Frank the adventurous dachshund was in the dog house today after jumping onto a bus and making an 18-mile trip to the seaside on his own.
SWNS.com
The mischievous mutt vanished from his home earlier this week, sending devoted owner Michelle Ballard into a blind panic.
The four-year-old pooch had strolled down a nearby road in Colchester, Essex, England, before hopping unnoticed onto a bus bound for the seaside town of Clacton.
Michelle hastily arranged a search party with friends, fellow dog walkers and schoolchildren to try and find her much loved pet.
SWNS.com
Meanwhile Frank was enjoying his day trip on the no. 61 bus before being noticed by a fellow passenger who, after chatting with the driver, agreed to take him to his home in Clacton.
Later that night the good samaritan's family spotted a Facebook appeal for Frank's whereabouts and were able to arrange a reunion.
SWNS.com
A relieved Michelle said:
"I thought a bus driver would have noticed and not let him on but maybe he boarded when someone was paying."
"Luckily, there was a kind gentleman called Michael who offered to take him back to his own home in Clacton.
"He took him in for the evening and was going to take him to the vet in the morning but his family spotted the post on Facebook."
"My partner Jonathan picked him up at about 7pm."
SWNS.com
Frank was taken home and reunited with Michelle as well as best friends Charlie, a two-year-old sausage dog, and Freddie, his two-year-old human brother.
Michelle added:
"He is a valuable dog and you hear some horrible stories about situation like this. We were so lucky it was such a kind man who picked him up."
"It is completely out of character for Frank. It is the first time he has done anything like this in his life."