A much-loved school therapy dog, whose theft left hundreds of primary school pupils distraught, has been found safe and well in a country park 30 miles from where she was taken.
Beloved Pet Snatched from Home
Mabel, a four-year-old Puli breed dog, was stolen from her home in Hazel Street Road, Hucking, near Sittingbourne in Kent. The theft occurred at approximately 9am on Thursday, 8 January 2026. Her owner, Emma Butler, who is the assistant head at Teynham CofE Primary School, reported the crime to Kent Police.
Mabel is a regular visitor to the school every Wednesday, where she works as a therapy dog, interacting with children and staff. Her sudden disappearance caused significant upset within the school community.
Community and Tech Join the Hunt
A major search operation was launched to find the missing rescue dog, who was originally from Hungary. Drones were deployed across the area in an effort to locate her, while a widespread social media appeal was shared by Emma and concerned supporters.
"Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart," Emma told NeedToKnow. "It is the best news. She was found and we collected her from Mead Vets. I am so grateful to everybody who took the time to share and spread the word. Because without this I don't think she would have been found."
Miraculous Discovery and Joyful Reunion
Miraculously, just three days after she was taken, Mabel was spotted in Darenth Country Park in Dartford, a considerable distance from her home. She was taken to a local veterinary practice for a check-up before being reunited with an overjoyed Emma.
"She is a massive part of our lives," added Emma, 49. "And everyone who meets her falls in love with her. As a therapy dog she's been going to my school every Wednesday for two years and is adored by all the pupils and teachers."
A Kent Police spokesperson confirmed: "We received a report that a dog was stolen from a property in Hazel Street, Sittingbourne. Officers are conducting enquiries including speaking with the owner of the dog to gain the full details." The investigation into the theft is ongoing.
