An elderly woman has been found alive with her loyal dog by her side in bushland in Perth’s south after she went missing three days ago, in what has been described as a “miracle”.
Police and SES volunteers heard a barking dog and found Patricia Dickson, 82, in a creek in Thornlie on Monday just several hundred metres from her home.
She was last seen walking her dog on CCTV cameras on Friday.
Crews were desperately searching for Ms Dickson as Perth endured temperatures above 30C throughout the weekend.
When rescuers found Ms Dickson, she was dehydrated and carried to safety before being assessed by St John Ambulance paramedics.
Her dog Jess was taken to a veterinary clinic for assessment.
Armadale District Office Inspector Erica Silwood told reporters Ms Dickson’s dog Jess was very loyal and was found right next to her.
“Arguably protecting her because Jess was very noisy when the police were there with her,” she said.
“It’s an absolute miracle because it has been really hot and Patricia is quite elderly and so we were super happy with the result.”
Inspector Silwood said Ms Dickson’s family were elated to find out she had been found alive, because they were obviously very worried about her.
“They were really appreciative of the effort of the police and SES as well,” she said.
Ms Dickson’s neighbour Kylie Linto told 7News it was a “miracle” after becoming scared of what they would find searching for her missing neighbour.
“We were just keeping hope,” she said.
“I can’t believe it.”
https://thewest.com.au/news/a-miracle-elderly-woman-missing-for-three-days-found-with-dog-by-her-side-in-creek-south-of-perth-c-17027267
