NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — Last Saturday night community WhatsApp groups were abuzz with the frantic news that Frodo and Sammy - a pointer and spaniel respectively – had mysteriously gone missing while out walking with their owner Chris Hetem that afternoon.
Being unusual behaviour for these two dogs who often go walking the same route through the forest, Lorian and Chris became extremely concerned when the dogs still hadn’t returned around 20:00.
As there was a wedding that afternoon, assumptions were made that perhaps the dogs had been picked up by concerned visitors, and the search went on way into the night. By morning the dogs were still missing, residents combed the area and guesthouse owners contacted their guests to ask if anyone knew anything.
Heavy rain fell on Sunday evening, and a search team was established to look further afield on Monday morning. Late that night, distraught Lorian heard a scratching on her bedroom door, only to find Frodo, as dry as a bone, outside. Hoping that Sammy may be close by, Chris went out searching and calling again, and heard barking from behind a wall on a vacant neighbouring property. On further investigation, Sammy was found, completely drenched, behind the wall.
An emotional and grateful Lorian held a tea on Wednesday as a token of her gratitude for all those who had helped in the search for her beloved dogs. It remains unknown as to how, over 36 hours, the dogs could not be found, and, as Lorian says, she wishes that they could speak so that the mystery could be solved.
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