A homeless man has been reunited with his beloved dog who was stolen from him in Liverpool City Centre today.
A huge online appeal was launched after it was revealed that Blue Staffie Jess had been cruelly stolen away from owner Stephen.
The appeal was put out by homeless dogs support organisation Care for the Paw - who said Stephen had been left distraught by the loss of Jess who was described as 'his life.'
Thousands of people have shared the appeal online and now Care for the Paw have confirmed that Jess has been found - and reunited with Stephen.
A statement from the organisation said: "Fantastic news to share with you - Stephen and Jess are back together.
"Stephen would like me to pass on his sincere thanks to you all for taking the time to share what happened with Jess, he is extremely grateful.
"Thank you to our friends at DAB Dogs who contacted us after seeing Jess as they passed in their care and recognised her - and thanks to Josh and Robbie for going to collect Jess and reuniting her with Stephen.
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"I can't begin to tell you how relieved Stephen is - Jess truly means the world to him."
News of the theft of Jess had been spread across the country - with actor and comedian Rufus Hound amongst those sharing the news on twitter.
