TWO stolen dogs have been recovered following a heartening community-wide effort.
An outcry followed the night-time theft of a pair of 10-week-old puppies on September 3.
Intruders smashed their way into a stable behind Valgrays Border Collie Rescue centre, in Crewes Lane, Warlingham, to snatch the springer/collie cross puppy bitches.
The "devastating" theft prompted an overwhelming response from the public.
Messages alerting people to the thefts were posted on many Facebook sites, dozens of posters were printed, and an anonymous well-wisher offered to install a CCTV system at the centre, to prevent a recurrence of the theft.
Within 24 hours, centre owner Val Phillips had joyous news – the pups were left on the centre's doorstep at about 3am.
Mrs Phillips said: "I was absolutely devastated by the theft.
"It was a total nightmare.
"Now I'm elated to have them back.
"Maybe the thieves got scared by all the publicity."
The rescue pups where taken in last month. Mrs Phillips hopes to re-home them shortly with loving families.
