A woman has been left devastated after the puppy she rescued from Ukraine was stolen by cruel crooks just days after arriving back in the UK.
Brave Jolanta Marczyk drove across Europe to rescue eight-month-old dachshund Brandy from the city of Lviv on the eve of the war.
But just two days after returning home, the puppy was pinched from the Great Ormond Street Hospital worker’s car with the shocking theft caught on video.
The tiny puppy was able to flee the crooks but when she was found she had multiple skull fractures and a broken nose.
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She was taken into vets and Jolanta discovered she had been found but its feared she got her injuries after she was hit by a car.
Police are investigating the callous theft in Grays, Essex last Thursday.
Heartbroken Joanta, 23, is thrilled to have her back but has been left with more than £3,000 worth of vets bills for CT scans and surgery.
She said: “I’m absolutely devastated and just praying Brandy pulls through. What sort of people do this?”
Polish Jolanta was visiting her mum in Krakow, Poland and picked up the pooch on the Ukraine border.
“I knew the family in Lviv as I had rescued another dog from them last year -but this was different," she added.
“The owners were desperately worried about the war and knew Brandy would be safe with me if I rescued her. Of course I agreed.
“They are a large family and obviously extremely concerned about what’s happening to their country."
“I got back to the UK and just two days later this happens.”
Her friend Aneta Wasilewska witnessed what happened and also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the vets bill.
It has so far raised over £3,700, over the £3,500 target.
Jolanta - who works in admin at the famous childrens’ hospital - added: “My neighbour Aneta saw it all happen and has helped me.”
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support and donations. They’ve been fantastic.”
Aneta said: “I witnessed something I didn't want to believe at first it has actually happened.
“Two very horrible people broke onto the car and took her away. Fortunately Brandy managed to escape and run onto the streets. The dog was terrified.
“We all tried to look for her that night but there was no sign of either the dog or people who took her.
“The dog taken to the vet hospital in Basildon. It was Brandy, she is alive but we assume she got hit by the car.
“She has broken nose and had CT scan done this evening, she can't properly breathe.
“Brandy had another surgery not that long time and its still recovering. We hope she will make it, in my eyes she is a fighter.”
Local Emma Hobbs said: “The people that stole the dog should be made to pay the vet bill.”
Jezz Gilbert added: “I can't help with the money but I'd like 10 minutes alone with them scumbags who did this.”
Trudi Rosie said: “Disgusting I hope they're caught and fined heavily.”
Essex Police has been approached for comment.
