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A pensioner couple have been reunited with their stolen dog five years after she was taken, after she was found 240 miles away.
Pat and Chris Lindley were left distraught when Kim, nine, was pinched from their back garden in Snaith, East Yorkshire five years ago.
The black and white cocker spaniel was in the family garden on May 14, 2020 when kidnappers put a blue rope lead around her neck and dragged her away.
The theft of Kim was reported to police at the time, but the couple never thought they would see her again.
Almost five years later, the couple last month received a phone call from animal charity Guardian Angels Dog Rescue, with a staff member informing them they had Kim at their centre.
They were so shocked at the call they thought it could be a hoax, family members said.
She had been handed in along with another dog and a puppy to charity staff in Herne Bay, Kent – a four hour drive away.
Staff at the centre checked the dogs for microchips and found the Lindleys’ contact details on file.
Pat and Chris Lindley were left distraught when Kim, nine, was pinched from their back garden in Snaith, East Yorkshire five years ago
It was a happy reunion for all involved after Kim was handed into a rescue charity from 240 miles away
The couple drove down to Cambridge on Saturday, meeting volunteers halfway to Kent, to be reunited with their beloved pooch, who is now 14.
Photos show how they lovingly embraced Kim upon reuniting with her, picking her up and cuddling her.
They said that apart from becoming slightly deaf, Kim hasn’t changed much at all.
Mrs Lindley’s daughter Vicky Moore said: ‘At first my mum and stepdad thought it was a hoax.
‘They had given up all hope of ever seeing Kim again. In fact she’s still in disbelief.’
She continued added: ‘She’s settled back in at home really well, but still goes round the fields looking for the other two dogs that were at home when she was stolen.
‘This sends out such an important message to others who have lost dogs or pets.
‘Never ever give up hope and keep microchip details updated.’
The couple drove down to Cambridge on Saturday, meeting volunteers halfway to Kent, to be reunited with their beloved pooch (pictured), who is now 14
Kim is pictured with the family cat before she was stolen back in 2020
Photos show how they lovingly embraced Kim upon reuniting with her, picking her up and cuddling her
In an adorable thank you card gifted to the volunteers by the happy couple, Mr Lindley wrote: ‘Thank you is not enough to express the joy you have given to myself and my wife.
‘We never thought we would see Kim again. You are truly wonderful, beautiful people/
‘We know Kim is 14 now but the next time she leaves us she will be buried at peace with her Mam.’
Humberside Police has been approached for comment.
