Missing Molly: Perth family reunited with missing dog after 14 days

A Perth family has finally been reunited with their dog two weeks after the pooch bolted out of the front door of their home.

When cream cockapoo Molly went missing on September 10th, it triggered a huge search among the Carine community.

Natalie Burtenshaw, who was dog-sitting the two-year-old pup for her parents when she ran off, took to social media to spread the word that she was missing.

Natalie quickly received an overwhelming response of online support from locals who were determined to help the distraught family find their pooch.

After many group searches, multiple possible sightings, a viral Facebook page, and a GoFundMe fundraiser launched for her safe return, Molly is finally home.

The Facebook group Missing Molly, which amassed more than 2.3k followers and 1.8k likes, made the unbelievable announcement on Monday that two strangers found her early in the morning.

“Two local residents (strangely, one lives four doors down from us) found her at 6:54 am this morning. Thank you to these two ladies; without your quick thinking, she may have run again,” the post revealed.

“As soon as I called her name, she got up and ran over to me. It was an incredible reunion, with so many tears. There was no doubt that this was Molly.

An emotional video was shared of a “very skinny” Molly reuniting with her family members.

“Molly is doing okay, very skinny, and looking like she’s had a rough few weeks. At this point, we think she’s been alone. She is showing signs of exposure, but overall she seems okay.”

Owners Brenda and James Burtenshaw expressed their gratitude to the local community for their help in locating Molly.

“Thank you, thank you to the whole of the community around the Carine area because you’ve been amazing. It uplifts us because of human nature as it is when the chips are down and the good things that come out of people,” James told PerthNow.

“I just want to say I was so sad and so heartbroken,” Brenda said.

“But even before we found Molly, it was really encouraging with all the kind words, all the lovely thoughts, and even the people when we would go out and everyone would be saying ‘Oh are you Molly’s mum?’, it was so nice and it’s even better now that we’ve found her, so once again thank you so much.”

The wonderful outcome was celebrated with hundreds of comments from locals sharing in the excitement of Molly’s return.

“This is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! Miracles happen!!! She looks so good considering! Thrilled for you all! And well done to these ladies on a brilliant save! Happy tears for you all! Xxx,” one person commented.

Another added: “Oh my goodness I am crying!!! This is the best news I have think I’ve ever heard. I am so overjoyed for you all. Molly deserves the biggest bravery award!! And you can all finally rest now.”

“I cannot express how freakin happy I am crying happy happy tears. What a wonderful family and community. This is such a heartwarming story. Sending so much love - enjoy your beautiful girl today. Just the best!!” A third person wrote.

Natalie said she was amazed by the incredible support from the community.

“There’s so much we want to say and it’s just all about the kindness of the community and how, without them, we really couldn’t have done it. We’ve had people looking far and wide for two weeks now, so so grateful honestly,” she said.