FORMER 'death row dog' Teddy is finally back home with his family, after five months in police kennels.

The black and white pitbull-type dog was spared the death sentence two weeks ago and in a happy ending was today reunited with owner Thomas Hook in Wroughton.

Thomas said he was overjoyed to see his beloved pet.

“He’s lost a bit of weight and is very jumpy but I am so pleased to have my dog back. I was in floods of tears when I saw him. I can’t quite believe he’s home,” said Thomas.

“He’s been neutered and is very sleepy but he seems okay. He just needs to settle back into home life and get used to it again.”

“I didn’t know he was coming home today, I was cooking when suddenly there was a knock at the door and someone said, 'we’ve got your dog'. I was shocked.

“At first when he saw me he didn’t recognise me and was very skittish. But as soon as I called him by his nickname Meathead, the tail started wagging and he realised it was me.”

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

“She was ecstatic, she was so happy he was home and she’s being very gentle with him.”

With plenty of exercise and treats Tom is confident Teddy will soon be back to his happy-go-lucky self.

“He is going to have a few days to rest and get better and we’ll give him lots of his favourite food. I’m so pleased he’s back with his family. It’s been a long few months but it has all worked out for the best,” he said.

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

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

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

Teddy’s story touched the hearts of thousands of the public who rallied round in the wake of the destruction order.

A petition calling to save Teddy’s life topped 6,000 signatures with supporters from Europe to America.

More than £3,000 was also raised by charitable dog lovers in the wake of Teddy’s destruction order to pay for legal bills.