A stolen French bulldog that went missing in March has been reunited with her family after being found 170 miles from home, badly injured and requiring a leg amputation.
The three-legged dog, named Minnie, was seen jumping for joy as she was returned to her owners in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, just in time for Christmas. Owner Staci Day said: 'We weren't sure we would ever see her again when she went missing, so we are over the moon to have her back in time for Christmas.'
Minnie was discovered abandoned at the side of a canal in Hapton, near Burnley, by a woman walking her dog. The RSPCA took her into care and performed life-saving surgery, including the amputation of her leg. A microchip revealed her identity and led to the reunion with her family, who had reported her missing from their garden back in March.
RSPCA inspector Ryan King, who is investigating the case, said: 'It was great to see such a happy ending after all Minnie has endured. She was so excited to see her family.' He emphasised the importance of microchipping pets and keeping contact details up to date.
Ms Day's three children, Joshua, 12, Ella, nine, and Jacob, six, were 'delighted' with the unexpected Christmas present. The RSPCA has urged anyone with information about Minnie's whereabouts to contact their appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
