Morag the runaway dog safe and sound in new home
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
IT'S "home, sweet home" at last for an elderly rescue dog after a four-day adventure which put police and community helpers on the scent.
Morag, a 14-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross, suffered a few scrapes from her time on the run – but is now cosy and resting at her new home in Banchory after her disappearance at a Moray industrial estate on the journey from the Scottish SPCA's Caithness and Sutherland rehoming centre at Balmore.
The little dog had been spooked by a loud bang and bolted when her new family, Frances Fraser and daughter Angie, broke up their car journey on Friday, October 4, with a stop-off near McDonald's in Elgin.
The family were left distraught – but their appeals for help on social media were answered with a heart-warming community and police effort to track down Morag and get her safely home.
Angie and sister Kathleen Fraser had carefully chosen "little old lady dog" Morag as a "perfect retirement companion" for mum Frances after the death of their dad. Frances was delighted with Morag but the two barely had any time to bond before the scare.
The family's wish for a happy ending was granted on Tuesday this week when they received a call to say Morag was in caring hands at Miller and Swann vets in Elgin.
Elgin police officers had been on Morag's trail and finally managed to catch up with her as locals reported sightings dotted around the town.
Kathleen said: "I think Morag has reached celebrity status in Elgin.
"She had a few injuries from her little adventure but she has been checked over and looked after by Miller and Swann vet clinic. The staff were all fantastic and really helpful.
It was an incredible effort by those involved in the search. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
"Following some sightings she has kept everyone on their toes and had the local police following her around the streets. She eventually succumbed to the long arm of the law."
She added: "She was tired and starving but has had a full vet check and wolfed down some dinner.
"Thankfully she is safe, starting life in her forever home.
"Morag is recovering well with my mum who is absolutely delighted to welcome this sweet little old lady into her home. She also has some very excited grandchildren who wanted to meet her.
"Thank you to the Elgin community – they have been amazing. Also thanks to the police and Miller and Swann vet clinic. My mum is so pleased."
SSPCA animal rescue and rehoming centre superintendent Sharon Comrie said: "We are absolutely delighted Morag was found and is back with her new owners.
"Our animal rescue officers and inspectors in the area had been on the lookout for Morag since she went missing on the Friday afternoon.
"It was an incredible effort by those involved in the search. Everyone came together and it had the best result possible.
"We couldn’t be happier with the outcome and we are thankful Morag and her forever family can begin their life together."
