Daisy, a stolen Labrador, reunited with her owners after eight years, sparking an emotional reunion and highlighting microchipping importance.
The theft caused a national uproar. Actor Tom Hardy even appealed to the public, and the law changed, making pet theft a crime.
Daisy’s owners, Rita and Philip Potter, are elderly. They thought Daisy was gone forever, as she would now be 13 years old. But then a miracle happened.
Daisy was found in North Somerset, and she was traced back to Rita and Philip. The RSPCA brought Daisy home on Thursday in what was an emotional reunion.
Rita cried as Daisy knew them and the house. Daisy wagged her tail and sniffed around, leading Rita to hug her, saying “Daisy you are home.”
The couple never gave up hope, though they feared Daisy had died. “Not knowing if she was safe was awful,” said Rita, explaining that they looked at her photo daily.
Rita said finding Daisy was a dream come true, and she thanked the RSPCA for bringing her home. Daisy is elderly and has health problems. Her family will give her love and attention.
Rita’s grandchildren bought her toys and treats, and Daisy now has two comfy beds to enjoy. Witnesses saw Daisy taken in a van in 2017, and the van probably had fake license plates. Daisy’s story got support from Tom Hardy.
Over 100,000 signed the family’s petition, and Parliament debated pet theft. In 2024, a law made stealing pets a specific crime, but the law didn’t bring Daisy home.
RSPCA inspector Kim Walters found her during a routine visit in Weston-super-Mare. Kim saw Daisy’s poor condition, noting that she had untreated mammary masses. The current owner said he’d only had her for a few years, and couldn’t afford vet care.
He then gave Daisy to the RSPCA. It was Daisy’s first vet visit, and her microchip showed Rita and Philip were her owners.
Kim called them with the good news. They were shocked and elated, the inspector said, as they had searched so hard for her and were devastated when she was stolen.
Kim was touched by their love for Daisy. She arranged for Daisy’s trip home, a four-hour drive. They needed to ensure Daisy was healthy enough to make the journey.
The RSPCA doesn’t know who stole Daisy, and they ask for information from the public. The wait was hard before Daisy went home.
Daisy went to the RSPCA’s Brent Knoll Animal Centre, where staff cleaned her up and gave her treatment. Andy Cook advises the branch on animal welfare.
Andy believes someone used Daisy for breeding, as she has mammary masses and hip dysplasia. Her coat was dirty, showing grooming neglected for years.
Andy said Daisy is deaf but adorable. Despite her hard life, she’s sweet, stating that she wags her tail when she sees people. Her health issues are mostly from old age.
The staff cleaned and cared for her, and she loved the attention. Andy was happy to reunite Daisy with her owners. “She will be in a truly loving home,” he mentioned. He also stated, “It is a fantastic happy ending.”
Daisy came home on Thursday. A volunteer drove her to Dave Allen, the local RSPCA animal rescuer. One thing Daisy noticed was how much Charlotte had grown.
Charlotte, Rita and Philip’s granddaughter, is now 13. When Daisy disappeared, Charlotte wanted Daisy back for Christmas. Now, Daisy and Charlotte share the same age.
Daisy enjoyed visits, treats, and rest. “Her story highlights microchipping’s important role in reunions,” said the RSPCA. They urged people to adopt from rescue centers.
Dave Allen made sure Daisy got home to Norfolk safely. The RSPCA is facing an animal welfare crisis, informing that shelters are full of dogs needing homes. They want stricter rules for breeders, which would ensure the health of the puppies. They recommended using The Puppy Contract for advice.