Dog, 17, missing for two weeks is reunited with family

Jasper, a 17-year-old Terrier Patterdale cross, likes to have a sniff around outside every evening before going to bed at home in Stretton Grandison, near Ledbury.

But one frosty evening in late January, he didn’t come back.

Jasper recovers at home after two weeks out in the cold (Image: NQ)

Owner Jenny Bryant and her family called and searched for him that evening but to no avail.

The following morning, they told neighbours and friends, and news of Jasper’s disappearance was shared widely on social media.

People went on walks nearby, searching the area with their own dogs and following familiar paths.

Those who knew him and his family, and people who didn’t, joined forces, offering encouraging words as well as joining in the search.

As two weeks had gone by and with the freezing conditions not letting up, Jasper’s family had pretty much given up hope of his survival.

“I was going to thank everyone for their amazing support and reluctantly post an update to say that Jasper was still missing but presumed dead,” said Jenny.

'Our little miracle'

But incredibly, that evening Jasper was found on the side of a path, tucked in the hedge on a path very close to his home.

Remarkably, the path had already been searched multiple times by those looking for him.

Following an emotional reunion and a night at the vets for a thorough check-up, a skinny Jasper was given the all-clear and bundled home to start his recuperating.

He is now making a good recovery and keeping extra cozy now that he is back home.

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His owners are keen to share a message of hope and say they have been overwhelmed by the support of the community.

“Everyone was helping and people we didn’t even know joined in the search,” said Jenny.

“I would encourage everyone to use the resources available and keep hope, this is our little miracle.”

Jenny, who works as a carer for Kemble at Home, also thanked her colleagues for sending a care package to Jasper and the family.

“Jasper is grateful to everyone at Kemble for his lovely new doggy blanket and treats and I am grateful for my lovely smelling candle,” she said.