New best friend for Darian

DARIAN Deeker has a new best friend.
The Pakenham girl, devastated by the brutal killing of her cherished fox terrier Tom, was last week given another puppy to love.
Graeme Miller of Paky Pets was moved to give Darian the Jack Russell pup after hearing of the 11yearold’s loss.
Mr Miller was among a number of residents who have offered to help in the wake of the shock death of Darian’s previous pet dog Tom, reported in last week’s Gazette.
“I felt sorry for Darian and we wanted to do something to help,” Mr Miller said.
Darian’s dog Tom was found near the railway lines behind the family’s Meeking Drive property with a deep wound to the back of its head after it went missing two weekends ago.
Tom had a punctured skull, prompting the Deekers to initially believe he had been shot from pointblank range.
A subsequent veterinary examination failed to find a bullet, leaving the family unsure how he died. Police were investigating the death.
Darian’s father Michael Deeker told the Gazette that the family had been overwhelmed by the messages of goodwill and offers of support they had had from the community.
He and wife Debbie thanked residents for restoring their faith in humanity.
“It is wonderful to think there are so many caring people out there,” he said. “We have been amazed by people’s generosity.”
Darian has called her new pup Oscar.
Mr Deeker said that although she had said it was not the same as Tom, she loved him all the same. “It’s a new start,” he said.