Lost dog reunited with owners after three years (From The Argus)

Lost dog reunited with owners after three years

10:51am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

A dog warden has been hailed a hero for reuniting an owner with the pet she lost three years ago.

Animal warden Cathy Ede-Morley was called to pick up some stray dogs including a Bichon Frise in Hailsham.

After giving the animal a wash and shampoo she began to try to trace its owner.

It became clear that whoever had been looking after the dog recently was no longer interested.

Cathy then checked the Lost Dogs.com website and found a pretty accurate photo match.

The true ownership of Candy was confirmed when Cathy showed a photo of the pet to owner Carol Williams from Milton Keynes.

Carol, from Milton Keynes, said: “I could not believe it. I had no doubt that this was Candy. We are so happy to have her back. She is now settling in back home again.”

Carol arranged to visit East Sussex earlier this month and was reunited with Candy.

The dog had escaped from her garden in July 2009 and had been missing ever since. It is believed she was found and taken in by a new owner who then moved to Sussex. However, no one has come forward to report Candy missing from her new home.

Councillor Johanna Howell, Wealden District Council cabinet member with responsibility for animal welfare, said: “I would like to thank Cathy and Animal Wardens for the dedication and care they have shown in tracing Candy’s owner. It’s the answer to every owner’s prayer who has ever lost their dog.”

Cathy, who works for Animal Wardens, providers of dog warden services for Wealden District Council, said: “I am glad we have been able to reunite the pet with her owner.

“We are available seven days a week to pick up stray dogs that have been found by members of the public.”

Animal Wardens keep a register of lost dogs and offer a free microchip to every dog returned.

Cathy and her colleagues have set up an East Sussex Adopt a Dog page on Facebook to help find suitable homes for dogs that are unclaimed.

Anyone who has a genuine change of circumstances which means their dog needs a new home can advertise on this page.