How a family’s missing dogs were found 300km from home

When golden retriever Rove, and Ralph, a maremma sheepdog disappeared in January it was feared they would never be seen again. Miraculously, the pair were found 300km from home, but how they survived in the wild for weeks remains a mystery.

Two dogs who went missing in January were miraculously found 300km from home in an epic tale befitting a Hollywood tear-jerker.

It was feared golden retriever Rove, and Ralph, a Maremma sheepdog, would never be seen again when they disappeared from their owner’s farm at Barham on the Murray River.

But as hope faded, the canine pals resurfaced at Bacchus Marsh — more than three hours’ drive away.

How they survived weeks in the wild remains a mystery.

Lauren and George Mathers with Rove. Picture: Steve Huntley

Lauren Mathers with her golden retriever Rove and Ralph, a Maremma sheepdog who went missing from Barnham and were found in Bacchus Marsh.

Owner Lauren Mathers told the Sunday Herald Sun: “How bloody lucky are we that we’ve gotten them both back — they’ve been on such an adventure. We’re just thrilled they’re home and are back together.”

It’s believed Rove and Ralph were stolen after wandering from the Mathers’ family farm on January 22.

A good Samaritan found Rove at Bacchus Marsh six weeks later — bruised and battered after being attacked by an animal. Ralph was found in the same area in similar circumstances two weeks later.

It’s believed Rove and Ralph were stolen. Picture: Steve Huntley

Microchips led the wayward pooches back to a stunned Ms Mathers, husband Lachlan and their children, Lucy, 8, Frida, 6, and George, 2.

“Rove let out the most unbelievable sound when he saw Ralph again, like he, too, was overjoyed and relieved to see him,’’ Ms Mathers said.

“My heart just broke seeing him again. He was completely distraught and distressed when we brought him home. I definitely think they were taken together and then ran off again when no one was looking.

“I don’t think they would have ditched each other. Ralph is just ­skittish.”

Rove and Ralph have settled back into farm life.

“They’re both so much clingier now, they haven’t nicked off and seem really settled back on the farm,” Lauren said.

“Like us, I think they’re just grateful to be back.”

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