THE delighted owner of former death row dog Teddy has spoken out about his beloved pet’s ‘inspirational’ return home.

Thomas Hook, from Wroughton, was reunited with his black and white pitbull-type dog this week, after Teddy spent five months in police kennels.

An elated Teddy is back relaxing in the sunshine, rolling in the grass and getting treats as he settles back into home life.

Tom said he felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders since Teddy was returned to him.

“I can sleep again - I’m happy, I have my dog back,” he said.

“I didn’t think we’d get to this day so it’s amazing to see him running about. It’s remarkable, it really is.

“I hope Teddy’s story can be an inspiration to others, because I know there are owners out there who aren't getting the same satisfaction that I’m getting having my dog home.This is proof that you can fight it and you can have a happy outcome."

And it was Thomas’ four-year-old daughter who was most pleased to see Teddy.

Thomas said: “My daughter was so happy to see him. When they arrived to drop him off she saw him first, she was shouting ‘it’s Teddy, it’s Teddy’.

“He’s been a bit cautious around her but he’s slowly improving and I’m sure he’ll be back to his playful self soon.”

“He’s been very skittish since he’s back but even in the last day I’ve seen an improvement. He’s shy now which he wasn't before but he’s slowly building back up his confidence. It’s a big change for him, he probably thought he wouldn’t be coming home.”

In February Teddy was seized on suspicion of being a banned type and later sentenced to death despite never having attacked anyone.

Police examination later showed Teddy was a pitbull-type and magistrates decided that Teddy could pose a risk to Thomas’ four-year-old daughter.

Teddy’s story touched the hearts of thousands who rallied round in the wake of the destruction order and joined a Facebook campaign group and donated £3,000 for legal bills

Following four months of fundraising and fighting for Teddy’s life Thomas won his appeal against the death sentence at Swindon Crown Court.

Teddy and Tom are now settling back into their everyday routine with a few minor changes. Under the terms of his release the dog must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places.

But Tom said it was a small price to pay for having his dog back home.

“I know I’m lucky, there are other dogs out there who won’t be returned home to their owners,” he said.

“So the group will now serve as a forum for others, to help them have the same happy ending that Teddy has had. It can be done, Teddy proves that.”