A rescue dog who was missing for five days after being spooked on a day out, is back home and safe with her foster family.
Skylar the Saluki was rescued just six weeks ago and had undergone emergency surgery and was recovering well.
But on Monday, May 18, she vanished after she was spooked while in the car which was overtaken by a lorry near the North Pole Bar in Inishowen.
Her foster Peter Vij and his daughter Katelyn from Derry attempted to comfort her and make sure she had not injured herself as she scrambled into the boot, but she bolted as they started to open the door.
Mass searches got underway after the sight hound, whose breed has a top speed of 42 miles a hour, vanished.
Read more: Second pet mauling by Derry dog pack in 10 weeks under investigation .
The dog loving community rallied and searched were made on foot and by drone. But for four days there was no sight of Skylar and a number of reports of similar dogs found in England. In desperation, checks were made but Skylar was still missing.
However on Friday night, she was found, starving, frightened and ready for home.
Katelyn said: "She’s home, she has eaten enough chicken and milk for the five days she’s been away and now out cold sleeping in bed like nothing has even happened.
" Thanks to everyone who shared, offered support and assistance. I appreciate it all and I’m a very happy but very tired fosterer."
"The team at Friends of Rescue who saved Skylar from a life of pain and misery, said: Our beautiful Skylar after missing for days has just been found.
"There were drones, people in their masses, local newspapers and radio stations sharing and it took one person to spot her to alert her foster family who ran to her aid.
"She is unhurt but as you can imagine tired, cold and hungry but we couldn’t be more relieved that she is home safe.
"We honestly cannot thank Skylar's foster family enough for their dedication and determination for Skylar's return. Rain, hail, sleet or snow they were out searching really harsh grounds to find her.
"We couldn’t be happier….but Skylar you are so grounded!! And foster family can now sleep for three days."
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