A Southport grandmother, Sharon McCall, has been reunited with her beloved Pomeranian, Joey, after he was stolen from a pram on a bus. The incident, which left Sharon distraught, occurred on Monday, April 7, while she was on the X2 bus traveling from Southport to Liverpool.
Sharon, 60, had been on the phone to emergency services after witnessing a woman acting strangely and repeatedly falling over on the bus. She was focused on making the call when an opportunistic thief took the chance to snatch Joey from the pram where he and his companion, Woody, were sitting.
When Sharon finished the call and boarded the bus, she realized Joey was missing. After frantic searching and calling out for her pet, a security staff member informed her that a man had been seen boarding another bus, the number 53, with the dog in his arms.
Desperate to find Joey, Sharon and her daughter Gabrielle took to social media, posting about the theft on Facebook and appealing for information. They also contacted Merseyside Police, fearing that Joey, who is five years old, might be lost forever.
But 24 hours later, they received the incredible news that Joey had been found safe and sound at the North Liverpool Probation Centre in Old Swan. Gabrielle explained that one of the staff at the centre had seen the story online and messaged her to let her know they had Joey.
The family rushed to pick him up, and the reunion was an emotional one. Gabrielle described the moment: “Joey ran right up to my mum and started licking her face. I think he was very happy.”
Although Joey seemed fine, he was understandably a little shaken and had an accident in the bedroom, something he had never done before. Despite this, the family was relieved and grateful to have their furry friend back.
Merseyside Police have confirmed the investigation into the suspected theft is ongoing. A police spokesman stated: “We were contacted at around 10pm on Monday April 7, following reports a woman had her dog stolen in Queen Square in Liverpool… CCTV and witness enquiries are in the process of being carried out.”
The family has thanked everyone who shared Joey’s story and helped spread the word. Without the help of the probation centre staff member who saw the post, they fear they might never have seen Joey again.
Anyone with further information about the theft is urged to contact Merseyside Police or Crimestoppers.