Missing puppy: Search continues for dog last seen in Diamond Creek

A dog owner still cannot believe how her 13-month-old puppy vanished without a trace at a Diamond Creek park three weeks ago. Now the community is stepping up to help reunite the distraught woman with her beloved pet.

Maeve Swift's 13-month-old whippet Ash has been missing for three weeks — She's hoping to reunite him with his sister, Willow. Picture: Ellen Smith

The Diamond Creek and Eltham communities are rallying to reunite a missing puppy with its distraught owner.

Maeve Swift was walking Ash along the Diamond Creek Trail at Campbell Street Reserve on June 7 about 9am.

But the 13-month-old whippet become “spooked” and tugged the lead out of the hand of Ms Swift’s husband, running through the park before disappearing through some trees while heading towards Allendale Rd.

“It’s the same walk we do every day,” she said.

“He’s run off before but he’s always calmed down or ended up running home and we’d find him there later — but this time he hasn’t come back home.”

Maeve Swift’s missing 13-month-old Whippet, Ash.

Ms Swift said it was the “strangest thing” no one had seen Ash beyond the park.

“It was 9am and everyone was out walking their dog, surely someone would have seen something,” she said.

“There is no way Ash would have survived 19 nights out in this cold. I like to think someone has innocently picked him up and is looking after him.”

The community has rallied behind the “shattered” Eltham woman, helping to deliver 600 flyers and put up 100 posters in the Eltham and Diamond Creek areas.

“The community has been amazing,” Ms Swift said.

“There have been search parties going around searching for Ash. We’ve used drones, called every vet in town and we’ve registered Ash with every body you can register a dog with.

“Someone has to know something.”

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Ms Swift bought Ash and his sister Willow from a breeder in Bendigo almost a year ago.

She said she treasured dogs and vowed to continue searching until Ash was found.

“I’ve had dogs all my life and before I got Ash and his sister Willow, we had a period where we didn’t have dogs, but the house was too empty, something was missing,” she said.

“He’s such a sweet boy and his sibling has stopped playing and been very sick the past two days — the poor thing doesn’t know what’s going on.

“It’s been a horrendous time — every time we get a phone call my hopes get up, but they are quickly dashed and I’m crying again.

“We just want him to come home where he is loved dearly.”

If you have seen Ash or have any information, phone Ms Swift on 0419 573 703 or 8418 8359.

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