“I’M JUST so pleased she has been returned to us in time for Christmas.”

Those are the words from a relieved owner after a viral campaign to find her missing dog was successful.

On Tuesday, the Daily Echo told its readers about Izzy, a miniature Yorkshire Terrier, who had been snatched from the pavement outside her home Wonston Road, Aldermoor.

Hanna Loughnane said she had spent the past eight days scouring the area to try and find the 10-year-old dog after she nipped out of the cat flap last week.

She posted numerous flyers throughout the area as well as searching day and night for her dog.

The Daily Echo published a moving appeal to try and help Hanna find Izzy, which was shared nearly 300 times by users on Facebook.

And now Izzy has been returned to the family after the man seen in CCTV taking Izzy saw Hanna’s plea online.

Hanna, a motorcycle technician, said: “The man said it was raining outside so he didn’t want to the dog to get wet and his friends then told him about the appeal.

“I’m just so overwhelmed with the support from everyone in the community.

“The Echo’s appeal was read by so many people. If the word hadn’t been spread like that, I don’t think we would have got Izzy back to be honest.

“We’re over the moon Izzy is back for Christmas and I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped.

“Izzy is safe and well.”

She added: “We were hoping for a happy ending and thankfully got one.”

The man was caught on CCTV as he walked down Hanna’s road, appearing to have Izzy, who has been with Hanna for around seven years, “squirming” in his hand.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed enquiries into the incident remained ongoing after Izzy’s safe return.