Posted on 2nd Jun
A family has been reunited with their pet dog more than three months after it went missing.
Polly, a three-year-old Springer Spaniel, was taken from her owner’s home in February and reported missing by police, with investigations ongoing.
The dog was finally spotted wandering on her own on a road in Newark and was reported to Newark and Sherwood District Council Community Protection Officers.
When officers scanned Polly for a chip they discovered she had been registered as missing and the owners’ contact details were soon found.
For the owners, who wish to remain anonymous but live in the Newark area, the amazing news meant they cut short a holiday in Norfolk to be reunited.
“When we got the message it was the news we’d all been waiting for. We cut our trip short and made the journey back to go see her,” one said.
“As soon as I saw her, she ran up to me and knew who I was at first sight. It was pretty emotional and it’s wonderful to have her back in our lives.”
Because Polly was microchipped, finding her owner and discovering that she had gone missing was a simple task for Newark and Sherwood District Council Community Protection Officers.
The owner added: “It’s just common sense to get your pet chipped these days. It’s not expensive and it gives you that lifeline to help you find your pet again.”
‘Bark in the Park,’ which is hosted by Newark and Sherwood District Council, will be providing free microchipping, health checks and neutering vouchers to dogs on Tuesday, June 8 at Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone. It’s now a legal requirement for owners to ensure their dog is microchipped.
The outdoor event – which is fully COVID-secure – will take place between 10am and 1pm and is aimed at helping improve dog welfare and responsible dog ownership, as part of the Council’s ongoing PAWS campaign.
Coun Roger Jackson, chairman of Leisure and Environment at the District Council, said: “It’s fantastic that our Community Protection Officers were able to reunite Polly the Springer Spaniel with her owner.
“It’s stories like this that just make your day and we’re pleased that we could support in finding a happy ending for the owner. Ensuring your dog is chipped is one of the safest and easiest things you can do for your pet and this story is evidence of how important it is.
“I encourage all dog owners who haven’t had their pet chipped to do so as soon as possible and even come along to the ‘Bark in the Park’ event to get one done for free!”
