Christmas miracle as dog reunited with owner in West Stow, near Bury St Edmunds, after almost three months in the wild

A dog who survived almost three months in the wild has been reunited with his owner.

Benny, a Corgi cross, went missing while on a walk in Icknield Way, West Stow, in September.

This prompted a response by volunteers, including the Finding Ipswich Dogs Organisation (FIDO).

Wildlife cameras were deployed, and drone operator Nick Last, from DogLost.co.uk, was called in to assist.

Benny’s owner, Pat Ward, said the prospects of finding the pooch were initially thought to be slim.

The area he had gone missing in sits next to to thousands of acres of woodland, providing many hiding places.

Major flooding hit Suffolk in October and November, further diminishing the hopes of searchers.

At the time Benny went missing, Mrs Ward said he was a rescue dog, shy around humans.

However, on the evening of December 9, FIDO rescuers tracked the dog to the Larkwood trout lakes.

He had been eating the food trails left out by searchers, and was captured on camera.

During the eight weeks he was missing, Benny is believed to have moved miles across the surrounding area.

In a statement on Facebook, one of the rescuers, Sam French, said: “The local community have been fabulous, reporting the few sightings we had.”

Mrs Ward said that Benny lost around a third of his body weight whilst in the wild.

However, a vet has reassured her that he is otherwise healthy.

He is currently recovering at home, having returned in time for Christmas.

Mrs Ward told SuffolkNews: “Benny was just over 10kg when he went missing. On his vet check, he weighed 7.1kg.

“He had a full check. They did do blood tests, as well, just in case anything was untoward. That all came back fine.

“He is on six small meals a day – bland food only, until he has put on some weight.

“He is fine. Not letting on how he managed to stay out of sight for so long.

“We’re really pleased to have him home. It’s such a relief.”

Benny’s owner has expressed her gratitude to those who located him, and to friends, family and organisations which assisted in the search.

These include FIDO, DogLost.co.uk, Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve, the Sailing and Canoe Club and the Private Trout Club.