大象传媒

'Cookie' an 18-month-old Cockapoo was taken from a van in Ferndown.

The incident left three generations of the same family distraught. On this occasion, thanks to sheer persistence and a refusal to give up, the owners were lucky and the dog was found.

The cost of desirable breeds of dog like cockapoos and working cocker spaniels has soared during the past year making them more attractive to the wrong type of person. Statistically, as few as one in five stolen dogs are re-united with their owners.

大象传媒 Radio Solent reporter Laurence Herdman went to meet Natalie and Sophie - daughters to Alan and Gill, and parents to five children - to hear the highs and lows of Cookie's story.