When Mabel, a brown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was stolen from her home in Coney Weston, Suffolk, alongside her four five-week-old cavapoo puppies, her family was plunged into a nightmare they never imagined. The theft, which occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, not only left the family devastated but also sparked a widespread search that would stretch across counties, involve thousands of strangers, and ultimately lead to a bittersweet reunion.
According to BBC News, the thieves didn’t just take the beloved dogs but also made off with a cream jewellery box, suggesting the house was not specifically targeted for the pets. Suffolk Police confirmed this detail, emphasizing that while the dogs’ disappearance was the most heartbreaking aspect for the family, the break-in itself was part of a larger crime. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, referencing the case as 37/68284/25.
For Simone Devorty, Mabel’s owner, and her daughter Alisha Clack, the days following the theft were filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Mabel, described as a devoted mother, was “completely distraught without her puppies,” Clack told BBC News. The family and their supporters quickly turned to social media, sharing posts that would eventually be seen and shared around 7,500 times. The hope was simple: get Mabel and her puppies back home, safe and sound.
The first breakthrough came on Wednesday, December 3, when Mabel herself was found in a garden in Wouldham, Kent—more than 100 miles from where she was taken. The reunion between Mabel and her family was emotional. "You could quite visibly see how thrilled she was and wanted to see her babies. It was nice to see," Clack recalled in an interview with East Anglian Daily Times. But the relief was tempered by the knowledge that her puppies were still missing.
Days ticked by with no sign of the puppies, but the family refused to give up. Their persistence—and the power of community—paid off on Sunday, December 7, when two of the puppies were discovered in Sidcup, London, near a dual carriageway. The details of their recovery are as heartwarming as they are harrowing. A gentleman out walking his own dog stumbled upon the pair, who were “soaking and freezing cold,” Clack said. The puppies, wet and shivering, had been dumped by the side of the road, a stark reminder of the cruelty of their ordeal.
"They were dumped by the side of the road, near a dual carriageway. A gentleman was walking his dog and the dog found the puppies," Clack explained to BBC News. The good Samaritan took the puppies in, dried them off, and, after seeing the widely circulated Facebook post about Mabel and her missing babies, got in touch with the family. The power of social media—so often criticized—proved invaluable in this case, connecting strangers and reuniting loved ones.
When the two puppies were finally brought home to Suffolk that Sunday evening, the reunion was nothing short of joyous. "We are ecstatic with yesterday's news," Clack told reporters. "We are absolutely thrilled to have two of her puppies - it was a very positive day yesterday." Mabel, who had been "frantic," searching the house for her missing pups, was transformed. "She's now cuddled up with them. It's a completely different dog again, so much happier," Clack added.
But amid the celebration, a shadow lingered. Two puppies—a male and a female—remained missing as of December 8. The family described the feeling as “bittersweet,” grateful for the reunion but unable to rest until all the pups were safe. “We must admit it’s bittersweet because we know two are still out there, and not knowing where they are is really hard,” Clack shared with BBC News.
Simone Devorty, Mabel’s owner, didn’t mince words about the perpetrators. She branded the thieves “wicked and cruel,” echoing the anger and frustration felt by many who followed the story. The family has pleaded with anyone who has information—or who might have the remaining puppies—to “leave them somewhere safe” so they can be found and brought home.
Throughout the ordeal, the family has been buoyed by the outpouring of support from the public. Clack expressed deep gratitude to those who shared the story, sent leads, and offered encouragement. "We have had a few people giving a few tips that we have passed over to Suffolk police," she said. Every message, every share, and every phone call has made a difference, keeping hope alive and the search active.
The role of community, both online and offline, cannot be overstated. From the dog walker who discovered the puppies to the family who provided them shelter, and the thousands of people who shared the Facebook post, this was a collective effort. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and compassion, and it’s a testament to what can be achieved when people rally together for a common cause.
Suffolk Police continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward. They believe the burglary was not specifically aimed at stealing the dogs, given the theft of the jewellery box, but the trauma inflicted on the animals and their owners remains profound. Police have asked the public to reference case number 37/68284/25 when providing tips.
For now, Mabel is back where she belongs, curled up with two of her puppies, a little more at peace. But for Devorty, Clack, and the rest of the family, the search is far from over. They remain hopeful that the remaining two puppies will be found and that their family will once again be whole. The story has captured the hearts of many, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep bonds between humans and their pets—and the extraordinary lengths people will go to protect them.
As the days pass, the family’s determination has not wavered. Their message to those who still hold the missing puppies is simple and heartfelt: do the right thing. Leave them somewhere safe, and let them come home.
Sometimes, in the darkest moments, it’s the kindness of strangers and the resilience of a community that light the way forward.
