A dog that has been missing in outback Queensland since one of its owners was killed in a car accident nearly a month ago has been found, thanks to a great effort by the local community.
Therese McCormack, 50, died on August 20 when her car rolled about 15km north of Normanton, in north-west Queensland, while on her way to work.
The family dachshund, Millie, had been with her at the time of the accident, and ran away into the bush.
Willy, the family's other pup, also died in the accident.
Ms McCormack's husband, Jim Palmer, who owns bakeries in Karumba and Normanton, called on the community to help find the missing dog and, 28 days later, the community came through.
Searchers included helicopter pilots doing mustering, who had a look for Millie as they flew over every morning and afternoon.
Elusive dog spotted but ran into bush
Mr Palmer said Millie, a miniature dachshund who was "a little bit overweight", had first been spotted on August 28 about 2km from Normanton.
Then on Saturday a woman walking her dog saw the dachshund and called the local dog catcher.
"He went out and saw her but she ran off into the bush," Mr Palmer said.
"We got a call to go out there, me and the brother-in-law. I took another dog with me — we've got a big dog.
"Tony saw her, but she ran off chasing the wallabies.
"Dan, a local shop owner, came out on his quad bike.
"We left to go get some swags and stay the night. And we just got back from Karumba and my phone rang saying he caught her at the same place we were looking for her, and had her at the shop ready to be picked up."
Millie, who was excited to be reunited with her owner, lost 2.5kg during her month out bush, so she is the proper weight now.
"The vet will be happy," Mr Palmer said.
"[Finding her] took a great load off my mind after the accident. It's a great relief. Miracles do happen."
"A big thanks to everyone, all the volunteers who went out looking for her, including the helicopter pilots."
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