When much-loved family pet Poppy went on a little adventure earlier this month it was the start of 10 days of trauma for her owners.
Poppy was snatched close to home, with CCTV capturing the terrier being taken by two men in a van.
Poppy's owner Louise Smith spoke to MKFM, and took to social media to raise the profile of their fur-baby and the posts were shared 1000s of times. Thermal Drone Support Bedfordshire took to the skies to aid the search for the little dog, who would have been terrified.
But as the days passed, there was no news.
“We were frantic with worry, but determined not to give up hope,” Louise said, “Social media went into overdrive, and I was in close contact with the police, and Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley. You fight for your dog like you would any member of your family.”
Because of the CCTV evidence, the vehicle was able to be tracked on ANPR, which showed the vehicle in Scotland at one point. Whether Poppy was in the vehicle at that time is unknown.
Thankfully, Poppy was later found at an address in England, and when she was returned to her home on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, there was an emotional reunion.
“She has lost a lot of weight and was very smelly,” Louise said, “She was very excited to see us, and the other dogs, but is showing the trauma of her ordeal - she is a bit jumpy, and very tired.
“She's had a bath, and is eating again, but it will take some time for her to fully recover.
“She is staying close to us, and definitely won't be up for any more adventures – although she is being treated to a pampering session next week!
“People have been so supportive, and we would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who shared posts and helped to spread the word about Poppy. It means the world.”
