A beloved dog stolen from his Taylors Lakes home last week has been reunited with his family.
Buddy, a seven-year-old German shepherd cross Siberian husky was taken by thieves who broke into the Kohurau Court property some time between 6am and 4.40pm on May 14.
His devastated owner, Jackie Hiett, put out a desperate plea to have him returned.
“Having the house burgled and so much taken was bad enough, but when we discovered Buddy was missing – that was the hardest part of it all,” Ms Hiett said.
Ms Hiett said she wasn’t sure whether she’d ever see her adored pooch again, but was never going to give up hope.
“He’s pretty distinctive in terms of his markings, so I always thought that those who took him wouldn’t get very far,” she said.
“You never know in these situations, but I always remained hopeful.”
Buddy was found walking around St Albans by a good samaritan and taken to a vet, where his micro chip revealed his rightful owner.
Ms Hiett said Buddy appeared to be unharmed.
“He was very tired and slept a lot when I first got him back, but other than that he seems to be fine,” she said. “Physically, he hasn’t been injured or anything like that.
“I was absolutely over the moon when I was told he’d been found.”
While Buddy has been returned home, other items stolen during the burglary remain missing.
Jewellery, including the wedding ring of Ms Hiett’s mother, a television, sound bar and a pair of used sneakers were also taken.
The investigation into the burglary remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
