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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Chiara Pollock

Dog snatched from busy Glasgow street reunited with owner after 10-day search

A man and his best friend have been reunited after a long and tiresome 10 days following the pup's disappearance.

Link was snatched outside McDonald's in Trongate, near the city centre, during the early hours of April 16, when his owner turned his back while buying him nuggets for being a "good boy".

Following the ordeal Link's owner, Alasdair, had been searching endlessly for his furry companion who he described as his "everything".

READ MORE: Nasty Glasgow carer swore at elderly resident who didn't want a biscuit

He previously told Glasgow Live: "He has been my rock for seven years. I've looked after him through sickness and in health.

"He has a rare genetic condition that requires a lot of medical care, and without question, he has gotten the care he needed every single time.

"I’m worried sick, he’s such a big personality and my life revolves around him."

The pair were reunited on Thursday afternoon after Alasdair was made aware of Link's whereabouts. He was kept in police care until the SSPCA were contacted where he was held in their Hamilton centre while information was gathered for the long-awaited pick-up.

Link's arrival photo after finding shelter at the SSPCA centre in Hamilton (SSPCA)

Speaking to Glasgow Live, SSPCA animal care assistant, Lauren McLeish, said: "I had seen Link's appeals online, so when I saw him in our kennels I looked at him and thought 'Oh, he kind of looks the same'. I recognised his face.

"The man who took Link gave him the name Joseph, but obviously by his chip, we discovered his name was Link.

"During her lunch break, one of my colleagues was scrolling on her phone when she came across another appeal for Link. We stopped what we were doing and had to contact his owner immediately.

She continued: "We just had to contact this poor man, these cases are what makes the job so worth it. It's a really great story and shows the power of social media - it shows that if the owner is as persistent as Link's was there will be a good outcome.

"It proves what can happen when everyone comes together."

"Link was a real sweetheart and we were so happy to see them reunited, he was an honour to look after, he was an absolute delight."

The dog owner, who lives in the city centre, sent out several urgent pleas far and wide to trace his beloved pooch. Police Scotland was made aware and was praised for their hard work, "they have done more than they ever could have."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 2.30am on Sunday, 16 April, we received a report of the theft of a dog in the Trongate area of Glasgow. The dog has since been recovered and reunited with its owner. Enquiries remain ongoing."

Since reuniting Link has enjoyed his favourite treat, pizza, and a fun walk in the park followed by lots of cuddles from his best friend.

Link was welcomed home to his favourite treat, pizza! (Alasdair Crawford)

Owner, Alasdair said: "Hopefully this will send out a message to people who think they can abduct a dog and have nothing done about it."

He was left astounded by the kind words and support he received over the horrific 10 days, with his exact words being: "The people of Glasgow are amazing. Thank you so much for the support, I can't believe he is home."

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