For three scorching days, Patricia Dickson, 82, was lost in the bushland of Thornlie, a suburb south of Perth. As the sun blazed with temperatures soaring above 30°C, her family and neighbours clung to hope, despite growing fears for her safety.
Patricia had set out for her usual walk with her dog Jess on Friday. When she didn’t return, her family raised the alarm, and a desperate search ensued. CCTV footage confirmed she had been walking Jess, but her disappearance remained a mystery.
As hours turned to days, search efforts intensified, with police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers scouring the area. Their resolve was rewarded on Monday when a persistent barking sound led them to a creek just a few hundred metres from Patricia’s home.
There she was, alive but dehydrated, lying in the creek with Jess steadfastly by her side. The dog’s bark had been more than a plea for help; it had guided rescuers to Patricia’s location, protecting her as they approached.
Armadale District Office Inspector Erica Silwood, who was part of the rescue team, described the discovery as nothing short of a miracle. “Jess was incredibly loyal,” she remarked. “She stayed right next to Patricia, arguably guarding her. It was heartening to see their bond.”
Patricia was carried to safety and promptly assessed by paramedics from St John Ambulance. Jess was taken to a veterinary clinic for a check-up, proving that the furry companion was as resilient as she was devoted.
For Patricia’s family, the relief was overwhelming. Days of anxiety and dread melted away as they were reunited with their beloved matriarch. Neighbours, too, expressed astonishment and joy. Kylie Linto, who had participated in the search, called it “an absolute miracle,” adding, “We were so scared about what we might find, but we never gave up hope.”
Inspector Silwood commended the search efforts and the role of the community in bringing Patricia home. “It’s a testament to the dedication of everyone involved,” she said, “and to the remarkable loyalty of Jess.”
For Patricia and her family, the experience has been a humbling reminder of love, community, and the extraordinary bond between humans and their pets.
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