Missing Adelaide staffy found after three years thanks to microchip

A staffy who mysteriously disappeared from a northern suburbs shopping centre three years ago has been reunited with her surprised owner – thanks to some good Samaritans. Pic: 9News

Eight-year-old staffy Dakota was returned to owner Grant Williams of Gillies Plains after being missing for three years. Picture: 9News

A missing dog was reunited with her family on Monday three years after being apparently stolen from outside a Holden Hill pharmacy.

Eight-year-old staffordshire bull terrier Dakota was spotted wandering the streets more than 17km away in Fulham Gardens.

Some good Samaritans found her in a distressed state on the side of the road and took her to a nearby vet on Sunday.

Grant Williams, of Gillies Plains, never gave up the search for his beloved staffy, who he had owned since she was just six weeks old, and was overjoyed to receive the surprise news.

Grant Williams has a much-awaited cuddle with Dakota. Picture: 9News

Dakota was able to be reunited with her owner because she had a microchip. Picture: 9News

Mr Williams was grateful to the people who “went out of their way on a Sunday” and told 9News that “everyone was back on top” and ready to celebrate.

Prior to her disappearance outside the Guardian Pharmacy at Holden Hill shopping centre, Mr Williams and Dakota had never been apart. He said her loss had caused much distress for the family who had no idea where she was.

Vet nurse Lauren Willcourt, who reunited Dakota with a “so excited” Mr Williams, said it wouldn’t have been possible without her microchip.

“It is really important to have your animals microchipped and keep your details up to date, for example, I found (Dakota’s) owner’s details in a couple of minutes,” she said.

Mr Williams also encouraged all owners to have their furry friends microchipped in case they go missing.

“I got her back and (the) microchip caused it, you gotta microchip your dog,” Mr

Williams said.

Originally published as Missing Adelaide staffy found after three years thanks to microchip