Joanne Thornburn of Monbulk is holding out hope of finding her beloved Max. 26647 Picture Luke Plummer
By Tania Martin
MONBULK’S Joanne Thornburn is searching for her beloved Max .
The four-year-old Pomeranian has been missing since December, after escaping from the family home.
The Thornburns searched the streets for four days and put up posters, but still they had no luck finding Max.
The Thornburns enlisted close family and friends to continue the search because they were scheduled to fly out to Venice for the holidays.
They were given hope a week later after receiving a late-night call from Monbulk.
Max had been found near Safeway and a family friend was on the way to pick him up.
But the joy was short-lived when Max ran off again.
Ms Thornburn said Max was an escape artist and loved to run free.
Since returning home from Venice, the Thornburns have continued the search.
Ms Thornburn said there had been several unconfirmed sightings of Max.
“I just want to know if he is okay,” she said.
“I don’t know if he’s still alive or if someone has got him.”
Max has been microchipped but is yet to be identified.
Monbulk veterinarian Andrew Byrne said in most cases dogs or cats could be missing for months before they were taken to a vet.
He said if an animal was lost, microchipping was the best way to find its owner.
“In most cases we can find the owners immediately by scanning the number,” Mr Byrne said.
“You are not supposed to hang on to lost dogs or cats but in most cases people think they are doing the right thing by taking them in.”
“We just hope Max is alive,” Ms Thornburn said.
“I am devastated after losing my best friend.”
