A dog that went missing five years ago has been reunited with its owners – after being found 200 miles away in South Holland.
Fern’s owners, who live in Tyne and Wear, were stunned to hear from South Holland District Council dog warden Rachel Thompson that their Bedlington Cross Whippet, had been found in Holbeach Hurn.
Rachel said: “In all my time as a dog warden I’ve never known a case like it.
“It’s not unusual to find dogs registered to owners in other parts of the country, but I’ve never had one that’s been missing for so long.
“When I rang the owners they were completely shocked and had long since given up hope of seeing Fern again, but now they’re delighted to have her home.
“We’re not sure what happened during the intervening five years as Fern originally disappeared. She may have been homeless or had multiple owners.”
Fern was microchipped and still registered to the original owner making it easy to reunite them, demonstrating the benefit of microchipping and keeping details up to date.
Microchipping: the law
Fern’s story has highlighted the importance of dogs being microchipped, which is about to become compulsory.
From April 6, by law all dogs over eight weeks old must be chipped and the owner’s details registered.
Most vets can chip a dog for between £8 and £10.
South Holland District Council’s dog warden Rachel Thompson has microchipping events over the coming weeks.
- Thursday, March 31 (9.30am-noon) – Holbeach United Football Club, Park Road, Holbeach
- Monday, April 4 (9.30am-noon) – Rooke’s Pet Store, High Street, Spalding
A veterinary nurse will be at both events to offer advice, free nail clipping and health checks.
Rachel will also be offering a free check on dogs already chipped to provide the chip number to owners who need to change ownership details with the chip provider.
