Freda the tortoise explores new neighbourhood

An overjoyed tortoise owner, Angela Burdett from Colchester in Essex has been reunited with her beloved tortoise, Freda thanks to the work of Petlog, the Kennel Club's pet reunification service, the vital link in getting lost pets home.

Freda, owned by Angela since the age of seven, disappeared from the back garden of Angela's home, in May this year after managing to get through a gap in the trellis. Angela was extremely worried for Freda's safety as she and partner, Lee had only just moved to the area.

Angela said: "Freda has been in our family for such a long time and I was really worried when I discovered she had gone missing.   We had just moved to a new area and although we made sure we had covered all the possible holes in the garden she still managed to get out through a gap in the trellis and through two other gardens to a path that runs up the side of the houses.

I went through a range of emotions and the feeling of loss was just indescribable as I had shared so many moments of my life growing up with Freda. It was hard to accept that she had just disappeared.  We did everything we could to try and find her again by displaying leaflets and posters around the neighbourhood and contacting Petlog, who were very helpful, caring and supportive, as were the vets."

Luckily, Freda and Angela were reunited after two days, a neighbour five doors away had found Freda and not knowing what to feed her had taken her in to the local vets to be scanned.  The vet was able to identify Freda by scanning her and reading her unique Petlog reference number on the microchip inserted under her skin.

Angela said: "The relief that she was found safe and sound was immense and it was all thanks to her being microchipped.  After this instance, I have also realised just how important it is to keep your contact details up to date especially when you move to a new house."

She adds: "You never know when and if it's going to happen to you but at least if you get your pet microchipped and ensure your details are kept up to date you know there is hope. Since loosing Freda, Zola, our new Staffordshire puppy has been microchipped. It gives peace of mind and a better chance of being reunited."

To submit your own re-unification story, please e-mail us at petlogadmin@thekennelclub.org.uk

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