A FAMILIY reunited with their dog "with tears streaming down their faces" after she mysteriously disappeared for six days.

Phoebe, known affectionately as the "ginger doughnut dog", went missing from her family's farm in Chesham on January 10.

She was last spotted on the farm's CCTV at 12.30pm, appearing relaxed and content however, 15 minutes later, she was seen darting down Hivings Hill in a panic, sparking a community-wide search that covered multiple locations.

There were multiple sightings of Phoebe across Stoke Mandeville and Wendover train line. 

The family experienced several tense, quiet days following these sightings, with no new information on Phoebe's whereabouts.

However, on the morning of January 16, Emily Palmer-Griffin and Paul Griffin reported spotting Phoebe near Alma Road, Chesham.

Zoe said: "Paul followed her until he lost sight and then continued to search the area. Stuart Ruff (my husband) was out immediately to the area and I followed minutes behind with both kids (Jack & Lily).

"We searched extensively in and around those roads and the cemetery. Until Stuart caught sight of her in the bushes on the footpath alongside the cemetery leading out onto Pearce Road.

"When Phoebe saw Stuart, she came straight away. A bit sheepish, but tail wagging and happy faced.

"And then myself and the children joined them minutes later. Every one of us had tears streaming down our faces."

Phoebe's adventures left her paw pads slightly sore and she was mildly hungry and thirsty, suggesting that she managed to find food and water during her disappearance.

The family added, "She promises to never do it again!

"She will also be wearing a Tractive tracker and an Apple Airtag forever more, and she won’t be let off lead again for some time yet!

"She is home being thoroughly spoiled and cuddled endlessly."

The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the local community for their support, emphasising how touched they were by the response.

Zoe added: "Our family would especially like to thank Ellie Jenkins, Paul Pearce, Lizzie Cassin, Hannah Walker and Paul Cuthbert for tirelessly helping us search day and night and keeping our families spirits up.

"As well as local heroes Shelley Duff, Paula Western and Cassie Stapleton and the team at DogLost. All of our fantastic dog owners. The staff at Chiltern Railways, the HS2 sites, Bucks Free Press and South Bucks RSPCA-you all went above and beyond.

"Also a massive thank you to everyone who looked after our children at short notice allowing us to continue searching day and night for a week!

"And lastly, but especially, our amazing community for spreading the word far and wide and never giving up on her."

In a heartfelt sign-off, they added: "Thank you everyone for letting Phoebe capture your hearts and thoughts and getting her back to us."