A distressing situation took a positive turn when a five-year-old dog, Morticia, was reunited with her family after being stolen during a walk in Melbourne. Morticia, affectionately called “Morti,” was snatched from her 72-year-old owner, Boguslaw Gawrysiak, by a group of youths in Mount Waverley on Friday morning. However, she was safely returned on Saturday evening after being missing for over 24 hours.
The Disturbing Incident
On Friday at around 2:30 a.m., Mr. Gawrysiak was walking Morti along Huntingdale Road when a black Holden Commodore approached, carrying five young people, believed to be in their late teens and early 20s. The group shouted demands such as “we want the dog” and “give us the dog,” alarming Mr. Gawrysiak. Initially thinking the youths were just intoxicated individuals, he didn’t react immediately.
However, the situation escalated when the car stopped, and at least one person exited. Mr. Gawrysiak tried to hide with Morti in a nearby convenience store on Waverley Road. Unfortunately, the group confronted him inside the store, and despite his efforts to keep Morti, the dog was unhooked from her lead, and Mr. Gawrysiak was pushed away by the group.
The Safe Return of Morti
After more than a day of uncertainty, the Gawrysiak family received the good news on Saturday. Morti was found abandoned by a passer-by on Huntingdale Road, and she was taken to the RSPCA in Burwood. The family was able to collect her later that day, bringing a huge sense of relief after the terrifying ordeal.
Ewa Gawrysiak, Mr. Gawrysiak’s daughter, shared that her sister, who had adopted Morti in 2022, was devastated to hear the news while overseas. She was desperately trying to return to Australia to be with her beloved pet. Ewa described Morti as “an oversized lapdog” and “a giant snuggle buddy,” noting how she is a loving and emotionally attuned dog who enjoys being around people.
Ongoing Investigation
Victoria Police are investigating the incident, and authorities confirmed that the vehicle involved in the theft had no license plates. It was last seen heading south on Huntingdale Road. The Gawrysiak family is relieved to have Morti back, but they are still hoping for justice regarding the individuals involved.
This story is a heartwarming reminder of how the bond between pets and their owners can endure even the most distressing of situations.