THERE was a happy ending to one family’s hunt for their pet dog missing from Anna Valley and on the loose in Andover.

Maria and Shaun Murphy were in despair when they heard that their miniature schnauzer, Earl, missing on 20 August, might have been injured in an accident at Sheep Fair after being sighted in Barlow’s Lane and Asda’s car park.

He had been hit by a car but the driver failed to stop, although the dog was heard yelping and running off in the direction of Ladies Walk.

Following a letter to the editor in last week’s edition, however, Earl’s ordeal was soon over.

“I know people saw it and responded positively,” said Maria.

“I have received calls from people expressing concern and offering to help look for him and the lady that found Earl had read about him in your newspaper and found our telephone numbers to contact us from your page too.

“We would like to thank everyone who spent time looking for Earl, putting up posters and generally raising awareness of his plight.

“Thankfully it all paid off as Earl was found near Berehill Farm/Ladies Walk on Saturday 27, safe and well.

“He was dehydrated and had lost 2.5kg but was otherwise unharmed.

“Special thanks to Barbara, who discovered him then enticed him with treats.

“Also, special thanks to John, Pauline and several other people who then took him to John’s house for safekeeping and something to eat until we arrived.

“Thank you also to the Andover Advertiser for printing my letter last week as this played a vital part in reuniting us with Earl.

“We cannot express how grateful our family are to everyone concerned.”