Ilford hound Bruno runs away to join West Ham United!

A RUNAWAY dog made its way to West Ham’s training ground in Chadwell Heath and spent the day being pampered by the Premiership club’s players and staff before he was returned to his owner.

Bruno, a two-year-old Japanese Akita, escaped from the Ilford home of owner Gudreet Bhogal and was spotted by staff who contacted the RSPCA. They discovered the wayward hound was microchipped, allowing a happy reunion with his owner.

RSPCA officer Maddie Wallace said: “Bruno spent all day with the team and staff being spoilt rotten.

“We just wanted to say a huge thanks to the West Ham team and staff for taking such good care of Bruno and contacting us to make sure that Bruno found his way home safely.

“Sadly, not all lost dogs make their way home like Bruno did.

“Please ensure that you microchip your animals and keep your contact details up to date.”

West Ham United and England striker Carlton Cole, is a long-time supporter of Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home, and has undertaken several fundraising commitments for the charity.

The striker said: “We were surprised to see him. He just turned up, but seemed to like being here with us and was more than happy to stay for the day.

“Many of us have had dogs as pets and are animal lovers, so we are glad the RSPCA could help return him to his owners.

“I have seen at close hand through charity work with Battersea Dogs’ Home, the number of dogs that are abandoned and ones they have to re-home, so it is good this has all turned out well in the end.”

Mr Bhogal said: “Bruno had decided to run away while on his walk at 8am and had somehow made it from Ilford to Chadwell Heath.

“We feared that we would never see Bruno again.”