Sheffield family's joy after being reunited with lost dog

The Cripps family, from Woodseats, were left devastated after their two-year old Shi Tzu Molly slipped her lead and went missing from the Beauchief area at around 1:30pm last Wednesday.

She was wearing a green fleece coat at the time, with her disappearance sparking a huge social media appeal.

Now, Molly has successfully been reunited with the Cripps family after she was spotted crouching behind a tree by Harry Barnett, aged 13, who is said to be “made up” that he helped find the much-loved pet.

Harry, who has autism and is a pupil at Bent’s Green School, had been searching for Molly and even helped put up posters of the missing pooch.

His mum, Cheryl, said: “He’s not been able to settle knowing this dog is out and about so he went looking to make sure all his posters were still up. While he was walking he just stumbled across her with his personal assistant. He’s absolutely made up about it.”

Angela Cripps said her nine-year-old daughter Harriet and son George, 11, hadn’t stopped crying since Molly went missing.

She thanked everyone who helped in the search efforts including the DogSOS Derbyshire volunteers who advised using a trap to catch her.

She said: “Everyone is very happy. The DogSOS Derbyshire team have been brilliant! They were logging and tracking all sightings of her so they could position the trap in the best possible place.

"The trap has a camera at all times watching it, should it be sprung – either by the lost dog or any other wildlife – they come out immediately, whatever the hour, and release them.

"Luckily thanks to that very helpful young man the trap was not necessarily. He was a real hero.

"We cannot praise or thank the Dog SOS team enough: they do not charge any fee though do have a Just Giving page. Any shortfall in funds they cover with their own money. We fully intend to be making a donation!

"Also huge thanks to the good, good people of Woodseats and the Beauchief area for all their help, concern and support. Real community spirit there despite these awful days we find ourselves living in.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.