Gold Coast community’s ‘miracle’ mission to reunite lost dog with heartbroken owner

A Gold Coast snapper has captured the emotional reunion of a woman and her lost dog in a series of heartwarming photos after an incredible recovery mission. SEE THE PICS

The Mudgeeraba community has rallied to help a woman reunite with her lost dog after a ruff week of separation.

Rachael Monaghan was devastated when her five-year-old pet Anya escaped from their backyard two weeks ago.

But what started out as a few ‘lost dog’ posts on social media groups soon snowballed into a neighbourhood-wide search party.

Rachael Monaghan with Anya. Picture: April Werz (www.aprilwerz.com)

“I had complete strangers calling me and actively helping me look for her,” Ms Monaghan said.

“All the cafes and businesses had posters up and were checking in on me.

“It was unreal – I couldn’t believe the amount of support I got from complete strangers.”

The Mudgeeraba woman described the week she spent without her best friend as “one of the worst times” in her life.

“I couldn’t sleep because I felt like I should be out looking for her.”

Rachael Monaghan said she couldn’t sleep while Anya was missing. Picture: April Werz (www.aprilwerz.com)

And just when all hope seemed to be lost – the impawsible happened.

One day out of the blue, Ms Monaghan received a flood of reported sightings from community members.

A motorist was eventually able to capture Anya after she was found running on the M1 near Reedy Creek.

The rescuer refused to accept the $1000 reward being offered for Anya’s safe return.

“I’m not usually an emotional person, but I wailed like a newborn child when I saw her,” Ms Monaghan said.

“I just couldn’t believe that she was alive after a week and being found on the M1. It was a bit of a miracle.”

The relieved pet owner thanked the community for their help, including local photographer April Werz who captured their emotional reunion in a heartwarming series of photographs.

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Originally published as Gold Coast community’s ‘miracle’ mission to reunite lost dog with heartbroken owner