A Christchurch family is breathing a sigh of relief following the return of their dogs after the theft of their vehicle.

Their ordeal began this afternoon after their Ute was stolen from Park Terrace, right outside a hospital where the owner was undergoing an eye check.

The family’s beloved pets, Buddy, a Bichon, and Poppy, a grey and white Bichon-Poodle mix, were inside the vehicle at the time.

Turning to social media for help, Josephine Rotallick-Brown, a member of the affected family, made a heartfelt plea on Facebook, seeking assistance in locating the stolen vehicle and, more importantly, their dogs.

Shortly after her post, a response came with good news.

A fellow Facebook user, responding to the public appeal, informed her that the Ute, along with Buddy and Poppy, had been found.

Josephine expressed her gratitude towards the community’s support and shared that the dogs were soon on their way back to their father for a much-needed cuddle.