BRUCE is certainly a lucky dog this week and happy to see his owner again — thanks to the kindness of a lady from Meldon.

Earlier this month the Staffordshire terrier was being walked near Meldon reservoir by Tony Williamson, who was 'doggie sitting' for his brother Phil, Bruce's owner.

But something caught Bruce's nostrils when he was off the lead and the dog, nearly three, followed his nose and ran off. He was missing for nearly two weeks.

Phil, who lives in Torquay, had left his pet with his brother while he enjoyed a holiday in Poland.

Tony, Phil, their sister Jacky and her husband Mike did all they could to find Bruce — but to no avail.

Phil said: 'We went around the farms asking farmers to look out for him because we were concerned they might shoot if he worried livestock, not that Bruce would.

'We put up posters with pictures of him all over the area included Okehampton; we called kennels, the RSPCA, vets and talked to walkers. But there was no joy.'

Phil, aged 53, who had only had Bruce for three months, even called the dog's previous owner and they went around Meldon calling out for Bruce.

Despite saturating the area with posters, visiting the car parks in the area and talking to walkers, there was still no sign of Bruce and Phil was beginning to get very anxious for his pet's safety, after such a long period of time.

'I had started to give up hope, then on the Friday, October 17, I got a call from a lady called Anne Humphreys from Kerslake Farm, Meldon, to say she had the dog.'

Once re-united, Bruce was just as relieved to see his owner.

Phil said: 'I would just like to thank everyone who contributed in the recovery of Bruce by donating window space for posters regarding his loss, or for looking out for him on the moor and surrounding areas.

'I especially want to thank Anne Humphreys and her family who were so instrumental in the safe recovery and re-uniting of Bruce and myself. We owe a debt of gratitude.'

Phil also thanked Paul and Kay at the pet food shop in Station Road, Okehampton who donated a bag of high protein food to help build Bruce up after his ordeal, and staff at Mole Avon who put up posters and spoke to their customers.

'I was so ecstatic and I just couldn't believe my luck.

'I just want to say to dog owners in a similar situation — "Don't give up",' said Phil.