Now, Mr Towers' 12-year-old son is crying himself to sleep at night, after their ''special family member'' slipped her collar and vanished near Tunnel Beach last week.
The disappearance of Shelby, a 3-year-old tan and white boxer cross, has left the former Auckland family's fresh start in Dunedin on hold as they search for any sign of their missing pet.
Mr Towers said he had tried ''everything'', printing ''thousands'' of fliers, putting information on websites and contacting the SPCA, the Dunedin City Council and the police.
So far, there had been one sighting at Aberdeen Rd, and another of a ''scared'' looking dog that matched Shelby's description at St Kilda's Marlow Park playground, he said.
Mr Towers remained confident Shelby was still alive, although probably lost and scared, and believed someone might have taken her in.
He urged anyone with information to make contact.
''My wife and kids are just beside themselves. Everything's taken a backburner until we find her.
''I've got to get this dog back. She's not just a dog - she's part of our family.''
Shelby was ''rescued'' from the SPCA after she was found dumped in a sack in South Auckland in 2012.
Mr Towers' wife Emma and sons Rueben (12) and Ethan (7) moved to Dunedin at the start of this year.
Mr Towers joined them last month, after selling the family's Auckland home, and brought Shelby down.
The couple bought land off Tunnel Beach Rd, and were working on the property when Shelby - who was tied up - slipped her collar and disappeared last Thursday.
She was not used to the outdoors, having ''never spent a night outside'', he said.
''She's spent her whole life sleeping in my son's bed.
''My boys absolutely love her.''
Mr Towers hoped somebody could help in reuniting Shelby with her family.
• Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Towers on 021 212-7718.
