This is the heartwarming moment an abused dog is returned to its elderly owner after being stolen from outside a shop five years ago.
The happy reunion took place in the city of Artyom in the south-eastern Russian region of Primorsky Krai, which borders with North Korea.
The two video clips, first of all showing the moment the dog was snatched and later the moment when it was reunited with its female owner five years later, was shared by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In the first clip, the dog is seen waiting outside a shop as a hooded man grabs it leads and yanks it away.
In the second clip, the elderly woman is seen greeting her excited Russian Spaniel.
According to the unnamed dog owner, her spaniel called Bim recognised her instantly, despite their five-year separation.
The reunion finally happened after an animal-rights groups investigating allegations of cruelty were told that a dog in the case had actually been kidnapped some years previously.
Police seized the animal and posted the images online, where it was recognised by the 68-year-old owner who then applied to police to have the animal returned.
A man provoking the dog 
A man provoking the dog
Meanwhile, the now 65-year-old suspect that apparently snatched the dog has reportedly confessed to the theft, telling cops that he wanted to give it to his daughter as a present.
According to local media, the suspected dog thief is being investigated for animal abuse and theft.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Gheorghi Caraseni, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.
