A family experienced unexpected joy after their dog, Balou, who went missing last Saturday in the snow-covered Troodos Mountains, was found alive and well.
The dog’s guardians had issued a public appeal for assistance in locating the animal, offering a reward amid fears that their pet would not survive the freezing conditions, as temperatures had plummeted well below zero in the mountainous region.
“We found him!” the dog’s guardian told philenews with evident relief. “He was spotted by Mr. Konstantinos, who works as a tour bus driver.”
According to the family, they were fortunate on two counts, as the bus route had initially been scheduled for cancellation. The journey proceeded only at the last minute due to the driver’s persistence.
“Balou suddenly darted across the road in front of the bus. He then hid among the trees and wouldn’t approach anyone,” the guardian explained.
The family travelled to the Jubilee area after receiving the call.
“We saw him, and when we called out, he ran straight to us. We were extremely worried because he had been missing since last Saturday. Fortunately, he appears to be in good health,” they added.
The successful search concluded days of anxiety for the family, who had been concerned about their pet’s ability to survive the harsh winter conditions that have affected the Troodos region in recent days.
Local animal welfare experts note that domestic pets often struggle to survive extended periods in severe mountain conditions, making Balou’s discovery particularly remarkable given the duration of his disappearance and the challenging weather.
