Man arrested over theft of Chesterfield Springer Spaniel Lucky – stolen seven month ago

The Derbyshire force confirmed yesterday that a 34-year-old man from Minsterworth, Gloucestershire, was arrested by Gloucestershire Police in June.

After being questioned by officers in Derbyshire he was released under investigation while “enquiries continue”.

Seven-year-old Lucky was returned to delighted owner Phil Littlewood this month after he received a call from someone in Reading saying they had the dog.

Police collected the prodigal pooch the next morning, delivering him back to relieved Phil at his Stanfree home.

Lucky disappeared from the Chesterfield property in January while the self-employed mechanic was in his workshop.

Speaking about Lucky’s homecoming this week Phil described how as the pair were reunited Lucky “just stared at me - like he was thinking ‘am I dreaming?’”

He said: “In a way it seemed a long time but it’s really strange because now he just behaves as he always did - it’s like he’s never been away.”

But he added: “God knows how many homes he’s had - he’s a little bit less obedient than he used to be. I do wonder how many times he’s changed hands.

“But if you saw the dog you’d realise - he’s so lovely that no-one could do anything to him.

“His nature is so good you just can’t believe even the most rotten person could do anything to such a lovely animal.”

Dog lover Phil thinks whoever last had Lucky “spoiled him rotten” as the Lucky canine was now refusing to eat his dog food.

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