Dog stolen from Lilydale Show found safe and well

A DOG stolen from a show in Melbourne’s outer east almost two weeks ago has been found safe and well.

Michael Apostoladis with his daughter Steph after Jess was stolen. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

CHRISTMAS has come early for a Wandin family whose stolen dog Jesse has made it back home.

Wandin shearer Michael Apostoladis and family were heartbroken after the 10-year-old border collie who was stolen more than a fortnight ago at the Lilydale Show on November 19.

RELATED: Police want help to find stolen border collie

But in a Facebook post late this afternoon, the Apostoladis’ family friend Michaela Benson said Jesse had been found in Seville and returned home.

Ms Benson said the pup was possibly dumped at Reefton and looked a bit thin and mangy but back with his dad.

“Thank you sooo much everyone,” she said.

“Your energy has been amazing to say the least!!! Awesome job.”

Since the post went up it received hundreds of likes in a matter of minutes from members of the community who have followed the story since Jesse was stolen last month.

Marty Peebs wrote on the post: “It’s hard to type a comment when 5000 other supporters are typing comments too. Great to see everyone showing their love and support for Jess home again.

Yvonne de Koning said: “Seriously the best. Hope your dad and Jesse are OK.”

Leader has contacted the excited Apostoladis family for comment.