Lost but found: Shakira the dog returns home - 19 months later

It seems that this week is the week of feel-good stories about dogs being rescued and found. 

On Thursday, Stacey chatted about Simon the dog, who was rescued after being trapped under a boulder, and now this time, we've found yet another incredible story right here in our backyard. 

The Pet Rescue Pinetown KZN Facebook page reported a story about Shakira the dog who was found by her owners 19 months later. Shakira is a white Timber wolf cross Melamute dog who went missing back in September 2017 after a troop of monkeys scared her, causing her to jump over the family's wall. 

READ: Medical response team rush to the rescue to save trapped dog

Terrified, the owners, Phillip and Paula, turned to all means possible to find Shakira, even circulating posters on social media. 

Check the original 'missing' poster circulated back in 2017 below:

Fast forward 19 months, and Phillip receives a call from someone who says they spotted a "scruffy wolf type dog" at Windsor Park golf course. Apparently, she was there for the past few months after hiding in a drain pipe because she was skittish. 

"Shakira was terrified and ran back to the drain pipe. Paula quietly sat down nearby and softly coaxed her. Eventually Shakira slowly came out and started smelling Paula's arms. She then realised this was her mom and was so excited she ran and jumped into the car without hesitation! She was taken staight (sic) to the vet where she spent the night under observation and was given her vaccinations etc," the page reported. 

In an interview with Blue Security, Phillip spoke about the incident, and the moment Shakira realised that her owners found her. 

Watch below:

Sammy Purdy, who commented on the post, said that she worked on the golf course and always heard Shakira howling, but she would run away because she was so scared. 

"[After that] Shakira was always howling near the club house for months but only when it was dark . I tried to get close to her but all she would do is run towards umgeni river or into a drain. But now I am happy that now she is finally home after 18 months and I don't need to stress anymore," she said. 

READ: Dog owner brings newborn pup back to life using CPR

We are trying to get in contact with Shakira's 'mum and dad', and we will keep you updated when we do, but for now, we couldn't be happier that the family has been reunited with their precious pooch. 

This is a story which proves that giving up should never be an option. Heartwarming! 

Check out some of the pics below: