A dog taken by thieves has been reunited with its owners after it became “too hot to handle” when details of the theft was shared on-line.
Black Labrador Alfie was stolen when his owner’s Isuzu flatbed pick-up truck was taken on December 4 near Thirsk.
The vehicle was found abandoned near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, the following day.
But there was no sign of five-year-old Alfie.
His distraught owner Shaun Traves and Laura Bland-Traves, from Easingwold, launched an internet campaign to find Alfie.
A £1,000 reward was posted for his safe return.
The campaign was shared by thousands of people across the country.
And yesterday it was announced that Alfie was back home.
Laura and Shaun said they had spent two frantic weeks searching for Alfie.
As well as making physical searches for the pet in the hope he had been dumped, the couple set up a Facebook page which ensured the appeal was shared thousands of times.
The search was also taken up by volunteers from on-line groups, Lost Dog Trapping Team and Missing & Found Dogs North East.
The couple said: “Due to their hard work and dedication, and of course all our supporters, Alfie was made too hot to handle and returned.
“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts — we will be forever grateful.”
Alfie was returned with a small wound to his neck, which his owners believe was where someone had tried to remove his microchip.
He has been to the vet and will make a full recovery.
“I want to thank everyone for the support we received during one of the most difficult times of our lives,” the owners added.
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