It's a pleasant day in the life of the Kerr family from West Yorkshire, UK. Isla, a charming, energetic, and fun-loving 7-year-old (and the apple of her daddy's eye) were out shopping when they decide to pop into the neighborhood grocery store for some ice cream for the rest of the family. But their Christmas luck changes suddenly and dramatically just moments later.
What was supposed to be a treat quickly turns into a nightmare. The family was with their beloved pooch, Dolly. Dolly is a special Boston terrier, who was diagnosed with an incurable condition earlier this year. Dolly - a loyal and beloved member of the family since she has been 9 weeks old - is blind and requires daily medication to continue living. Thinking it would be impossible for Dolly to run away, they tie her up for a matter of minutes outside the store, but return to the shock of their lives.
Dolly is stolen by a band of cruel thieves. At first, the family is shocked beyond words: who would take a helpless, blind dog? Is it just pranksters pulling a cruel joke? Or are they after a quick buck, hoping to get a ransom? Isla is beyond distraught according to her mom: “She is so upset that someone has her and none of us are sleeping. It’s just such an awful feeling not knowing where she is when she’ll be so desperate to come home."
The family decides to take matters into their own hands, calling on family members to spread the word and launching a neighborhood-wide poster hanging campaign:
But, Isla decides that even more help is needed and is determined to find her best buddy no matter what. So she enlists a very special helper: Santa Claus. Isla builds up her courage and tells her mom about her inspired plan, telling her mom that, "Santa can do anything."
The text reads:
"Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is my dog to come back. I do not care about presents, all I care about is my dog Dolly to come home.
I miss her so much and love her.
Love,
Isla Kerr
Isla's mom, Venessa makes an impassioned plea on Facebook: “Please if you have Dolly or know who has I just want her home no questions asked… She is part of our family and we are heartbroken. Please help us get her home.” Unbelievably, the entire community joins the hunt for Dolly! A local taxi company offers to even pick up Dolly from whoever has her, no questions asked. Everyone seems determined to make this little girl's very important Christmas wish come true.
And then a miracle happens: a stranger spots Dolly, abandoned, in a local park! They pick her up and deliver her right back to where she belongs: in the loving arms of her devoted owner Isla and the Kerr family.
Isla's mom rejoices: “Isla was absolutely delighted, and so was Dolly. Dolly can’t see us but she knows who we are, she knows she’s home and it’s so lovely. She is part of our family. We can’t stop cuddling her, we’re so pleased to have her back.”
For Isla, Christmas is saved and the Kerr family couldn't be happier. Whether it was a Christmas miracle, the culmination of their tireless effort, or the product of people helping their community when needed, one thing is certain: all that matters is that these two will get to enjoy Christmas together.
Share this story about the little special dog and her loving owner, who believed in the magic of Christmas and never gave up hope trying to find her best friend with everyone you know. We could all use a little magical Holiday spirit!
