Community unites around search for lost Wonga dog
Shire people
The Wonga Beach community is celebrating after lost dog Budge was found this morning near the Daintree River mouth following more than three days missing near a croc-filled watercourse.
Owner Jess Nillson said today she was feeling overwhelmed by the ordeal after seeing two big crocodiles yesterday near where Budge was eventually found.
“To survive right there near the mouth of the Daintree is just incredible,” Jess said.
“Everyone here tells me that crocs love dogs and can smell them miles away.
“I had lost all hope.”
On Tuesday the gate of Jess’s home was accidentally left open by visitors and her 12-year-old dog Budge - a Brussels griffon who looks a bit like Hairy Maclary from the popular book series - went missing.
Since that time Jess has been posting on chat groups around the region, has offered up a $2000 reward, and has received more than 100 responses from people going out looking for Budge and offering other support.
“The community was behind us 100 per cent from the very first post for help,” Jess said.
“The wonderful neighbour Tracey a few streets away… reached out and walked 20km with me to show me how to get to where Budge was sighted but ran away, a complete stranger.”
On Wednesday there was a sighting near the Daintree River, but the dog ran after becoming scared.
Yesterday Jess and her builder Dan Grice, who has been helping her rebuild after a giant palm fell on her house about five months ago, went searching the area on a quad bike, leaving a towel and shirt there to help attract the dog.
“I tracked her little paws, but they disappeared,” she wrote online.
“I came home heartbroken.”
But they went out again this morning.
“I was giving the builder directions, and he yelled out,” she said.
“The moment that Dan the builder yelled ‘there she is’ I was plunged into shock, and so was he - the thing is parents do silly things to save their babies.
“There was a large body of still water and Budge ran and I ran in without fear to get my baby.”
Budge and Jess are both safe now - the dog visited the vet and was put on a drip for rehydration.
“I am overwhelmed by this ordeal, no sleeping, eating, just thinking about Budge.
“I keep touching her and talking to her as it does not feel real.”
The reward was not claimed in the end.
