A beloved family dog, Daisy, has been emotionally reunited with her overjoyed owners after being stolen from their Norfolk garden in 2017 and found earlier this month in Weston. The elderly Labrador was taken to the Brent Knoll RSPCA animal centre near Burnham-On-Sea before being identified and returned to her family.
A Tearful Reunion
Daisy’s owners, Rita (80) and Philip Potter, had spent eight heartbreaking years searching and hoping for her safe return. On Thursday, February 6, their prayers were answered when the RSPCA brought Daisy back home.
The emotional moment was overwhelming, with Rita tearfully embracing Daisy, saying: “Daisy, you are home.” Daisy, now 13 years old, responded with wagging her tail furiously and nuzzling into her owners as she recognized her family and home in Old Buckenham.
“We never gave up hope, but as the years went on, we started to wonder if she had passed away and we’d never know what happened to her,” said Rita.
“Not knowing if she was safe or loved was awful for us. We kept her photo on the mantelpiece and looked at it every day, thinking of where she might be. This is an absolute dream come true – we are so, so grateful.”
Daisy’s Kidnapping and Long Search
Daisy was stolen in November 2017 when witnesses saw her being taken by suspected backyard breeders, who bundled her into a truck and sped away. Despite reporting the theft to the police, the vehicle could not be traced, possibly due to false number plates.
Determined to find her, the Potters launched social media campaigns, appealed to the press, and even gained support from actor Tom Hardy, who shared their missing dog post. Their petition urging the government to tackle pet theft gained 100,000 signatures, helping lead to the Pet Abduction Bill in 2024, which made stealing a pet a specific criminal offense.
For years, there were no sightings of Daisy, and hope was fading—until last week.
Discovery and Rescue by the RSPCA
On February 2, RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters found Daisy during a routine investigation in Weston-Super-Mare. The elderly Labrador was in poor health, with untreated mammary masses and a neglected coat.
The man claiming to own Daisy said he had had her for a few years but couldn’t afford veterinary care. He agreed to sign her over to the RSPCA, where a microchip scan revealed her true identity—Daisy, stolen from Norfolk in 2017.
“When I contacted Rita and Philip, they were shocked and overwhelmed with emotion,” said Kim Walters. “Hearing their story and how much they loved her was truly moving. It was incredible to tell them that after eight years, we were bringing Daisy home.”
A Hard Life, But a Happy Ending
Daisy was taken to Brent Knoll Animal Centre for medical treatment, a bath, grooming, and plenty of TLC.
“It appears she was used for backyard breeding,” said Andy Cook, behavioral welfare adviser at the RSPCA North Somerset Branch. “She has slight hip dysplasia, untreated mammary masses, and is likely deaf. Her coat was in poor condition, as though she hadn’t been groomed in years.”
Despite her challenges, Daisy remains affectionate and wags her tail at everyone she meets.
The RSPCA arranged a 250-mile transport journey to reunite Daisy with the Potters. The family welcomed her with open arms, new toys, and two comfy beds.
“My granddaughter Charlotte, who was five when Daisy was stolen, said all she wanted for Christmas was Daisy back. Now they are both 13, and her wish has finally come true,” Rita shared.
The Importance of Microchipping and Adoption
The RSPCA emphasized that Daisy’s story highlights why microchipping pets is essential, ensuring stolen or lost animals have a chance to be reunited with their families.
“We also urge people to consider adopting dogs from rescue centers rather than buying from unscrupulous breeders,” said an RSPCA spokesperson. “We are facing an animal welfare crisis, with rescue centers overflowing with dogs needing homes.”
The RSPCA North Somerset Branch, which relies on public donations, continues to advocate for better enforcement of puppy breeding laws.
For those looking to help, donations to the Brent Knoll Animal Centre can be made here.
Daisy’s miraculous return is a testament to hope, perseverance, and the power of love—a true happy ending for a long-lost family member.
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