The lengths people will go to was demonstrated to her again recently, when locals and visitors to the community alike helped her relocate a special member of the family who went missing.
Mallee the dachshund has been Temeka’s constant companion.
And when he escaped from the yard on the Sunday before Ute Muster revellers started arriving in town for pre-event celebrations, she and the rest of the family were distraught.
What followed was an outpouring of support that reminded Temeka of the care and compassion she experienced during her battle with leukaemia in 2016.
“I had over 60 shares from concerned locals and out of towners, rallying together to try and help bring Mallee home to us,” she said.
“While we were out, his Houdini labrador sister pushed open our garage door. She came home again, but unfortunately Mallee was chased by the ranger.
“He is an inside dog so has never been outside without us before.”
As the search intensified, family and friends spent hours combing the streets while members of the community shared social media posts far and wide in the hope of bringing Mallee home.
“We had more than 80 shares on all social media outlets, and we had friends and family out driving to all hours with torches to try and find him.
“I was so blown away by the amount of kindness I received.
“I feel very in debt to this community. Deni rallied around me in 2016 when I was sick with leukaemia, and I felt that same love when they railed around to help find our boy Mallee.
“I love this town, and this is part of the reason why.”
After more than eight anxious hours, the story finally had a happy ending.
Desperate and hoping Mallee could find his way home, Tekemka left some of her clothing outside as scent markers and the gate open before heading to bed.
The family’s relief came in the early hours of the morning.
“He walked in through his doggy door at 1am, and down to our bedroom.”
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