Athlone family's heartbreak: Jack Russell Sean dies chasing burglars

An Athlone family is devastated after tragically losing their beloved six-year-old Jack Russell, named Sean who died in pursuit of robbers who ransacked their home and fled with their belongings.

On Monday, December 1, Roxanne and Devon Jones' world shattered when their dog, Sean Abraham Jones, died moments after robbers jumped over their backyard wall in Garlandale.

Roxanne, who was at home on the day of the incident, said the little pooch was part of their family and was treated like their own son, never sparing spoils such as doggy daycare, his walks and even celebrating his birthday.

She said she had bonded with Sean the moment he arrived at their home because he was ill due to an infestation of worms and had survived the ordeal.

She said she chose the name Sean because it is her husband's second name and they decided that their first born would have the name: "When we got the dog and it was a boy, I said you weren't specific as to what son, so this is our son Sean."

Roxanne said she had just spent a moment cuddling with her dog and allowed him outside to urinate when she heard him barking frantically.

"The second time he barked my cousin-in-law went out and he saw two guys walking from our shed in the back, walking with our belongings," she said.

"He came to me and said Rox, I think they broke into the house at the back.

"I ran out and opened the shed and we saw they had made a hole in the slab at the back of the shed.

"I locked the gate because I did not want Sean to run out.

"I went around the house and I found my deceased mother's photographs laying there and other belongings."

She said Sean came out of the hole the robbers had made. He began to sniff and had been standing next to Roxanne and followed the scent of the robbers.

A neighbour who became aware of their search for the dog, jumped onto his motorbike to help find him.

She said she could not have prepared herself for what happened next: "The neighbour came back and said Sean was dead, I asked what he meant. He said Sean is laying at the bridge side where the robbers walked.

"Sean never leaves my side, never goes past the garden so he followed the robbers. "My cousin-in-law fetched a box and I was stuck in a panic attack… when he came back, he had Sean in a box and my whole world shattered and crumbled."

She believes Sean may have been hit by a car: "I am uncertain what happened but I was so mad because if they did not come into our home, this would not have happened."

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the burglary: "The incident happened  at a premises in Garlandale Crescent Garlandale. According to reports one tyre, three rims and an Adidas bag were stolen. Investigations continue, no arrest as yet."

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