Having a dog stolen is every owner's worst nightmare, and sadly a reality for one heartbroken home.
Nine puppies were taken from a breeder's house in Bournemouth during the early hours of the morning on May 24.
Six four-week-old puppies were from the same litter and another three eight-week-old pups, Dorset Live reports.
The breeder said they were woken by "male voices" at 4.20am, but by the time they came downstairs, the raiders had fled with the young pups.
An investigation into the burglary was launched by Essex Police late last month, and on June 2, officers found one of the nine American bulldog puppies, just 160 miles away from home.
PC Adam Manly shared the happy news on social media and said: "One down, eight to go".
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The five-week-old puppy was recovered in the Saffron Walden area on Thursday and taken home to its owners Samantha Kittle and partner Joe Fiduers.
It will now be reunited with its mother Khaous, who was said to have been distraught by the loss.
Samantha said: "She (Khaous) is a little bit lost. She didn't even move on the bus back, people had to keep stepping over her. She was just staring at the puppies' empty crate."
Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made and searches are still ongoing for the rest of the missing pups.
Police Sergeant Sarah Hodgson commented: "An investigation is underway to identify the offenders and locate the stolen puppies.
"I am appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in Charminster Road in the early hours of Tuesday 24 May to please get in touch.
"I would urge anyone who may have seen the puppies for sale locally in unusual circumstances, or has any information about their whereabouts, to urgently contact Dorset Police.
"I am also issuing an image of the puppies in the hope someone may recognise them.
"Finally, I am keen to hear from any residents or motorists who may have captured any CCTV or dashcam footage around the relevant timeframe that may help our enquiries."
If you know anything about this incident, you can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220082249.
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
