A couple have experienced a bitter sweet 24 hours after their stolen dog was returned to them, just as another went missing.

Ann and Ted Cowlard's pug Dora was snatched by a masked man dressed all in black on Wednesday, February 24 in an alley on Romney Marsh.

Mrs Cowlard, 72, was walking her dogs around Lydd when the man bent down to greet one of them, loosened Dora's collar, and then ran off with her.

An appeal was launched to find the cream coloured pug - helped by TV star and Kent resident Paul O'Grady - and happily she has now been returned to the couple.

They collected her yesterday from a vets in Bexleyheath after she was discovered running loose.

But the owners suspect 11-year-old Dora had originally been taken to a flat in the London borough, after they received a call to say the pet had been spotted on a balcony.

Later, Dora was discovered in the street and was taken in by a woman who fed her, bathed her and then took her to the police station.

Mr Cowlard, 73, said: "We think she was let loose. The lady who found her took her home and gave her food and a bath as she was quite dirty.

"She was then taken to the police station and then a vets. We got her yesterday and we are over the moon. She is fantastic. She has no signs of distress."

But the couple are now searching for their pug cross Tom, who disappeared from their home yesterday (Monday).

It is not known if Tom was stolen or escaped.

Mr Cowlard said: "On the same day we got Dora back, another of our dogs has gone. We don't know if missing or stolen but we suspect stolen as he isn't the sort of dog to run away. He is quite clingy.

"My wife is devastated. She is out looking for him now."

Tom is five-years-old and described as having long legs. He is slightly darker than fawn coloured.

No pictures are available of Tom but one of his similar looking brother is being shared so that people can be on the look out.

Emily Buckley, who is helping in the search, said: "On a day that should have been filled with joy, when Dora came home, now Tom has gone. How much bad luck can one couple have?"

If you see Tom, please call 01797 320788.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.