YOYO the dog has certainly lived up to her name during the past few weeks.
\nThe \u201clittle fighter\u201d has experienced a turbulent life from a young age and has spent the last five months living on her own in paddocks in Portarlington.
\nBut 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.
\nIt was a rescue mission that took five weeks of Ashlea waiting, watching and learning Yoyo\u2019s behaviour to finally win the cat and mouse game that they have been playing.
\nMs Weatherson said the story went back to when Yoyo started breeding puppies at a young age in a caged environment.
\n\u201cOnce 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.
\n\u201cThis obviously was a significant change for this dog, and it took quite some time to settle into its new environment.
\n\u201cIn its first few weeks, within her new environment, she was unable to eat and walk.
\n\u201cEventually she gained strength and resilience and settled. However, four months ago, this dog was suddenly spooked and ran away, unable to be found.
\n\u201cIt was assumed that she had been picked up by someone or had passed away.\u201d
\nBut 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.
\n\u201cHer favourite spot was on a hill, watching the cars go by.
\n\u201cHence, we call her Yoyo \u2018The Dog on the Hill\u2019.
\n\u201cHer resilience and resourcefulness has amazed many of us.
\n\u201cShe has survived the long winter months and continued to thrive.
\n\u201cMultiple attempts to catch her were initially unsuccessful, but last week this beautiful soul was finally caught.
\n\u201cShe was very tired, still scared of the world, but enjoying the rest and constant meals in a safe, loving foster house.\u201d
\nDianne Baxter, another well-meaning local, searched for Yoyo from the very beginning and never gave up hope.
\nShe\u2019s also launched a gofundme page to help cover the cost of some vet bills to get Yoyo back to full health.
\nPaula is Yoyo\u2019s foster carer.
\nMs 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.
\nIf you would like to donate, head to gofundme.com and search \u201cYoyo – the Dog on the Hill\u201d, or keep an eye out on the \u201cK9 Kapers Bellarine\u201d Facebook page for any adoption news.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
YOYO the dog has certainly lived up to her name during the past few weeks. The \u201clittle fighter\u201d 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 […]<\/p>\n