A dog that jumped over a 6ft 6in fence to escape from an animal adoption centre after being startled by a firework has been found safe and well after an 11-day adventure.

Sally, an 18-month-old German Shepherd, went missing from her temporary home at the Blue Cross centre in London Road, Lewknor, near Watlington, on November 1.

After an appeal in the Oxford Mail, which prompted many sightings of the dog, she was spotted a few miles away in Sydenham and returned to the centre on November 12.

Kelly Maguire, a Blue Cross animal behaviour assistant, said: “She was in surprisingly good condition. We are working quite closely with her at the moment, getting her readjusted to kennel life, and she’s responding very well.

“She’s a very timid dog and we working with her to get her ready for re-homing.

“She was a return adoption to the centre — she was with us when she was very young but her owners had a change of circumstance so she has come back through no fault of her own.

“We’ve never, ever had a dog escape like this, but Sally is now back safe with us in a high-security part of the centre.”

Julie Stone, the adoption centre manager, said: “I’m delighted Sally has been found safe and well.

“I can’t thank your readers enough for their support, we never would have managed to find her without their help.

“We received so many calls about sightings of Sally and went out to look for her at all times of the day and night, but it wasn’t until a local lady lent us a humane trap with a big juicy bone that we managed to catch her.

“Sally’s now back at the centre and doing really well after a decent meal, a much-needed bath, a good sleep in a warm bed and lots of cuddles from staff.

“We will now spend some time building her trust and confidence before looking for a new home for her. Despite her ordeal, Sally’s such a friendly dog and we would love her to find a nice home where she can feel safe and secure.”

If anyone is able to help, call the centre on 01844 355293.