Cashew is now reunited with his owner
SHE was so anxious after her therapy dog, a Jack Russell named Cashew, disappeared that she put up a R5 000 reward to find him.
Michelle Koopman then upped the reward to R7 000, because she said that the only way to get back her dog was through money. Her story was widely shared online after the Cape Argus published her plea last Thursday. On Tuesday evening, Koopman and Cashew were reunited. Cashew was found at Maitland Cemetery.
“I got a tip-off that someone spotted him and then my friends and I then drove to Maitland Cemetery. I searched the whole evening with my friends and then I spotted a dog who looks just like Cashew and I knew it was him because I recognised his features,” Koopman said.
She said that when she spotted Cashew she called him and he ran towards her. Koopman said no words could describe how she felt. “I did not give up! I would like to thank each and every one of you who helped me look for Cashew,” Koopman said. “Thank you for every person who mailed me to update me on any news. Thank you for the prayers and support.”
Koopman had been abused by her mother as a child. When she saw Cashew in 2015, he reminded her of her childhood pet who helped her cope with the abuse.
Cashew’s disappearance gained the attention of Elsies River residents. Koopman said that several residents had assisted in her search. Koopman claimed at the time of Cashew’s disappearance that drug addicts in the area had stolen him and sold him.
As a result of her experience, Koopman said she now planned to volunteer at the Animal AntiCruelty League branch in Epping.
“I also have a meeting scheduled with the manager of that branch to discuss me going out there, teaching kids and adults how to care for their dog,” Koopman said.