By LIA SPENCER
EVERY morning, Scott Grogan sits on his front porch and sheds tears for his lost dog Toby.
The 39-year-old has Down syndrome and is unable to communicate, but words aren’t needed to show how much he misses his best friend.
Scott’s dad Don said it was painful to see his son so distraught, and he was desperate to get the beloved seven-year-old cross terrier back to his rightful owner.
“Scott has never cried in his life, even when he was sick he didn’t cry. Now he just sits on the front porch in the morning, and the whites of his eyes are pink and he has tears rolling down his face,” Mr Grogan said.
“It’s terrible to experience with him and it’s driving me mad. I am trying everything I can in hopes that the dog turns up. I have been doorknocking like a madman.”
Toby went missing about 3pm on 15 June during a stay on Scott’s brother’s farm on Oak View Lane, near Ryan Road in Pakenham.
Mr Grogan said Toby was very friendly with the family, but thought he might be shy around strangers and would much rather run away than be touched.
The Grogan family is offering a $100 cash reward for Toby’s return, in hopes that Scott’s smile also returns.
“Scott has had such a tremendous change when we got Toby,” Mr Grogan said.
“He made it a routine that in the middle of eating, he would get up and give the dog a biscuit. He would also wait on the porch with Toby every morning and give him a nurse and pat before he got picked up to go to I’Gain ( Quality Learning) in Morwell.
“Scott was always withdrawn and never showed the affectionate side of himself- but he really loves that dog. I really hope it turns up.”
If anyone has information about Toby, they can call 5622 1889, 0419 532 224 or 0419 565 467.
