Family thought they’d lost their Labrador forever — until they received an unbelievable call 8 years later

Trigger warning: The following story contains themes of animal abuse. 

Having their beloved dog stolen is a nightmare no pet owner ever expects, yet it happens more often than we think. The heartbreaking separation leaves families feeling helpless as days turn into weeks with no sign of their furry companion. However, Rita and Phillip were an exception. Eight years after their precious Labrador, Daisy, was stolen, they were finally reunited with their four-legged baby—all thanks to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). 

During a routine investigation in Weston-super-Mare, a vigilant inspector discovered Daisy in a heartbreaking state. The innocent puppy was in poor condition, suffering from multiple untreated mammary masses. After a brief interaction with her owner, the inspector secured Daisy’s release, and she was officially signed over to the care of the RSPCA (@rspca_official). Later, a microchip scan revealed that Daisy had been reported as "stolen." The animal welfare charity said, "We were delighted to be able to contact her rightful owners and arrange for her to make the four-hour journey home." The investigation revealed that Daisy, now the 13-year-old senior dog, had been exploited for breeding. "But she's now back home where she belongs," they said. 

In the now-viral video, an RSPCA official was seen walking Daisy toward her long-lost family. Interestingly, despite being away for nearly a decade, the Labrador's wagging tail showed she had not forgotten them. The adorable pup wandered through the house, sniffing every corner, even pausing at her, perhaps, her old bed, as if recalling a life she thought she had lost forever. The wholesome TikTok video received an amazing response on the platform, with an outpouring of love from compassionate and kind people. 

For instance, @norburchamcoates commented, "Sometimes there is a happy ending. Couldn’t be more pleased for this family. We live in the same village, and they’ve never given up hope for their daisy. She is finally back home to where she belongs." Similarly, @eq_dlepriv shared, "I hope the people who 'owned' her for the last 8 years are being prosecuted. Appalling to think she was stolen to use for breeding, then just discarded. So happy she finally made it home." @hellyh75, another Labrador owner, wrote, "What a beautiful reunion. I would never understand what you went through losing her. So happy she is now home with her family. Sending you much love." @elli_neill said, "She was someone’s whole world and then taken away. A tragic story, but I’m glad it has a happy ending, and she can spend the rest of her time feeling loved."

On the other hand, @surf.and.turf.walks, visibly concerned about Daisy, shared, "I can’t cope! God knows what that dog endured! Glad she can retire and see out her final years in her rightful home." @shortie_2023 commented, "I saw this on the news earlier tonight. I was so happy to see the dog return home. She even looked up at the RSPCA guy as if she was saying 'Thank you' for bringing me home. I'm so happy for the family, too." @sarah wrote, "This would kill me! I couldn’t live knowing my baby had been stolen and then lived a horrible life. This has shattered my heart." @j8l2n5x4p9w7 praised RSPCA and shared, "Thanks for reuniting them. Just makes me so angry that people mistreat such beautiful souls. So pleased she’s now back with those who love her and will give her the best days."

You can follow RSPCA (@rspca_official) for more such content related to animals.