IT is what every dog owner dreads the most - coming home to find that your cherished companion has escaped and is having to fend for itself.

However, one local council is celebrating its success in reuniting devastated owners with their canine runaways.

Marilyn Currie, pictured, faced the nightmare of her pet disappearing when her beloved miniature poodle, Tully, decided he wanted an impromptu afternoon outing.

Just hours after his escape the nightmare was over, as Marilyn and her partner Chris were reunited with the nine-year-old, thanks to Fareham Borough Council's dog warden service.

Marilyn, from Portchester, said: "Tully is our baby, he is a big part of our family and he even thinks that he's human. If the warden had not found him so quickly I dread to think what would have happened, we would have been distraught.'' The council has been running its out of hours collections service since November.

Councillor Arthur Mandry, executive member for public protection, said: "Extending the out of hours service is already proving to be successful as we are able to offer a wider service to our community."