Officers help reunite distressed elderly woman with her lost dog in Matlock

The 93-year-old called us twice last weekend in a very distressed state about her dog, Toby, who had gone missing, and officers were concerned about the woman’s wellbeing.

PC Tammy Wood, of the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team, visited her home to check she was ok and see if there was any support or help she may need.

While PC Wood was there talking to her about the situation, she helped her to reach an item which had fallen on the floor and as she knelt down she noticed Toby was lying quietly underneath the woman’s recliner.

Very carefully, PC Wood freed Toby from under the chair. He had been missing for almost two days but appeared to be well, just hungry and thirsty.

PC Wood said: “Both Toby and his owner appeared to be over the moon to be reunited, and it was clearly a huge relief for the woman. Her family, friends and neighbours had all been out looking for Toby but she was becoming ever more distressed as time went on believing he had managed to get out, and fearing the worst.

“Our pets are companions and become members of the family. I’m just very pleased that we were able to put the woman’s mind at rest and make sure her dog was safe.”

PC Wood made sure Toby, a chestnut and white Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was fed and watered before leaving the home, and checked to see if the woman and her family needed any further support.

We managed to take this picture of Toby from PC Wood’s body worn video camera as he followed her into the kitchen for a drink and some food.

Residents in the Derbyshire Dales who want to report a lost or found dog should contact Derbyshire Dales District Council’s contractor, Crowfoot Kennels, on 01283 585510.