THE SEARCH for a missing dog has come to an end, much to the relief of his owner.

Six year old Leon, went missing on Monday (August 23) after he slipped out of the family’s garden gate in South Ham

Concerns grew for the dog, belonging to Magda Karpińska, with each passing day and she decided to launch a social media campaign pleading with the community to get involved in the quest to find him.

Drones and thermal imaging units were also used to try and track the dog, covering as much area of the South Ham area as they could.

Leon was eventually spotted by members of the public on Sunday near the Stag and Hounds Harvester on Winchester Road.

Talking about the day Leon went missing, Magda said: “We were very upset when Leon went missing. We knew straightaway when we opened the door that he was missing because he didn’t come and say hello to us. Leon is a very good dog he’s never escaped before, he’s never run away.”

The family believe Leon slipped out of the garden gate on Sunday, to follow her brother to the shops and got lost along the way.

In a desperate bid to find their four-legged friend, Magda and her family created posters, spent hours at night searching and even made a gravy trail with OXO cubes from the spot where Leon was last seen back to their house.

Magda added: “People around us with open hearts were sacrificing their days to go and look for Leon so yeah, there something very special and beautiful about the community in Basingstoke.

“My saying is if you’re ever afraid to ask for help then don’t be, because without asking for help we wouldn’t have found him.”

“We had hundreds of messages from members of the public and people were sacrificing their lives at certain points to stop the traffic hitting Leon when he ran across roads.

“We knew that he was out there scared and terrified.

“So [ I want to say] a huge thank you to all of those people who have helped and supported us over the last seven days.

“We are so glad we are surrounded with such lovely people who never gave up hope. It means a lot to all of us. I believe if Leon could speak, he would thank each one of you.”

Leon is now home being spoilt and enjoying a “well deserved rest”.