Springer spaniel Breeze, stolen as a 10-week-old puppy in August 2025, was found abandoned and badly injured near a Thames Water site in Berkshire on 13 September. Identified by her microchip, the now 15-month-old dog returned home after vets removed a damaged eye; no other injuries were found. The RSPCA traced Breeze following a tip from a Thames Water worker, and her owner says the family is overjoyed to have her back.
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Springer spaniel Breeze, stolen as a 10-week-old puppy in August 2025, has been reunited with her owner more than a year later after being found abandoned with a serious eye injury.
Found Abandoned and Injured
The dog was discovered on 13 September near the Thames Water treatment works at Shurlock Row in Berkshire — about 20 miles (32 km) from Stratfield Saye in Hampshire, where she was taken while out on a walk with her owner, Adam.
Veterinary Care and Recovery
Breeze, now 15 months old, was treated urgently by veterinarians who determined the eye injury was so severe that it had to be removed. Although no other external injuries were found, vets believe a heavy blow to the head ruptured the eye. She is now recovering at home and being cared for alongside Adam's other dogs.
How She Was Traced
The RSPCA's animal rescue officer, Sam Matthews, contacted Adam after a Thames Water employee reported seeing a frightened, injured spaniel. Breeze was identified through her microchip; Adam had previously reported her stolen.
"A car pulled up and I noticed someone jump in and speed off, tooting the horn at me almost as if to goad me. I knew she'd been taken. I never thought I'd see her again," Adam recalled. He added that his daughter Clemmie is "thrilled to have her home."
Investigation Details
Adam said it appears the thieves did not take Breeze to a veterinarian — which would have revealed her microchip and that she had been stolen — and instead abandoned her after she was injured. The RSPCA and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of her theft and mistreatment.
Advice for Pet Owners
Microchipping played a key role in reuniting Breeze with her family. Owners are reminded to keep microchip details up to date, supervise pets on walks, and report thefts to both the police and animal welfare organisations promptly.
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