Seven years after being snatched from her kennel, stolen dog Molly reunited with owners

Brian Berry with Molly, who was stolen seven years ago Credit: SWNS

Two distraught dog owners have been reunited with their beloved pet pooch - seven years after she was stolen from their home.

Brian and Pauline Berry spent years hoping for good news after Jack Russell Molly was snatched from her kennel in Houghton, Tyne and Wear, along with her eight puppies in 2008, but despite calling police, putting up posters and combing the area, she was nowhere to be found.

Then, earlier this month, they got a phone call from police to say they had rescued number of dogs from a traveller's camp almost 100 miles away - and Molly was among them.

Great-grandfather-of-four Mr Berry immediately hopped in his car and drove to the kennel in Rugby, Warwickshire, to bring his "best friend" back home.

Despite being seriously underweight and covered in scars, he said within minutes Molly recognised him and began licking him furiously.

Vets say she will make a full recovery.

Molly has now been reunited with owners Brian and Pauline, as well as her sister Megan and two of Megan's puppies Credit: SWNS

Molly has now rejoined Megan, and two of Megan's puppies - Charlie, seven, and Shelly, three.

Police found the frightened terrier, now aged 10, along with a number of other dogs at a traveller's site in Wakefield, West Yorkshire - 95 miles from where she was taken.

Officers discovered who her real owners were when they scanned her and found she had been microchipped.

Mr Berry, aged 68, had been working as a mobile mechanic from home, and Molly and her sister Megan would keep him company in the garage.Then, one morning, he went to their kennel - and Megan was alone.

Mrs Berry added: "We hoped that she was sat on some little old lady's knee somewhere but that probably wasn't the case and you can't help but think the worst."