Surprising twist in story of homeless man's dog
The dog thought to have belonged to a homeless man who pleaded for her safe return on Sunday has been found, but rescuers say she won’t be returned to her streetside home.
The little dog, named Shaggy, was found on Thursday after allegedly being stolen from homeless man Nathan in Sydney’s Circular Quay on Sunday.
In an update made to the Facebook page Pets Of The Homeless Australia, it was revealed Shaggy had been stolen from her original owner before being dumped and found by Nathan.
“We would like to make it very clear that Nathan was not involved in either that theft or her disappearance on Sunday,” the post read.
“He rescued Shaggy and cared for her in good faith, and without him she would certainly have died in the bin where the callous first thief presumably dumped her.”
Shaggy was believed to have been stolen and dumped for a second time, this time being located in Sydney’s inner west.
“From there she was picked up by a kind person and taken to a vet, where a microchip scan delivered her first family's contact details,” the post read.
The small pooch was initially thought to not have a microchip, but ultimately was discovered to have one which revealed her original name to be Dee Dee.
Her original owners were reportedly “distraught” when she first went missing and reported her theft to police.
“She has now been returned to them and they are by all accounts thrilled to have her home,” the charity group said.
They said Nathan was “understandably devastated” and asked that people stop contacting him on the number listed on his original plea for help.
“It's appalling and infuriating to think that the disgusting acts of two thieves has caused so much heartbreak,” they wrote.
In positive news, they shared Nathan was now being supported in his journey out of homelessness and there was a chance another four-legged friend was on the horizon for him.
“We know our community will be pleased that Shaggy/Dee Dee found her way back to her first family, and equally happy that Nathan now has access to more resources and support,’ the group said.
“We wish both him AND Shaggy nothing but happiness.”
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