A pensioner whose prized dogs were taken away from her as she battled for life in hospital has been reunited with one of them after a campaign by the Telegraph & Argus.

Rita Johnson, 60, of Thornton, Bradford, said she was chuffed to bits after her 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Tinie was returned.

"I have been so lonely without him, but now it is a time for celebration and I am going to cook his favourite meal - chicken," she said.

But Miss Johnson is still pining for the safe return of her other nine-year-old Yorkie Benjamin.

"There is no question in my mind that I will get him back. Tinie is missing him. But I am sure they will both be together soon," she said.

The T&A has tracked Benjamin down to an address in Whitby. Negotiations are continuing for his return to Miss Johnson.

Tinie was brought home yesterday by Bradford Council Dog and Animal Warden Service manager Terry Singh.

Mr Singh successfully acted as a mediator for its safe return from a family in Selby.

The dog was in good condition and had been well looked after. Mr Singh said: "These dogs have been with Miss Johnson for a long time and I am glad we have come to an amicable solution for everyone."

The pets were taken away by Bradford Social Services, when she was admitted to St Luke's Hospital last May.

She said she owes her recovery from two brain haemorrhages and a massive heart attack to her determination to be reunited them. But when she returned home six months later she discovered they had been separated, taken to kennels in Doncaster and then placed with new owners by Social Services.

Since the story was reported in the T&A, support from kind-hearted readers has flooded in for her.

Mike Craig, promotions manager of Riva Bingo Club in Tong Street, Bradford, spearheaded a £300 fundraising game to buy new dogs for the families involved.

A Social Services spokesman said: "We are very sorry about what happened to Miss Johnson and for the distress she has been caused. We acted in good faith, according to our policies, in difficult circumstances"

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