Qiaoqiao, a 7-year-old Labrador retriever, is finally reunited with its owner after it was stolen by an organized gang of dog thieves on Feb 22, 2016. (Photo by Peng Ziyang / for China Daily)
A guide dog that had been missing for 35 hours was sent home around 6 pm on Tuesday together with a note reading: "We do beg your forgiveness".
The previous day a notice had been circulated on social media such as Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, as well as popular messaging app WeChat. It remained one of the most discussed items on Weibo, and more than 4.5 million followed the topic by 3:00 pm.
"Qiao Qiao", a seven-year-old Labrador, was being taken for a walk by its blind masseur owner around 8 am on Monday when it was snatched and driven away by thieves in a gray minivan.
"When I took him out I heard the sound of a car", said Tian Fengbo. Staff at the massage parlor said a minivan appeared and several people took Qiao Qiao.
As well as reporting the theft to police, Tian also publicized the missing dog through the Internet, saying: "I beg you do no harm to it and please help me in finding it. Qiao Qiao is my child and I will spare no money to get him back".
He also set up a WeChat group which saw a rapidly growing number of volunteers devoted in finding Qiao Qiao.
Tian, 47, daily walks with Qiao Qiao to the massage parlor more than 5 km from his home.
Having been gifted the dog six years ago by the China Guide Dog Training Center, he has never since walked alone.
When Tian again went out to search for Qiao Qiao on Tuesday evening "he suddenly leaped out from nowhere with an apology note begging our forgiveness", said Tian, suggesting the thieves may have returned the dog under the pressure of public opinion.
"Qiao Qiao must be tired," said Tian, adding that the dog was inactive and downcast after its return.
Expressing his joy at the reunion, Tian also conveyed his sincere gratitude to all who helped him find the animal.
