Dougal, a dog who had been rehomed by the KSPCA has been returned to his original owners in Kilkenny city.
Two -and-a half year old Dougal went missing in the city early this year and although his owner Pat Bourke was searching for him, she did not contact the dog shelter in Kilkenny.
Meanwhile, the dog shelter had found Dougal who is a golden cocker spaniel and rehomed him after five days, which is their policy.
Dougal’s family finally contacted them when they failed to find him themselves - but it was too late.
The family including Pat, her sons, and her grandsons were distraught to hear that although the whereabouts of the dog was known he could not be returned as he had been ‘adopted’ by a new family.
Dougal who had been micro chipped and licensed remained with the new family for almost four months until this week after his original family took legal action to have him returned.
Owner, Pat Bourke said, “I contacted a solicitor who explained to the organisation that Dougal had been micro-chipped and if they had contacted the Kennel Club with his chip details he should have been back with us at home within the hour. He was since returned to the dog shelter and is now home with us again.
“ He was just so happy to see us. My son said that when he drove around the corner into the estate he was just so excited. The grandchildren are thrilled to have Dougal back. They loved him and missed him so much while he was gone. It is so good to have him back home where he belongs,” she said.
Pat would also like to thank all those who helped the family while Dougal was missing.
