Dog owner, 29, looking for a replacement for his stolen pet akita Missy is stunned after spotting her on an animal rescue website one year later
- Eight-year-old dog Missy was stolen from Delon Pearson in Liverpool last year
- Months later she was found on an animal rescue website by her owners
- Rescuers are urging pet owners to get their cats and dogs microchipped
A pet owner looking for a replacement after his beloved dog was stolen was amazed to spot her on an animal rescue website a year later.
Delon Pearson, 29, was heartbroken when his eight-year-old akita Missy was stolen from his front garden in Liverpool last year.
The family struggled to come to terms with the theft and after months of heartache started thinking about getting a replacement dog.
Mr Pearson browsed the Internet and spotted Missy on the website of Skylor’s Animal Rescue in Dobshill, Flintshire, North Wales.
Delon Pearson surprised his son Bradley by bringing their stolen dog Missy home in Liverpool after finding their pet on the website of Skylor’s Animal Rescue in Flintshire, North Wales
He said: ‘I couldn’t believe it. Almost a year had gone by since she was taken so I thought maybe we could just have a look around.
‘It was nothing more than that really but then, after I clicked on the first result on Google I saw this picture and I was completely amazed. I refreshed the page about three times and zoomed into the picture and there she was.
‘I kept on double-checking because I was so shocked that I had actually found her.’
Missy was found in Manchester by rescuers months after her abduction. She was not chipped at the time, which made it impossible to take her home.
Mr Pearson then surprised his eight-year-old son Bradley by reuniting him with Missy.
He said: ‘It’s an experience I’ll never forget, telling Bradley.
‘The two have grown up together, Missy would even sleep next to Bradley’s bed every night. They’re best friends.
Missy was found in Manchester by rescuers months after her abduction. She was not chipped at the time, which made it impossible to take her home
‘He was beyond devastated when she was taken. But I’ll never forget his reaction when I told him that she’d be coming back, he was so happy.’
Missy recognised Bradley immediately and has not left his side since.
Dawn Taylor, who runs Skylor’s Animal Rescue North Wales, told The Leader: ‘The phone calls back and forth to Delon were emotional.
‘She was also missed so much by his son Bradley who she used to sleep with at night. And at the reunion there were no tears, just happiness.
‘This has been a great day for Missy, her family and of course us – we are so glad a stolen, much loved dog has found her way back home.’
The rescue centre is urging pet owners to get their cats and dogs microchipped.
A spokesman said: ‘If she had been microchipped and the details had been kept up to date, then she could have been home much earlier.
‘We always advise people to make sure their animal’s chips are up to date because you never know how your pet could be lost.
‘We are just so happy that Missy is now with her family where she belongs.’