A PREGNANT woman and her young daughter have been reunited with their puppy – thanks to a donation from a Gazette reader.

We told how Melanie Loumbas was upset after her ten-month-old Chihuahua, Boss, escaped when she opened the door to sign for a parcel on Tuesday last week.

Melanie was unable to run after the puppy as she is heavily pregnant and was looking after daughter Michelle, four.

Boss was found by a dog warden later that day.

But Colchester Council told Ms Loumbas she had to pay £65 to get Boss back.

She did not have enough money to pay. Several readers saw the article and contacted the Gazette offering to pay the money.

One man, who has asked to remain anonymous, handed over the full £65 on Friday, and the family went to pick up the puppy that evening.