Stolen Mattishall puppy is reunited with her family

Cocoa, a three-month-old husky cross German shepherd, was stolen a few days before Christmas in Mattishall near Dereham. 

But now tears of despair have turned into tears of joy as she has been reunited with her owners.

Video footage from Chloe Marie, who owns Cocoa with her partner, showed the moment Cocoa was reunited with them on January 11.

Following a tip off, it was discovered that Cocoa had been sold to a family in Southwold, Suffolk, which led to the emotional reunion.

Miss Marie said: "The family were quite understanding and they also said they might be put off from buying a dog on the internet again." 

Cocoa was taken from her home in Mattishall on December 20 (Image: Chloe Marie) Most importantly, Miss Marie said her and her family were "over the moon" about having their beloved puppy back safely. 

She said: "We had honestly got to the point where we didn't think we would see her again so this is absolutely overwhelming. 

"We're all just over the moon to have her back."

Three weeks ago, Miss Marie opened her door to a woman who suggested both their dogs should go to training lessons together.  

Miss Marie, who was rushing to get the bus at the time, went back inside her home to get a bottle of water and returned to the front door to find her puppy was missing.

The incident was then reported to Norfolk police and a woman in her 50s was arrested on suspicion of dog abduction.

She has been released on police bail until January 29.

Miss Marie is now warning others who are considering buying a dog through the internet to be thorough in their research beforehand. 

She said: "If someone is offering to drive to you to drop the dog off, that's an immediate red flag. 

She was reunited with her family on January 11 (Image: Chloe Marie) "Go see for yourself. Check the rest of the litter and it's also really important to always check the microchip."

The police investigation into Cocoa's abduction is still ongoing.