Imagine losing your beloved pet, only to have them miraculously return after nearly four years. That’s exactly what happened to the Hobart family of Depha Miedecke, whose dog Lucy vanished without a trace in March 2022. But here’s where it gets even more astonishing: Lucy wasn’t just found—she was discovered living as a stray near the small town of Murdunna in Tasmania’s south-east, nearly 60 kilometers from her home. And this is the part most people miss—how a blurry photo, a kind community, and a determined pet catcher came together to make this heartwarming reunion possible.
It all began on Christmas Eve, as Depha was wrapping presents and listening to carols. She stumbled upon a photo shared by Lisa Green, an independent pet catcher. The image showed a black and brown dog, scrawny and clearly living rough. Depha’s heart skipped a beat—the dog bore a striking resemblance to Lucy, though much thinner. Without hesitation, she reached out to Lisa, who had been hired by Murdunna residents to catch the elusive canine.
Just two days later, the dog was safely captured, and a microchip scan confirmed the unimaginable: it was Lucy. ‘It was just amazing—we all burst into tears,’ Depha recalled. ‘I’m not religious, but it feels like a Christmas miracle.’
Lucy, a kelpie-blue heeler mix, had been part of the family since 2018. When she disappeared, the family suspected she’d been stolen. ‘There was no way she could’ve escaped the yard,’ Depha explained. ‘We did everything—posters, lost pet registers, calls to councils and the RSPCA. I would’ve rather lost everything in our house than her.’ Despite their efforts, no leads surfaced—until now.
But here’s the controversial part: How did Lucy end up so far from home, and why did it take so long to find her? Some locals had spotted her as early as April 2025, wandering near the Arthur Highway between Murdunna and Dunalley. Kind residents occasionally left food or let her sleep in their sheds, but she remained skittish, fleeing at any approach. It wasn’t until December, when concerns for her safety and road accidents grew, that Lisa Green was called in. Her humane trap—complete with roast chicken, stuffing, fresh water, and a bed—finally succeeded on Christmas Day.
When Depha and her daughter Freya Hansen collected Lucy on Boxing Day, the dog was trembling with fear. ‘She was absolutely terrified,’ Freya said. After a vet check, Lucy’s condition was revealed: she’d lost 13 to 14 kilograms, was infested with ticks and fleas, but was otherwise physically healthy. Now, Lucy is back home after more than 1,300 days, beginning her ‘long road to recovery.’
‘She’s definitely shaken, but we think she remembers us,’ Freya shared. ‘She knows she’s safe now.’ The family is incredibly grateful to the Murdunna community for their kindness and efforts. ‘We’re just so thankful they looked out for her,’ Freya added. ‘Having her home is everything.’
But here’s a thought-provoking question: Could more have been done sooner to reunite Lucy with her family? While the community’s efforts were commendable, the delay raises questions about stray animal management and public awareness. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about how we can better protect and reunite lost pets with their families.
