In early August, Bronwyn Higgins, 35, of Berkeley lent Muggsy to a family friend to stud with their dog. However, when Bronwyn and her 12-year-old daughter, Ella visited the house they were told Muggsy was missing.

“When I heard Muggsy was missing I was instantly distressed,” Bronwyn said. 

“We couldn’t find him and we headed home with heavy hearts.”

Following enquiries police regarded the disappearance as suspicious and urged anyone with information or who saw the dog to contact Ulladulla Police Station.

Sightings of Muggsy across the Ulladulla area on Thursday, August 25 and a community tip-off, led to Muggsy being located safe and well in Queensland on Saturday. 

Muggsy was flown to Sydney on Sunday where he was reunited with Bronwyn and Ella.

“When we found out he was alive we were ecstatic,” Bronwyn said. 

“Now Muggsy is home we just feel really happy and lucky and appreciative of everything we have.”

The hours between hearing Muggsy was safe and collecting him from the airport on Sunday were some of the longest of Bronwyn’s life. 

“As soon as we got out of our car at the airport we could hear him barking,” she said. 

“We ran to his cage and when I saw him I was so excited and relieved. 

“The whole ordeal rushed through my mind and it felt very surreal.”

Bronwyn and Ella have been overwhelmed by the support they have received from strangers while searching for Muggsy and are excited to have their best friend home. 

“I was overwhelmed with messages of support from strangers, family and friends,” Bronwyn said. 

“I would like to thank everyone, especially the police and the media who went above and beyond to help us get our best friend back.”

Police investigations are continuing.