Yoyo finally reeled in after months on the run

YOYO the dog has certainly lived up to her name during the past few weeks.
The “little fighter” has experienced a turbulent life from a young age and has spent the last five months living on her own in paddocks in Portarlington.
But that all came to an end last week when caring rescuer Ashlea Weatherson from K9 Kapers Bellarine captured Yoyo in a bid to keep her safe.
It was a rescue mission that took five weeks of Ashlea waiting, watching and learning Yoyo’s behaviour to finally win the cat and mouse game that they have been playing.
Ms Weatherson said the story went back to when Yoyo started breeding puppies at a young age in a caged environment.
“Once she became too old to breed (nine years), she was sold to a family, who had good intent, and who lived in another city a long way from the breeding farm.
“This obviously was a significant change for this dog, and it took quite some time to settle into its new environment.
“In its first few weeks, within her new environment, she was unable to eat and walk.
“Eventually she gained strength and resilience and settled. However, four months ago, this dog was suddenly spooked and ran away, unable to be found.
“It was assumed that she had been picked up by someone or had passed away.”
But Ms Weatherson said Yoyo was then spotted alive five weeks ago, by caring local Paula Gourley, wandering freely around a number of properties on the Bellarine.
“Her favourite spot was on a hill, watching the cars go by.
“Hence, we call her Yoyo ‘The Dog on the Hill’.
“Her resilience and resourcefulness has amazed many of us.
“She has survived the long winter months and continued to thrive.
“Multiple attempts to catch her were initially unsuccessful, but last week this beautiful soul was finally caught.
“She was very tired, still scared of the world, but enjoying the rest and constant meals in a safe, loving foster house.”
Dianne Baxter, another well-meaning local, searched for Yoyo from the very beginning and never gave up hope.
She’s also launched a gofundme page to help cover the cost of some vet bills to get Yoyo back to full health.
Paula is Yoyo’s foster carer.
Ms Weatherson said Yoyo will eventually be on the lookout for a new forever home, but as she was considered special needs, only certain homes would be considered.
If you would like to donate, head to gofundme.com and search “Yoyo – the Dog on the Hill”, or keep an eye out on the “K9 Kapers Bellarine” Facebook page for any adoption news.