An Auckland family has been happily reunited with their dog three days after it was believed stolen from their home.
Bill the pomeranian puppy was allegedly taken from his owner's home in the suburb of Kingsland, leading to a police investigation.
Lucinda Rose said in a Facebook post that Bill was 16-months-old and owned by her flatmate.
Rose said they believed Bill was stolen at 11pm on Saturday after three strangers "gatecrashed" a get together they were hosting.
But they had an emotional reunion with Bill on Tuesday night, three days after he went missing.
Auckland City police said with some detective work and help from the community, they located the puppy in Manukau on Tuesday night.
"They were ecstatic to have him home, and we were pleased we could help," a police spokesperson wrote on Facebook.
"A great result and a big thank you to those members of the community who also helped."
Members of the public were overjoyed to see the family reunited with their beloved pet.
"Best news story of 2020," one Facebook commenter said.
"Well done to the police and community in this! A great story and feel good for all," another wrote.
