A woman grieving for the loss of her close friend was devastated to find her beloved dog had been stolen while she attended the funeral.

Ann Rogers found her dog Angel to be missing when she returned home, and believes she had been targeted while she paid respects to her friend.

She prayed for her day of hell to be over and to be reunited with her two year old pet. Her prayers were answered as Angel was found the same day, by an animal rescue centre.

It was the second case of dog theft in a week to take place in the Malvern area.

The 64 year-old, who lives alone in Birchwood Drive after her husband died ten years ago, said: "I was devastated when I saw she had been stolen. I was already upset from having to say goodbye to a friend.

"I prayed to God for her return and she was returned to me. It was just meant to be.

"I take her with me everywhere, but I couldn't take her to the funeral.

"The lead that was left on top of the kennel was taken too, so she's been stolen for sure. I didn't leave her with her lead on.

"It's scary to think that I've been targeted like that. I don't feel safe in my own home.

"I'm glad she's back. I'd be heartbroken if anything happened to her. She was a bit shaken up, but is fine now.

“I think whoever took her bit off more than they could chew, and just let her go."

Angel, a cross between a husky and a German shepherd, was picked up in the Powick area, by Worcestershire Animal Rescue Centre.

She was traced back to Mrs Rogers as she was micro-chipped.

She was found with her collar and lead still on, and in perfect health.

Police confirmed the theft happened on Wednesday, August 19, after access was gained to Mrs Rogers' yard, in Leigh Sinton, via a public footpath at the rear of the property.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 0625S 190815.

This is the second time Angel has been stolen in two years. Last year, she was found in the Malvern area.

She says she wants to warn others to be aware of dog thefts.

"I want people to be aware that people are stealing dogs. I've heard terrible stories about it, and now it's happened to me.

"It's utterly heartbreaking and these people taking the dogs don't care who they upset.

"This needs to serve as a warning to others" she said.

On Monday, a 16-month husky puppy was presumed stolen from its home in Church Road between 7.45pm and 11.45pm.

It was found wondering the same area alone on Wednesday morning, and returned home.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 0444S 250815.