This is the heartwarming moment a missing dog - who was feared stolen - was reunited with her ecstatic owners after a year. 

Cocker Spaniel Dixie was just one when she went missing from her home in Polegate, East Sussex, at the end of August 2018. 

She was found in High Wycombe by police officers this week and reunited with her delighted owners, who have spent the last year searching for her - even setting up a "Help Find Dixie" Facebook page. 

According to Dixie's owners, their pet was found "with people who had taken her away from her family" and was rescued by Thames Valley Police officers. 

Because Dixie's microchip was registered and up-to-date, they were quickly able to find her true owners. 

The moment the pup was reunited with her owners was caught on camera after they travelled two and a half hours to get to High Wycombe police station to pick her up. 

Dixie's owners gave the Bucks Free Press permission to share the video in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of microchipping pets - and keeping the details up-to-date. 

Thames Valley Police Wycombe said: "It's always heartwarming to ring an owner to say we have found their dog that has been missing for a year. 

"Toilet break offered but they still weed on the carpet!

"Gorgeous Dixie was only a year old when she went missing. It only took a few seconds for Dixie to realise this was her family. 

"Thankful she was micro-chipped, this was up-to-date and registered. Dixie is finally going home. The tears were not mine, promise." 

A Facebook post detailing Dixie's return has garnered more than 2,500 comments and over 1,000 shares since it was posted on Thursday evening. 

Commenting on the post, Bryony Houston said: "Well that made me cry! What an absolutely amazing ending - and well done TVP for persisting and checking her out."

Rebecca Ahmed said: "I am so happy to see this! It breaks my heart that’s she was taken from you but to see how much she loves you guys and is so happy to be home literally has made my heart ache - so happy for you all and wish you all the best of health and happiness together for the future."