A CARLISLE family has been reunited with their much-loved dog which was stolen more than four years ago.

They could not be happier to welcome French bulldog Roxie home and are so grateful they had her microchipped as a pup.

Roxie was found wandering round Rickerby Park. When someone from Carlisle City Council stray dog service knocked on owner Shona Macleod's front door she could not believe what she was being told.

"I was in shock, after so long I never expected to get her back," said Shona.

"It was incredible to see her, I couldn't believe it.

"I think she knew who I was and she just totally settled back in straight away as though she's never left."

Roxie was last in the house when she was only a pup of 18 weeks. Shona had brought her from a breeder in Scotland.

"She looked totally different but was microchipped so we know it's her," said Shona.

"I think she has been bred off and after a few litters she's been dumped.

"She had fleas and needed a bath but otherwise she was fine.

"She wasn't timid, I think she's been well looked after."

Mum-of-three Shona was 38 weeks pregnant with her second child when Roxie disappeared.

Her mum had opened the door to a man who asked to use her phone. Five minutes later they realised Roxie had snuck out and was nowhere to be seen.

Shona's Facebook appeal for information was shared thousands of times. The News and Star also appealed for any news.

The family was devastated when the weeks passed and there was no sign of her.

Layla, six, is over the moon to have Roxie back. "She was so happy and has been telling everyone," said Shona.

And brothers LJ, four, and Jensen, two, are delighted with the new addition to the family.

Equally happy is Bear, a French bulldog Shona bought earlier this year, having accepted Roxie would not be returning.

"They love each other, they're like two peas in a pod," said Shona.

A city council spokesperson said: "We were delighted to reunite Roxie the dog with her owner. When our stray dog service found her we were able to check the microchip and get the registered details of the person who reported her stolen.

“This case shows how important it is to get your dog microchipped and also to keep the details up to date. Our stray dog service can provide support and is available during normal office hours and out of hours too.”