A springer spaniel stolen when she was just 10 weeks old has been reunited with her owner exactly 13 months after she disappeared. Breeze vanished while owner Adam Timms, 46, was walking her at Stratfield Saye, Hampshire, on August 13, 2025.
Adam said he saw a car speed away and immediately believed his puppy had been snatched. He said: “I reported her stolen but never thought I’d see her again.”
Discovery at Thames Water site
On September 13, 2026, Breeze was found cowering beneath steps at a Thames Water treatment site in Shurlock Row, Berkshire, with a serious eye injury. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Sam Matthews rescued the frightened and hungry spaniel and scanned her microchip, discovering she was registered to Adam and flagged as stolen.
Sam said: “I called Adam straight away and he was utterly astonished to hear from me. It was so wonderful to be able to reunite them.”
Surgery and recovery
Breeze, now 15 months old, was rushed to a vet and had to have her damaged eye removed. Adam said vets found puncture wounds to her face and blunt-force trauma, but believed she was otherwise in good condition.
He fears Breeze may have been stolen for breeding and abandoned after she was injured. Adam said: “When the RSPCA called me I couldn’t believe it; it’s amazing to have her home.”
Importance of microchipping
Adam added: “Her tail is wagging and she seems to be happy to be home with us and our other dogs. My daughter, Clemmie, is thrilled to have her home.”
Sam said Breeze’s remarkable return demonstrated the importance of microchipping. She added: “Her chip meant we were able to trace Adam and get her home to him, where she belongs.”
