So the huge news is we’ve got Mac back. The other great news is that while he’s a bit thin, he’s physically in great condition. He has clearly been shaken up by his ordeal, but aside from being tired and initially timid, he’s very quickly returned to form.
The cool thing is we got Mac back as a combined result of pretty much everything we’ve been doing. We worked hard, and a lot of other people worked even harder on our behalf, but the combined effort is what led to finding him.
First up we got the word out on twitter via my account (@emmet), people really responded to this and it created a huge awareness. A couple of hundred people retweeted info on Mac, and really helped spread the word he was missing. As a result of that activity, Sian from whatswhat.ie contacted me. We’d never been in touch before, but John had mentioned her before in some context or other. So she put me in touch with her business partner from what’s what , Barbara
I know this is getting convoluted, but Barbara put me in touch with the legendary Lesley. Lesley runs Bray Directory and basically seems to have friends in both high and low places. She’s kept us going through a lot of the crappier times in the last week. Barbara and Lesley basically went around talking to people and harassing them and raising awareness. Impressive stuff.
So it seems that whoever took the dog felt enough pressure on them from people on all sides of the law, that they decided to let Mac go last Friday. Someone spotted him in Fassroe where he was abandoned by his abductees. From here, Mac made his way to Enniskerry, and to be honest I’m shocked he had the road sense to make it that far. He then basically followed this girl home, and they took him in on the weekend.
I spent my weekend plastering bray with flyers, and basically the girl’s father saw one of these. He checked out the website (site developed in record time by the legendary Niall Flynn), and confirmed from the photos it was Mac they had. The father got in touch with me, and then my wife picked up Mac this evening.
At first Mac was really quiet and timid, but he was physically really well. He’s lost a lot of weight, but hasn’t been maltreated. Despite his initial reticence, when he got home he went nuts, running around like a mad thing, really, really happy.
So basically that’s the direct path to how he was found, but lots of other people helped too. We had senior members of the Gardai taking a close personal interest, we had private detectives making enquires free of charge, we had some media coverage, not to mention twitter, facebook, blogs etc. and we even had a few really decent members of the traveling community working for us.
To be honest I really didn’t think we’d get mac back, but I thought if I threw everything at it, it mightn’t become a defining moment in the lives of my children. I am really blown away by the help and support we’ve got from everyone, without it he wouldn’t be here now. One bath later, my living room smells like a smelly wet dog, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks.
Emmet.
I am so thrilled for you and the family, this really has perked up an otherwise dull Thursday, being with you when you recieved the initial call to say Max was missing was horrible and I could see how upset you were from the start, I can only imagine what the last few days must have been like!
As I say this is great news and its so good to see so many different communities from local people to people on the internet help out.
A happy ending. Wow, Excellent.
Hi Emmet, sorry to hear of the ordeal you’ve all been through, I didn’t realise Mac had been taken until I saw the post on boards.ie. I’m delighted you got him back, he’s such a gorgeous little fella.
Delighted that Mac is back home safe and sound. I heard that he was missing through Miss Suzi Walsh who posted it all over Facebook, Pets Ireland, Dogs in Distress and through Dog Training Ireland. I am so happy for you. xxx
Hey Emmet,
I’m only just seeing this now, that’s brilliant news, I am so happy for you that Mac is now home safe & sound.
You must have been so delighted, I know when I got the phone call from the lady who found Sasha I was overwhelmed, and even shed a tear, thinking I’d never see her again.
It’s so awesome that so many people got together to help, shows that we do care & want to help each other out after all xox
Just saw this on MADRA Facebook page(Galway) I’m so glad you got your dog back. What a great way to start the weekend! Welcome home Mac!
Hi guys, I’m delighted you found mac!
We lost our dog “Suds”, a brown and grey Yorkshire terrier last week in Riverstick Co. Cork. I saw your website and got inspired to start my own on-line campaign. We have created a facebook group and a website.
Thanks for the inspiration
Denise
Very best of luck finding Suds. Make sure you get plenty of posters up, you need the offline stuff too. Particularly target schools in the area, as kids will really keep an eye out.
Mac walked a fair few miles over a number of days, so target neighbouring towns too.
Finally, be persistent Mac was gone for more than 10 days.
Thanks Emmet,
We have plastered the surrounding areas in posters and called into all the neighbouring farms and houses. The local gardai have also got involved who have been very helpful. We have also called called schools and the local newspaper “Cairigdhoun” have also very kindly gotten involved. We have also been in touch with all the animal rescues who have been very supportive.
Thanks for the support,
Denise
Hey. Your story has brought tears to my eyes. Every minute of every day I think and wonder where our “Suds” has got to. Thanks for posting our story on your site. I really do hope we have a happy ending like yours.
Kind regards.
Julie
That is the best news! Mac had to make it back to you guys!
Evviva (hurray)!
Ari & Ben
Congrats on finding Mac! I’ve seen his posters aroun the place and was hoping you would find him.
I’d say it was travellers who took him. My friend’s dog (a jack russel too) was taken from their home in Bray and sold on to another family of travellers.
Luckily, they got her back after she was missing for a month!!
I think people around this area need to be extra vigilant with their dogs. Seems to be a re occuring thing!