Sharon Collins  had given up all hope of seeing her Staffordshire Bull Terrier again when she disappeared more than five years ago from Bere Regis in Dorset.

That was until Ellie arrived at Landyke Kennels in Fife where owner and former DogLost co-ordinator Sylvia scanned her, looked at the DogLost website and realised who she was.

The chip details were out of date, so southwest regional co-ordinator Gina visited the address in the hope of gleaning some information. As luck would have it, the new owner knew a relative who was able to put her in touch with Sharon.

Transport was arranged from Fife to Dorset to get Ellie home, with kennel owner Sylvia driving the first leg all the way to Peterborough.

The photo shows owner Sharon with Ellie and the original DogLost missing poster.

Read Ellie’s story

Read Daily Mail story

When Big Issue seller, Ralph set off to fulfil a lifetime ambition to sail along the south coast in a dingy with his best friends Jess, he didn’t bank on Jess going overboard.

Collie X Jack Russell terrier, Jess, was frightened by the sound of gunfire from nearby Dartmouth College as they entered a creek.

Ralph’s sister, Maria, registered Jess with DogLost and the team immediately sprung into action. Administrator, Jayne, contacted the local farms, whilst co-ordinator Bobbie gave advice and contacted the local rescues.

On DogLost’s advice, Ralph left his sleeping bag on the beach and eventually Jess found it. It was an emotional reunion, and when Ralph contacted DogLost he said: “A big heartfelt thank you to all of you for all the moral and practical support you gave me while Jess was missing. I’m touched deeply by it all and feel somewhat overwhelmed. I would like to say a special thanks to Jayne for all she did. It was truly above and beyond the call of duty. You helped me so much and eased my worries and pain.”

Jess has settled back to their normal routine and Ralph is sure she is more confident in herself for being away.

Read Jess’s story

Summer is one of the busiest times for DogLost as dogs frequently go missing while on holiday.

Fazed by the unfamiliar surroundings of a family holiday, dogs are unable to rely on familiar sights, sounds and smells to get them home.

Although DogLost springs into action to help owners find their dogs, the end of the holiday may come before a dog is reunited. Faced with the return home without their beloved pet, the search becomes more heartfelt when they have to decide whether to return again and again or to let local helpers continue.

One way to prevent losing your dog in the first place is to rent a GPS tracking collar for your holiday. Dog Tracker Plus made by Retrieva and endorsed by DogLost, is available for a fixed rental of 30 days for £30.

With your dog wearing the collar you will be able to see where they are at all times on your mobile phone – ideal when you are away from home, even in Europe. The collar also sends anti-theft and tamper alerts to keep your dog safe and give you peace of mind.

To rent a collar call Dog Tracker Plus on 01442 877796. If you quote offer code DLR1 they will make a donation of £3 on your behalf to DogLost as well!

The students from the Pauline Quirke Academy Romford have produced I love my dog to create awareness of dog theft.

The five minute video features the students talking about why they love their dogs before the story cuts to the more sinister scenerio of dog theft from the street and in cars.

It also stars Pauline’s own choc lab, Bailey Quirke, who starred with her in the hit ITV drama, Broadchurch.

Said director, Mark Bowman, “Last month, my students at The Pauline Quirke Academy were educated on the unfortunate and devastating effects many families face when their beloved dog goes missing. We wanted to make this video to support DogLost, who are, in a word, amazing.”

Watch here: I love my dog

A little white Parsons Jack Russell has been reunited with her owner nearly four years after going missing.

Snowy disappeared from her home near Hook, Hampshire in the autumn of 2010. She was believed stolen as she had no history of roaming.

Delighted owner, Helen, told DogLost “She was found wandering up and down a busy dual carriageway in Portsmouth and a kindly gentleman was concerned she may get run over so took her to the local council – who contacted me via her microchip.”

“She is a little old lady now and very overweight, but the vet is confident she will be fine. Snowy has fitted right back in and is just following me around all the time. I never thought that I would get her back after so long, and this is just so brilliant that she is finally home.”

A third dog has been returned to kennels in Linchmere, Sussex after seven of their dogs were stolen in a five day period 18 months ago.

Skye, a black Cocker Spaniel was reunited with her owners after she escaped from her new home in the Midlands. The new owner, unaware that she had been stolen had bought her and a puppy after seeing the puppies advertised online.

The thefts, which were featured extensively by BBC South Today, were many of a spate at the beginning of 2013 which heralded our Gundog Theft Action campaign.

Biscuit and Tiggy, a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier, respectively, were reunited last year after they escaped their captors near Basingstoke.

There are still four more dogs missing Purdie and Tika both Springers; Dexter, an elderly Cocker and Bertie a Jack Russell.

A quick-witted helper realised the photo she had been given by a couple was in fact Bryn, the Border Collie, who had gone missing hours earlier today in Llangefni, Anglesey.

Helper, Sarah, recognised the photo of the brindle, tan and white collie (left) as Bryn and immediately posted on his page so that DogLost could contact his owners.

Within a very short space of time, Bryn was collected by his very grateful owners.

Members of the Microchip Alliance joined the Kennel Club at the launch of their new initiative, Chip it, check it, designed to promote the increased use of microchips ahead of their compulsory use in 2016. (2015 for Wales.)

The group was joined by a number of MPs and their dogs, including Neil Parish, chair of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.

The campaign, which is also backed by DogLost and the other 20 members of the Alliance such as the Dogs Trust, Petlog and Vets Get Scanning, also reminds owners that they should ensure that their contact details are up to date on the microchip database so that they can be easily reunited.

June is National Microchipping Month when animal organisations come together to promote the use of microchips.

DogLost has helped reunite many dogs through the use of a chip which can be read by us or by a dog warden or rescue.

Said DogLost founder, Jayne Hayes, “It is essential to chip your dog so that we can reunite it with you. But it is also very important to keep your details up to date. Many dogs simply may not be reunited because they either don’t have chip or the details are registered to an old address or previous owner.”

Many local authorities and dog charities are offering free or low cost chipping during June for details of the Dogs Trust events click here

Microchipping will be compulsory in Wales next year, and in England in 2016.

The sun shone down on part-time administrator and Lincolnshire co-ordinator, Alison Hall, as she finally made her tandem skydive for DogLost.

Twice postponed through bad weather, Alison glided through the skies to make it back on terra firma.

Fond of fundraising in aid of DogLost, Alison hopes to raise money to help more owners and dogs get reunited. You can help her fulfil her aim by donating through our donation button