Missing dog Murphy captured the hearts of the world

Murphy, a Siberian husky, went missing, believed stolen, in December 2014 from his home in Bradford.

The animal loving community took Murphy and his family to heart and his plight was soon known across the UK and the world.

Murphy's disappearance triggered a high-profile search campaign on social media.

The campaign also received celebrity backing through the likes of Bradford illusionist Dynamo and comedian Johnny Vegas.

He was even mentioned in Parliament by David Cameron during Prime Minister’s Questions.

Murphy was found three months later in Manchester and now, more than five years on, his owner Andy Smith is still getting calls from owners of missing pets in Bradford.

READ MORE: VIDEO: Delight as owner is reunited with missing dog Murphy after weeks of searching

The legacy of that time is the Murphy’s Army charity, set up in June 2016, which has reunited thousands of animals with their owners and raises awareness of pet theft.

Mr Smith says Murphy, now 10, is fit and well and has been going out for regular walks during the lockdown period in Bradford.

He said: "The last five years have been really busy. We have been rescuing thousands of animals, helping out so many.

"I still get phone calls all the time from people saying 'my dog or cat has gone missing or has been stolen' in Bradford.

"It's still a massive problem in Bradford. Some are missing for months.

"I was the lucky one, I did the campaign and it only took three months to find him.

"Murphy is fit as a fiddle. He has got a few years left in him. He is keeping well. I have two others dogs and we are getting out and about. We have good walks.

"Life has gone back to normal really, I suppose. It is good to still help people.

"I have stepped back from the Murphy's Army charity and gone back to work, but the other trustees have taken over. It's in good hands, they are animal lovers.

"We have helped reunite many missing pets with their owners, raised much needed awareness of the increase in pet theft and helped many more pets in need."

Meanwhile, Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy campaign has continued to thrive, set up to encourage the public to pay tribute to animals lost in service over the years and to those who still serve us today.

The appeal has raised more than £60,000 over the last four years, which has gone to helping a variety of animal-related causes, including The Horse Trust, Smokey Paws, Household Cavalry and Fireside K9.

Murphy's Army has also provided 100 pet oxygen masks to UK fires services and 250 cooling coats for service dogs.

Each year, the charity raises funds for a specific good cause.

This year’s beneficiary is K9 Heroes, a UK-based charity set up to help support retired British service dogs, including military, police, fire, search and rescue.

The 2020 campaign will launch soon, but Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign TM is not connected, or affiliated to, RBL or its Poppy Appeal.