Ghost was stolen from Joel Banks as he was loaded into an ambulance (Picture: Jam Press)
A man whose dog was stolen as he was loaded into an ambulance has been reunited with his beloved pet.
Joel Banks, 33, was walking Ghost when he suddenly collapsed in the street earlier this month in south east London.
A passerby called an ambulance and paramedics arrived, putting him on a stretcher to take him to hospital.
But while he was so unwell, two thieves allegedly told medics they knew him and would look after one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Ghost.
In reality, they took him to a pub and sold him for just £120, it is claimed.
Luckily, the man who bought Ghost saw newspaper headlines about him being stolen, and got in touch to let Joel know where he was.
He then arranged to give back the dog, who is worth an estimated £5,000, yesterday.
Joel, of Catford, said: ‘The exchange was perfect and Ghost is now safe and sound at home.
Joel with One-year-old Ghost before he was stolen (Picture: Jam Press)
Ghost was sold in a pub for just £120 (Picture: Jam Press)
‘He is somewhat thinner and lighter than before, and clearly very distressed and scared, but he is on his bed with his blankets and toys and with all the love in the world.
‘I am so so happy to have my best buddy back safe and with his human.’
He had been distressed after leaving hospital after one night, when no one could tell him where his dog was.
Ghost had been stolen from Downham, near Bromley, on November 8.
Thrilled Joel said: ‘We received a call from a man who had purchased the dog at a pub in Sydenham for only £120 three days ago.
‘He did it due to the shocking low price of such a dog.
‘But after seeing in the news about Ghost, he contacted us to arrange a collection as he wanted to reunite him with me.’
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police are investigating an allegation of theft after it was reported that a dog was stolen from outside a pub in Downham Way, Lewisham, on the evening of November 8.
‘No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.’
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Two thieves allegedly told paramedics they knew him and would look after one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Ghost.
