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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Andy Crick & Paige Freshwater

Woman, 22, reunited with dog who was stolen from her 10 years ago

A dog owner burst into tears after being reunited with her beloved dog who was stolen from her ten years ago.

Tae Bennett was just 12 years old when her chihuahua called Ollie was pitched by thieves.

She had been walking him in a park in August 2012 when the thieves cut the lead and bundled him in a car before speeding off.

Tae, now 22, had all but given up hope of seeing him again.

The travel company worker had offered a reward on missing posters and eventually got a dachshund called Chilli to replace him.

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Tae Bennett offered a reward for his return 10 years ago (Triangle News)
He was found by a group of children (Triangle News)

But little Ollie was found by kids in a park in Hounslow, west London - 20 miles from her home in Beckenham, south London last Friday.

Her gut reaction was that he was dead but she was stunned to be told he was alive and well after a decade apart.

Tae said: "When I was told he’d been found alive I just burst into tears. It was incredible and I never thought this would happen.

"Ollie was found in a park by some children, I’ve no clue where he came from. Overall he is in good condition but he still needs to be checked over by a vet.

Ollie and Chilli have been getting on great (Triangle News)

"I think Ollie has been used for breeding and either got let out accidentally, or purposely due to his age.

"He was two-years-old when taken from me and still remembers his life before being taken, we are both very happy he is finally with us."

She was reunited with Ollie the same day he was found and says he has been getting on well together with her other dog since being welcomed home.

"They love each other and cuddle up together, which is lovely," she added.

"I’m really careful when I take him out now. People really don’t realise how quickly this can happen and how devastating it is."

Do you have a dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

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