Lofthouse man 'astounded' after he is reunited with his missing dog Flora

Flora the cocker spaniel went missing from outside the Co-op Food in Outwood at around 4.15pm on Monday, January 18.

A huge campaign to reunite the owner - who is called Tony and is in his late sixties - was set up, with thousands of people from the community and beyond joining a Facebook group.

Flora was found soaked in Emley on Saturday by a couple who then contacted Rachael Sanderson-Boulton, a professional dog walker and member of lost and stolen dogs charity Murphy's Army, who spearheaded the campaign to find Flora.

It is believed that Flora was stolen when Tony nipped into the shops, with the thieves likely dumping her due to the huge publicity around the incident.

Rachael posted on Facebook: "Thank you so, so much for everyone's help go team Flora you have ALL been amazing and Tony and I love you all so much.

"It's been a very emotional hour, and I would like to sincerely thank the lovely couple who found Flora yesterday in Emley.

"They don't want to be known but they looked after a cold wet Flora last night until they spoke to neighbours this morning who recognised our beautiful girl and rang me.

"Just Jesus thanks isn't enough, Tony is absolutely overwhelmed as am I, as is everyone who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, thanks you for postering as this is how she got home."

Posting on behalf of Tony, who does not have social media, Claire McCormack said: "He is absolutely overwhelmed and astounded at how many people have helped in so many ways at bringing Flora home.

"Putting posters up, looking at CCTV, walking the streets looking for her, sending messages of hope, trawling the free ads and the lovely couple who found her and rang in.

"He wishes he could thank everyone personally who has worked tirelessly over the last week, most of whom he doesn't even know.

"He knows he has been very lucky but also realises this has brought to attention how many other distraught owners there are that are both locally and nationally still looking in hope, and how much of an impact for so many ways losing a dog can have."

Tony has now asked the community to focus on other dogs that are still missing and to share them widely as he would not wish what he has been through on anyone else.

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