A SHAGGY dog story had a happy ending in Hereford on Saturday.

Chocco, the Shi Tzu, missing from his home for nearly four months, was reunited with his distraught owner.

But while the happy reunion was taking place the most important question remained unanswered.

What was Chocco, less than 12 inches tall, doing in Hereford when his home is 132 miles away in Southampton?

It was early in July that Jenny Ellis realised her pedigree pet and sole companion had disappeared from the garden of their home.

A vast search was set in motion but there were no clues to the disappearance of the tiny seven-year-old.

Meanwhile, in Hereford on September 15, more than two months later, a pedestrian spotted a very small and distressed dog wandering in Ross Road near St Martin's Church.

It was taken to the Belmont Veterinary Centre for a checkover, handed over to the local dog warden and then put in the care of Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue.

"He was in a sorry state, his cream coloured fur matted, a very unhappy dog and looking a mess," said Carol Smith, who founded the rescue four years ago.

Normally she has no trouble in finding new owners for small, lost dogs but because of Chocco's condition and that he was miserable and sad, it was decided the waif should first go to a foster home for some tender loving care.

Meanwhile, in Southampton Mrs Ellis and her son, Mark Hicks, had not given up hope and continued with their search, including an advertising campaign on the internet.

Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue also use their website and on Friday, an unknown user looking to acquire a Shi Tzu for herself made the connection.

"It was a million-to-one chance," said Mr Hicks. Telephone calls were made, identification almost certain and the tearful reunion took place on Saturday.

There were no doubts that dog and family belonged together and a happy Chocco, well cheered up, returned 132 miles back to Southampton with a smile on his face.

Carol Smith described it as a happy result and one which her organisation loved to see.

No-one will ever know how Chocco got to Hereford from Southampton, the most likely explanation being that he was stolen and then escaped, or was abandoned, in Hereford.

Carol Smith said hundreds of dogs are stolen each year in the UK and she recommended that all are microchipped with their owner's details.

"Chocco was lucky as it was purely by chance that his details were seen on the website," she said.

Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue, which survives on fund-raising, is holding a grand auction at the Foley Arms in Malvern on Saturday at 7.30pm. There will be food and live entertainment, cost £7.50.