AN IRISH pensioner was left lost for words after being reunited with his beloved dog almost a month after he was first stolen.
85-year-old Sean Garrigan from Co Meath had feared he would never see his "best friend” Brandy ever again after he was nabbed by thieves back on July 9.
Last week, the elderly farmer took to Facebook in a desperate last-ditch appeal to have the 12-year-old dog returned after he was taken from his farm in Trim.
Describing Brandy as not only his “best friend” but also his “reason to get up in the morning”, Sean’s son Aidan admitted his father had been left sick with worry over the theft.
"All that matters is that I get him back," the pensioner in his social media appeal.
While many feared the worst given the time elapsed and spate of dognappings being reported across the country, Sean received wonderful news over the weekend: Brandy had been found.
Incredibly, Garda officers found the stolen pup safe and sound at a property in the Ballyfermot area of Co Dublin, some 50 kilometres away from where he lived.
"A good news story to end the weekend, Brandy the spaniel which was stolen recently in Trim was found in Ballyfermot this evening,” a garda spokesperson said.
"It's hard to put into words how his 85-year-old owner Sean felt when they were reunited," they added.
"Thank you everyone for your vigilance and help in getting him back."
Aidan later returned to Facebook to share pictures of his dad and four-legged friend back together again, alongside a message thanking everyone for their help in finding him.
“On behalf of my Dad and myself a thousand thanks to everyone involved in helping us get him back,” he said.
“All the posts/messsages/texts etc.. Shared by all around the country/england/scotland/wales/Germany and even the USA,” he added.
"Never give up.. as we know our dogs will not give up on us... A wonderful happy ending for my Dad and Brandy.. Reunited.”
According to the Department of Justice there were 210 dognappings in Ireland last year in a major increase on the 145 reported over the previous 12 months.
