Pet rescued: Annabel Karmel's dog is found safe

Published: 01 July, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

BABY food guru Annabel Karmel told last night (Wednesday) of her joy at being reunited with her dog Hamilton nine days after he was stolen from a pet walker’s van in Hampstead.

The writer, celebrated by parents across the country for her toddler food recipes, was reunited with the white Samoyed on Tuesday night – more than a week after he was stolen from Christchurch Hill.

Hamilton was one of 11 dogs that went missing last Monday when thieves drove off in the  professional dog-walker’s vehicle as he collected another animal from a house just 12 feet away.

Nine of the dogs were found tied to a lamppost in Red Lion Hill in East Finchley later that day, but Hamilton and a Pug called Winston – the  most valuable –  remained missing.

This week both families were reunited with their pets after they were contacted by a woman who said she had found them and had been looking after them. 

The woman, who collected a £7,000 reward, said she discovered Winston last Thursday when he followed her home. She said Hamilton was dumped outside her front door on Tuesday night.

Ms Karmel described the reunion as “one of the best moments of my life”.

“As soon as he saw me he just leapt up and was shouting at the top of his voice,” she said.

“His collar was missing and he was very dirty but otherwise he seemed fine. He still loves people so he can’t be that traumatised. Losing him was absolutely terrible, I couldn’t function. I lost a child when she was just 13 weeks old and this was like losing another child.”

Ms Karmel added that since his return, Hamilton has not left her side and has accompanied her to work and out shopping. 

And the Samoyed’s playmate Oscar, the family’s other dog, has also been given a new lease of life, Ms Karmel said.

Rolf Allan, of Frognal, Hampstead, also said he was “relieved and delighted” to have Winston back this week.

“He obviously didn’t enjoy being away from home, but maybe he’ll tell us the story one day,” Mr Allan added.

Dima Yeremenko, who runs the Good Boy Dog School and was collecting the dogs at the time of the theft, has now warned other dog walkers to be vigilant.

He said: “People should be aware that these thieves may be about. But we are happy to have the dogs back. It is just a shame that the owners had to pay such a large reward.”

Detective Sergeant Dick Orszynski, of Camden police, said: “We are very pleased the dogs have been reunited with their owners. We don’t advise people to offer rewards. The enquiries are ongoing.”