Margo, a timid cockerpoo, became well-known in Liphook after her astonishing 19-day adventure across Hampshire.

The ordeal began on July 29 when Margo slipped her harness during a walk in Liphook. Her family had just left for a two-week holiday in Greece, leaving ten-year-old Margo with her usual sitters. When Margo went missing, her mum, Jo Galwey, was quick to hop on a plane and return to the UK.

“It was just too painful; I couldn’t relax knowing she was missing and all these people were searching for her,” said Jo.

Margo’s family thought she would be found quickly. But despite a massive outpouring of support, including searches and posters, Margo remained elusive.

“We were quite overwhelmed by the number of people following the story. People were posting on Facebook, searching, and putting up posters. In hindsight, having so many people out was probably a mistake, as Margo is very timid and was likely scared off by the searchers,” said Jo.

The rest of the family soon returned from Greece to join the search. Jo contacted Lost Dog Recovery UK South, a not-for-profit organisation made up of volunteers who provide advice, mapping, poster design, trapping equipment, and online support for families with missing dogs.

Despite extensive efforts, including physical searches and food stations, Margo had still not been found. But she had been spotted near Stedham and then near the King Edward VII Estate in Midhurst, so her family knew she was still alive.

After weeks of tracking her movements, it appeared Margo was heading back to her sitters’ home in Liphook. Jo sat quietly with food beside her, and after 19 days and a journey of at least the same number of miles, Margo finally found what she had been searching for all along – her mum.