Kelpie returns after two weeks of heartache
<p>A kelpie named Merlin has been found alive and safe two weeks after she fled her owner’s vehicle when it crashed and killed her owner. </p>
<p>Simon Hannah’s family is in mourning ater his 4WD was T-boned by a Ford Ranger at around 11.15 am on September 16, near Eidsvold, in Queensland's North Burnett region, the<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7524347/Kelpie-emerges-TWO-WEEKS-bolted-surviving-crash-killed-owner.html" target="_blank">DailyMail<span> </span></a>reported. </p>
<p>The 34-year-old along with Merlin were the only two occupants in the car. </p>
<p>Mr Hannah’s heartbroken stepfather David McDougall made pleas for help to get the loved kelpie back into safe hands. </p>
<p>The fatal crash happened just metres from Eidsvold farmer Bill Kerle's property and took it upon himself to find Merlin.</p>
<p>He managed to find paw prints leading away from the scene and tracked Merlin onto his property,<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-01/merlin-the-missing-dog-turns-up-after-a-fortnight-in-the-bush/11564308?sf220458724=1" target="_blank">ABC News </a></em>reported. </p>
<p>As wild dogs are common in the area, Mr Kerle set up traps with pork steaks and soft bedding to capture the dog. </p>
<p>On Tuesday morning, the farmer was pleased to find his plan had worked. </p>
<p>“I nearly fell off my quad bike, I couldn't believe it,” he said.</p>
<p>Mr Hannan’s mother Jan Hannah says she felt relief wash through her after receiving the call that the last link to her son had been found alive. </p>
<p>“We're so thrilled to have his dog and know that she's safe and well,' she said.</p>
<p>“We can't bring my son back but we can find his dog and we can make sure that she now has a good life.”</p>
<p>The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash.</p>
