A DOG owner is “over the moon” after being reunited with her rare pet following weeks of searching and sleepless nights.

Former Conservative parliamentary candidate Molly Samuel-Leport and her family were left devastated when her Samoyed dog was ‘stolen’ from her garden on October 20.

But, last week they were reunited when the community joined forces to find the missing dog.

Information was passed to the police who carried out and operation to bring him home.

Taking to social media to thank the many people involved Mrs Samuel-Leport said her family were overjoyed at Snowflake's return.

She wrote: “I would like to thank the RSPCA, Borough of Waltham Forest Commander, DCI Mike West, Di Joanne Yorkie, DC Ashley Harry, PC Razwan Hussain and PC Michael James for a very successful conclusion to "Operation Snowflake.”

“Also everyone on Facebook and Twitter including Nick De Bois, Tony Blackburn and the X Factor contests, for using social media to find my dog.”

Shelagh Savage from charity Dog Lost and Jan Moore were also praised by the family for spending much of their own time searching for the dog.

Snowflake was stolen from Mrs Samuel-Leport’s garden in Montale Road, Woodford Green between 5 and 6pm before she returned home and noticed her back padlock had gone missing.

The dog was found at a home in Enfield and arrests have been made.

Mrs Samuel Leport said: “I am so, so, so happy. Even the cat is over the moon.”

Police have been asked to comment further on the operation.