keeps looking at him.”

John and Jack. The pair were reunited on Father’s Day after three weeks. Picture: Robert Pozo

Mrs Van Der Ende appealed to members of Campbelltown Lost Found and Injured Pets (CLFIP) to help find Jack, and has pledged to donate $400 to help the group continue helping others.

“Thanks so much to everyone who has given their support and tried to find him,” she said.

“My Dad is over the moon and I can see life coming back to his face.”

CLFIP founder Jody Scott said the resident who found Jack was now a group member and that the donation was much appreciated.

“We are overwhelmed by the donation,” she said.

“We are coming into our busy season, and the donation will go along way to helping us with our veterinary assistance scheme, which assists people on fixed incomes access immediate veterinary treatment for their injured and sick pets in an emergency.”

For more information on the organisation’s work visit Campbelltown Lost Found and Injured Pets

John and dog Jack have a stronger bond after Jack went missing.