Two dog lovers are going to have a very happy Christmas after being reunited with their beloved pet after a three and a half week search.
Little Benji the Jack Russell went missing from his home in Strabane on 19th November. On Wednesday 13th December, he mysteriously turned up in Letterkenny.
Two-year-old Benji’s journey to Letterkenny remains unknown, but his owners, Margaret and Terry Boyle, are over the moon that he’s back safe for Christmas.
“It was a miracle getting him back,” Terry told Donegal Daily.
“We thought he was gone for good.”
On the weekend of the 18th November, things went from bad to worse for Terry and Margaret.
That Saturday night, their oil was allegedly stolen and the culprits left the garden gate open.
The next day, Terry, none the wiser, let Benji outside as normal, only for the dog to get out through the open gate.
Searches for Benji were fruitless and the Boyles soon suspected that someone picked him up, as none of their neighbours spotted him either.
“We searched everywhere we could think, the neighbours were keeping an eye out in their cars, and we had two false alarms,” said Terry.
On December 13th, an incredible 24 days later, an employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Letterkenny was walking to work when little Benji appeared at his heels. Friendly Benji followed the man from the roundabout to the TCS centre where a group of employees took the dog under their wing.
They reached out to local man Colm McDaid, who has a strong Facebook following, to share an appeal for Benji’s owners.
Benji found wandering in Letterkenny
Within 15 minutes, Colm’s post reached the Boyles, and they were soon reunited with their furry friend.
“It was unbelievable getting him home,” said Terry.
A little surprise was waiting for Benji at home too. Terry and Margaret’s son Ronan had got them a new pup a week earlier. The pup, named Mo (after Mo Salah, says Terry!) wasn’t meant to replace Benji, but was gifted by Ronan to his parents to help heal their broken hearts.
Once Benji got home to Strabane, he bounded inside.
“The first day back he was lying stretched out in the living room, you could see he was chilled and just glad to be home,” said Terry.
Benji relaxing at home after his ordeal
Of course, he also had to show his new brother who’s boss.
“He and the pup are getting on like a house on fire now, wrestling and carrying on.”
It will be a lively Christmas for Terry and Margaret, and one where they will count their blessings for the kindness of strangers.
“Once again we want to thank Colm McDaid and everyone at TCS who helped us,” said Terry.
“It was a miracle getting Benji back.”
