Jack Russell captured after six-week Suffolk-wide chase

Pickle the Jack Russell is now safely at home with Sam French, though the hunt for her owner is still on. (Image: Sam French)

Sam French, 46, is one of the founding members of the Finding Ipswich Dogs Organisation (FIDO) and said: "We've called her Pickle, because she was a right pain in the neck to catch.

"Now she's settled a little more at home she's honestly the most amazing little dog, full of love and tail wags."

Pickle was first spotted on the loose in Needham Market over six weeks ago.

Pickle was first spotted on the loose in Needham Market over six weeks ago. (Image: Sam French)

A group of FIDO volunteers from the area were promptly dispatched to track her down but, after searching high and low, hoped that she had returned to her home by herself.

However, four days later she was spotted again and this started a wild goose chase in which sightings were reported from Mendlesham, Creeting St Mary, Stowmarket, Haughley and Great Blakenham.

Pickle was spotted on trail cameras but never made it into the traps. (Image: Sam French)

As with the search for missing spaniel Maisie last year, Miss French says the group received lots of help online, with many photos sent in to help aid her recovery.

Eventually, she started using an area near Barking Church as her base and was spotted sleeping under a pylon in one of the nearby fields on Friday, February 24.

Pickle was finally caught on Friday, February 24. (Image: Sam French)

"We went straight away and laid out a sausage and gravy trail," said Miss French.

"When we caught her she was absolutely terrified, just rigid with fear."

Miss French took pickle home and, by Saturday morning, Pickle managed to get over her initial nerves and has turned into an adorable, loving puppy - with the vet saying she can't be more than two years old.

Pickle was covered in fleas when she was finally caught, so Miss French gave her a bath at her home. (Image: Sam French)

"She loves her belly rubs and I keep giving her sausages for breakfast," she said.

"She deserves it after everything she's been through."

Pickle will be put up for adoption if her owners do not claim her after 28 days. (Image: Sam French)

As her microchip isn't registered, the dog warden now has Pickle on their radar and she will remain at Miss French's home for 28 days in case an owner is found.

After that point, Suffolk Animal Rescue will start advertising for her adoption.