Stolen pug turns up 14 months later 221 miles from home

A dog is not just for Christmas as the saying goes, and one owner will be hoping that rings true after being reunited with her prized pet.
By Will Cook
Published 23rd Dec 2015, 06:39 BST
Marie Ling from Norwich is reunited with her pet pug Nellie who was found roaming the streets of Burnley 221 miles away from home. (S)Marie Ling from Norwich is reunited with her pet pug Nellie who was found roaming the streets of Burnley 221 miles away from home. (S)
Marie Ling from Norwich is reunited with her pet pug Nellie who was found roaming the streets of Burnley 221 miles away from home. (S)

Nellie the pug was eight months old when she stolen from her Norwich home 14 months ago. But she is now back with owner Marie Ling in time for Christmas after being found roaming the streets of Burnley earlier this month.

Nellie, who was stolen along with her mum Coco in October 2014, was discovered close to Oakmount Veterinary Centre in Trafalgar Street having nearly been run over.

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A concerned car driver brought her into the vets and after a microchip check and a few phonecalls to Norwich police, puppy love was in the air as an emotional Marie travelled 221 miles to collect her from the centre.

Sonia Billington, practice manager, said: “To be involved in Nellie’s reunion was truly amazing, a reunion made possible due to the dedication of those involved.

“Special thanks go to Deborah Mortimer who found Nellie out alone and brought her to us where she was scanned and given a place of safety, to the Oakmount team who worked hard to trace her owners and Norwich police who played their part in ensuring she was returned with her rightful owners. Microchipping is one of the best ways in ensuring your beloved pet is returned home should they ever become lost or stolen.

“Owners must ensure that the microchip number and their details are registered onto a national database and more importantly these details are kept up to date.”