Tracey Gaudion and her family are upset about the disappearance of their show bull mastiff Rouge and five Chihuahaus, including two puppies, on New Year’s Eve.
By Elizabeth Lillis
AN OFFICER family have had an unhappy start to the New Year after six pet dogs disappeared from their home.
The Gaudion family’s six dogs appear to have been taken from their Tantallon Boulevard home between 3pm on New Year’s Eve and 2am New Year’s morning.
Owner Tracey Gaudion said the family was ‘flabbergasted’ at the disappearance, which occurred when they were away on holiday for just three days.
A dog sitter had been employed to check on the dogs two times a day.
Three pure bred Chihuahua puppies and two adult Chihuahuas, named Jessie and Bruce were in the threecar garage while a female, the bull mastiff named Rouge was housed in the laundry.
Mrs Gaudion said the puppies were only just starting to walk so the dogs escaping on their own from the property was very unlikely.
“You can’t see the dogs from the street, you would have to know they were on the property,” she said.
Mrs Gaudion said the property had a fence and gates to ensure the dogs didn’t escape.
The dogs’ disappearance was reported to local police.
Detective Senior Constable Mick O’Neil from Pakenham CIU said the side gate and the laundry door to the home were found open by the dog sitter, when the dogs were noted as missing on New Year’s morning.
Mrs Gaudion said twoyearold Rouge, despite appearances, was a loving and docile dog, coloured red with a black muzzle.
“She is a gentle giant, who would bark to defend our property and us,” she said.
Mrs Gaudion said the puppies, one black and two black and tan were pure breeds and worth about $500 each.
“It has been distressing, they are part of family, it’s like one of our legs has dropped off,” she said.
Mrs Gaudion said her husband and three daughters were distressed about the disappearance particularly her 10 and 12yearold daughters.
The dogs usually go to the kennels when the family goes on holidays but as Rouge was on heat, it was decided to keep them home with a visiting dog sitter.
Rouge has successfully been shown at dog shows and has taken out awards including a first place.
After a year’s break from showing, Mrs Gaudion said she intended to return to competition this year, but this was not possible without the return of the dogs.
Flyers have been distributed around the neighbourhood and contact has been made with the bull mastiff club to see if anyone has seen the dogs.
“We just want them back, unharmed,” Mrs Gaudion said.
Anyone with information, which can assist in locating the dogs, can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
