Wetherill Park dog found in St Helens Park after seven years

WHEN Marielle Savannah lost her beloved puppy Charlie seven years ago, she searched high and low for her for a year before losing all hope.

Marielle with Charlie. Dog Charlie was lost for seven years. She was found in St Helens Park on Sunday by resident Jess Cameron and has been reunited with overjoyed owner Marielle Savannah.

WHEN Marielle Savannah lost her beloved puppy Charlie seven years ago, she searched high and low for her for a year before losing all hope.

Little did the Wetherill Park resident know that her 10-month-old maltese shih tzu went on a long journey, somehow making a 40km trip all the way to St Helens Park.

A lost and wandering Charlie was picked up by St Helens Park resident and member of Campbelltown Lost, Found and Injured Pets Facebook group Jessica Cameron last month who had her microchip scanned.

The microchip number was pulled up by Rossmore Veterinary Hospital who contacted an overwhelmed Mrs Savannah.

“I couldn’t believe it. I really thought we would never find Charlie,” the 61-year-old said.

“She’s so happy to be back home now and I want to thank everyone involved so much.”

Charlie as a puppy with her two siblings in 2009.

Charlie somehow made her way to St Helens Park.

Charlie, her mum, dad and two siblings were in Mrs Savannah’s backyard one fine afternoon in 2009 when they left from a gate and went on a walk throughout the cul-de-sac.

Mrs Savannah’s husband was able to collect the other four dogs but could not locate Charlie.

“We were very upset because she was white and black and her siblings were just white. She was the only one who was special,” Mrs Savannah said.

“Everybody was so shattered.”

She said she had tried to figure out exactly how Charlie got to the Macarthur region but could not work it out.

“I would love to find out what has happened to her during this time,” she said.

“She is very healthy and has been looked after so well. Whoever has taken care of her, I thank them so much.”

Mrs Savannah is delighted Charlie is back with her. Picture: Carmela Roche

Ms Cameron was on her way to the movies last month when she found Charlie.

“I was expecting the owner to just be a local resident. When I found out Marielle lives in Wetherill Park it was so shocking,” Ms Cameron said.

“I’m so glad she’s back home. I really want to know the mystery of Charlie’s story.”

The 28-year-old, who owns a cavalier king charles spaniel herself, said the successful return of Charlie to Mrs Savannah emphasised the importance of microchipping pets.

“If Charlie didn’t have a microchip, there’s no way Marielle would have ever known about her,” she said.

“It’s also very lucky that Marielle kept the same mobile number because some people don’t. So it’s very important to make sure the details on your microchip are current.”