A mammoth community effort has helped find missing blue heeler Clancy, who ran away spooked after his owner crashed her car near Coral Bay.
Clancy spent seven days and nights lost in the bush after his owner Jane Errey rolled her Isuzu on the Exmouth-Minilya Road on the morning of Monday, July 3.
A Bring Clancy Home Facebook page was created and on Monday it was announced the missing pooch had been found uninjured on Sunday evening by Leah Price, a dog trainer who was camping at the crash scene in the hope Clancy would return.
Ms Errey was injured in the crash and had to be taken to hospital.
In her absence, her friends and the local community rallied around the cause, with the Facebook page garnering 1900 followers in seven days, as well as the Shire of Carnarvon lending a trap and Ningaloo Aviation promising to keep their eyes peeled for Clancy during flights that covered the area.
The sound of Clancy’s seatbelt harness clinking against the water bowl was music to Ms Price’s ears, who had left out food and water in case the beloved pet returned to the scene.
A team of three dog trainers had been tasked with bringing home Ms Errey’s “pride and joy”, using a trap from the council and requesting no one bring dogs to the site in fear of their scent deterring Clancy from returning.
There were several sightings of Clancy throughout the week keeping the team hopeful, with fresh tracks spotted the day he was found.
“What an outcome. Thank you to everyone who has supported this search. Your are all amazing, WA for the win,” Ms Price posted to the Facebook group.
The post announcing the prodigal son’s return had attracted 615 comments, including messages of support and gratitude for the community spirit on display.
Clancy and Ms Errey will be reunited as soon as the Karratha school teacher can return home.