Moray pet owners ‘overwhelmed’ after thousands join search for dog near Lossiemouth
The owners of a much-loved dog whose disappearance brought together an “army-like” search team have thanked the community for its “overwhelming” support.
Oscar, a two-year-old collie-poodle cross, bolted while he was out for a lunchtime walk near Lossiemouth, leaving owners Stacey Hewkin and Rachel Swinglehurst feeling like “somebody had died”.
He was found by a dog walker at Lossiemouth East Caravan Park on Saturday (two days after he went missing) and was “safe, happy and oblivious” as he was reunited with his relieved family.
The reaction to his disappearance - which thousands of people followed online - has left Stacey and Rachel, who have owned Oscar since he was a 12-week-old pup, feeling “humbled and overwhelmed”.
“When he went missing (on Thursday, August 8) it was like somebody had died,” Rachel said. “He is like our child.
“It is indescribable how the community came together to help. We had an army of people out looking for him.
“There were strangers out with their drones and we had a gentleman come to join us with night vision binoculars. It is very humbling to know that people are willing to help.
“Hundreds of people were out. Our phones did not stop with strangers messaging asking where they could look, what they could do.
“People came and dropped off food and water, people offered driveways parking and their homes for the toilet and tea.”
Oscar was being walked by Tracy Kilna, who is a dog walker with The Crate Escape, when he bolted.
Rachel added that Tracy, who was left “heartbroken” by the incident, was instrumental in helping set up the searches for Oscar despite not being to blame.
Originally, though, Rachel was relaxed, adding that she expected to be back at work “within an hour” of receiving the phone call to say he had gone missing.
It wasn’t until they had to give up searching when darkness crept in on the first night that things became “real” for the couple.
“We went home without him and it felt so wrong,” Rachel added.
But his return (on August 10) was a moment they won’t ever forget. She said: “It was indescribable - he was over the moon to see use. We gave him his favourite ball and was so happy.
“My eyes were sore from crying. He is absolutely fine, apart from a few wee scratches. You wouldn’t have known he was out for two nights.
“We took him round to see Tracy (the dog walker) and they were equally pleased to see each other. He is totally oblivious to what happened.”
Oscar is joined at home by spaniel-cross Ottis and two cats, with Rachel adding that the couple are very much animal people.
The scare of their dog’s disappearance has prompted the couple to order trackers for both dogs’ collars.
“We would recommend for any dog owners to do the same for their dogs,” Rachel said.
“Dogs run off and this could have happened to anyone. If people have trackers then they won’t have to go through the heartache and stress that we did to find Oscar.”
