A TERRIER has been reunited with her owner – more than three years after disappearing from the back garden.

Devastated Helen Smith had almost given up hope as she hadn’t seen 13-year-old Snowy following her disappearance in October 2010.

The Parson Russell Terrier had been playing in Helen’s back garden in Hook when she vanished in a suspected theft.

Miraculously on June 17, Snowy was returned to an elated Helen after he was found wandering down a dual carriageway in Portsmouth – more than 40 miles from home.

Mrs Smith said: “I broke down in tears when I get the phone call to say Snowy had been found – I was in complete shock.

“I was absolutely devastated when she was stolen – completely heartbroken. I did all I could to find her, but eventually resigned myself to the fact I must have lost her for good.”

When Snowy was found, Portsmouth City Dog Kennel scanned her microchip and the database, Petlog, helped to reunite her with Mrs Smith.

The 13-year-old white and black terrier had to be treated for infected ears, obesity and laboured breathing after returning home, but is otherwise in good health.

Mrs Smith was worried that Snowy wouldn’t recognise her as her eyesight had deteriorated rapidly – the pet was due to have a cataract operation before she went missing.

“I shouldn’t have worried,” she said. “As soon as we turned down our lane, she started to get really excited, so I knew that she hadn’t forgotten. She has returned straight to her old bed, and she hasn’t left my side since getting home.”