Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 06/98) - Pepper's home.

The puppy, who was dog-napped from a Yellowknife family's backyard Oct. 24 -- and will be celebrating its three month birthday today -- was reunited with its master, Doug Rowland, Thursday morning.

A friend of Pepper's owner received an anonymous tip from a Yellowknifer reader Wednesday night that the puppy had been spotted near a Ndilo area home.

The dog-napping had been featured in Wednesday's edition.

"The lady told me her dog had gone missing, so she was out looking," said Sherry Boulet. "She was sure she saw Pepper...I drove over Thursday morning and it was her. She came and jumped (into Boulet's car) right over to the passenger seat."

Boulet drove straight over to Rowland's house in order to facilitate the puppy-master reunion.

"I'm elated," Rowland said in an interview while little Pepper licked his face and wagged her tiny tail. "She's in good spirits. She hopped right up on the couch and made herself at home."

Rowland says he has no interest in further pursuing those who took his best friend away.

"My puppy is back and that is all I care about," he said. "A very heartfelt thanks (to the person who phoned the information in)."

Throughout the interview with the Yellowknifer, Pepper was too busy playing happily with her puppy brother Buddy.

Neither pup had time for a comment when asked by the reporter.