Some guests check in with luggage. Jack checked in without an owner, without a clue, and without a single word of explanation (he’s not much of a talker). This is the story of how a little toy dog captured our hearts, and half the world’s media while he was at it!
The discovery
Jack was first spotted tangled up in our laundry linen in late June. Saved by one of our Housekeepers, he sat patiently waiting in the Housekeeping office for his family to come rescue him. He looked so well loved, we were sure that someone would be back for him soon!
The search begins
Weeks passed, and yet no one seemed to be coming back for our lost dog. So we put the word out across social media in the hope that someone would recognise him! We named him ‘Jack’ and put him to work around the hotel in the meantime to keep him busy. The internet got behind him, and Jack quickly became part of the Holiday Inn team as we searched high and low, following every lead to try and find his rightful home.
jack hits the headlines
Somewhere along the way, Jack went from ‘lost toy’ to ‘local celebrity’. Then from local celebrity to ‘international media star’. People from all over the world were hearing about Jack’s story and wanting to help him find his pawrents!
He had features & interviews in:
- People Magazine (USA)
- Today Show & Today Extra (Aus)
- TravelTalk Media (Aus)
- 7 News & Sunrise (Perth & Sydney)
- The Today Show (USA)
- Bild News (Germany)
jack explores perth & rottnest
In between his busy schedule of hotel life & interviews, Jack made time to see the sights. He’s had adventures all around Perth and even hopped on the ferry to Rottnest Island, where he blended right in with the locals (quokkas and all). By now, we reckon he’s definitely earned his status as an honourary Perth citizen!
did he find his family?
Despite all of our emails, phone calls, social media posts, press, and puppy-dog eyes – no one ever came forward to claim him. We chased every lead we could find, but Jack’s real family was no where to be found.
And so, there was only one solution: we adopted him ourselves! Jack is now officially part of the Holiday Inn Perth City Centre family. He’s staying close in-case his family ever comes back looking for him in the future, but for now? He’s home. Looks like he found us, instead of the other way around!
so… what’s next?
Don’t worry, Jack’s adventures aren’t over! He’ll be popping up around the hotel and keeping his fans updated from time to time while making the most of his new life in Perth. Who knows where you’ll spot him next?
To everyone who has shared his story, helped spread the word, or just cheered him on – thank you. You’ve helped turn a lost toy into a worldwide adventure.💚
Follow along on TikTok and Instagram to keep up with Jack’s next chapter!
