By Jed Lanyon
An elderly couple has been reunited with their dog Millie after she was taken during a car theft in Blind Bight on Saturday 22 June.
The 11-year-old Beagle was located in Montrose over 60 kilometres away from home on Tuesday 2 July and taken to Coldstream Animal Aid where she happily joined her owner Geoff Schmutter and Bev Barton again on Thursday 4 July.
“I can’t believe it… it’s been nearly two weeks now,” Mr Schmutter said.
“She means so much to me, we walk two or three times a day with her.”
Mr Schmutter said the incident occurred after momentarily leaving his car with the keys in the ignition while grabbing a newspaper.
“Instead of walking, it was pouring with rain so we just drove the car down and I had left the keys in the car.
“I was only two seconds flat and I had watched them drive away.”
After a week had passed, Mr Schmutter was unsure if he would ever see Millie again.
The car was found in Bentleigh on 24 June, two days after being stolen but there was still no sign of Millie.
“The car was a bit of a wreck, it’s been through bush and everything, the bumper bar scratched really deep. It has scratches all over it and dints, it’s been around.
“She’s just like one of my children, that’s how it is.”
Animal Aid Victoria’s media and event manager Elle Ammann said that a member of the public had found Millie and brought her to Animal Aid.
“She’s been well kept over the last ten days, she’s not dirty, doesn’t have fleas and she’s not skinny,” she said.
Mr Schmutter was thankful to see Millie in good condition.
“The police have been absolutely marvellous; I’ve had people knocking on my door ten times a day. Everyone was worried about her.
“I just can’t believe I’ve got her… It means so much to me, I just couldn’t go on without her.”
Victoria Police is urging anyone with information or who may have seen Millie to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
