A local family is desperately calling on the public for their help in locating their beloved pet dog that went missing when what was intended to be a pamper session turned into a pet owner’s nightmare.
Bella, a four-year-old cross between a border collie and cocker spaniel, disappeared without a trace when she probably walked out the front door of the grooming parlour at Petworld XXL Somerset West, which had been left open after an open door, and set off onto the busy streets. She was apparently last seen leaving the Somerset Mall precinct and running past the De Velde apartments towards the fast-food restaurants at The Sanctuary shopping centre.
Bella’s owner, Sindy Perrins, said she last saw her furry friend when she dropped her off for her appointment, which was scheduled for 13:00 on Saturday 27 May. She recalled learning of Bella’s disappearance on returning to the groomers to fetch her around 13:30.
“I immediately got into my car to look for her and called family to help with the search,” she related.
Perrins said no explanation for why this happened had been provided yet by the parlour, but “they are very apologetic and have been in contact daily trying to assist.” Petworld has initiated its own efforts in tracking Bella down; it has created its own flyers, which are being distributed, and is offering a reward of R2 000 to the one who finds the pooch. It will also post flyers and alerts on social media platforms and conduct searches along with family and friends, who have been driving around looking for Bella every day.
“We have alerted all neighbourhood watches and security companies,” Perrins added, “and we as family have opted to match the reward on offer by the parlour. We just want her to be safe instead of on the streets. My daughter prays every night that she is warm and her tummy is full.”
Perrins shared Bella was welcomed into her family in March 2019 as a three-month-old rescue in need of a loving forever home. Since then she has been a significant part of the daily lives. “She is like one of our kids and the house is just not the same without her,” her forever mom said. “My daughter and our whole family miss her so much.”
Bella, she says, is a very affectionate dog, “greedy for love and always wanting to be cuddled. She will roll over the minute she sees you for tummy rubs and will nuzzle your hand for a cuddle. She loves popcorn and has amazing soccer skills. She hates being alone and has terrible anxiety if alone too long. She is chipped and spayed and has her vaccinations.”
Asked how anyone who stumbles across Bella would know it is her, Perrins described the white on her chest and around her mouth, and that she loves people and will look for affection.
“We are so grateful for all the people looking out and calling with leads. Please don’t stop keeping an eye out when on the road. No matter how long it takes until she is found we will not stop following up on every lead. She is part of our family and we will not give up on her. She has a family waiting for her that love her so, so much.”
Anyone with information can call Perrins on 060 6564353 or Petworld XXL Somerset West on 021 300 1131.
