Rita and Philip Potter lived each day for over seven years with the pain of losing their beloved dog, Daisy. They kept a picture of her on their mantelpiece, constantly wondering where she might be. Rita expressed that they never lost hope of finding her.
In November 2017, witnesses reported seeing someone snatch Daisy from their backyard and put her into a truck. Despite police efforts to trace the vehicle, they found no leads. The Potters reached out to the public through news outlets and social media, but eventually lost track of Daisy. Authorities, including the RSPCA, suspected she may have fallen into the hands of backyard breeders—people who often steal popular dogs to breed them for profit, compromising the dogs’ well-being.
After more than seven years, on February 2, RSPCA inspector Kim Walters discovered Daisy during a routine check in Somerset, England, over 200 miles away from the Potters. Daisy was in rough shape, suffering from health issues and unkempt fur, while her current owner claimed to have had her for just a few years. Unable to provide veterinary care, the owner relinquished Daisy to the RSPCA.
Once in their care, Daisy was taken to the vet, where a microchip revealed her true identity. The RSPCA shared on social media how the chip confirmed she had been stolen and linked them back to her original owners, who had missed her dearly.
Andy Cook, a behavioral welfare adviser at the RSPCA, noted that while Daisy was friendly and wagged her tail at everyone, it was evident she had endured a hard life since being stolen. Health problems indicated she might have spent her time with a backyard breeder.
Inspector Walters quickly contacted Rita and Philip to share the heartwarming news that Daisy was found alive. The couple was overwhelmed with emotions—shocked yet overjoyed.
Now that Daisy is back with her family, the Potters are determined to cherish every moment they have together. Rita mentioned, “We know she is elderly now and has health issues, but whatever time she has left, she will now be surrounded by lots of love and attention.”
