A 900-person strong volunteer network has been helping to find lost dogs across Ipswich and wider Suffolk since it was established earlier this year.

Sam French, 46, lives a double life, working a full-time job in Manningtree while simultaneously helping run a 900-person strong volunteer network in her free time.

"I've sat up all night watching a dog trap and then gone to work on two hours sleep the next day," she said.

"But seeing a dog reunited with their owner is a feeling like no other."

Ipswich Star: FIDO co-founder Sam French with one of the dogs she has reunited with its owners.FIDO co-founder Sam French with one of the dogs she has reunited with its owners. (Image: Sam French)

Miss French had initially been part of a nationwide dog search group, but found this was sometimes ineffective and decided to build her own database of people in the region she could call on for local searches.

Five months ago, she joined with local friends Linda Osbourne and Terry Hunter to start FIDO - the Finding Ipswich Dogs Organisation.

Since then, it has grown into a network of close to 900 members, with 90 of these members acting as registered volunteers across the region.

Ipswich Star: FIDO now has almost 900 members and over 90 registered volunteers.FIDO now has almost 900 members and over 90 registered volunteers. (Image: Sam French)

Ms Osbourne uses social media, particularly Facebook, to help track new information or lost dog sightings across Suffolk and Essex.

As a co-founder, Miss French's journey with rescuing dogs started last year when her own dog, a crossbreed called Nellie, went missing.

"A lot of people helped me when Nellie hid for three nights," she said.

"That's when I decided it was important to help others."

FIDO hit national headlines recently when they helped reunite spaniel Maisie with her owner Codie Hutton, 26, five days after the family thought they'd buried their beloved pet.

Ipswich Star: FIDO hit national headlines recently for its role in reuniting Codie Hutton with her spaniel Maisie.FIDO hit national headlines recently for its role in reuniting Codie Hutton with her spaniel Maisie. (Image: Codie Hutton)

On Saturday, November 5, Miss Hutton who lives in Crowfield, was driving through Woodbridge when she decided to stop off to give her dog a quick comfort break.

Miss Hutton opened the car door to put Maisie on the lead when a firework went off across the road and the spaniel bolted.

Three days letter, the family buried a flattened body they believed to be Maisie's, wrapped in her bed with her toys.

Ipswich Star: Search boards were put out by FIDO to help reunite Maisie with her owner.Search boards were put out by FIDO to help reunite Maisie with her owner. (Image: Codie Hutton)

However, five days later, another sighting of Maisie was reported and she was eventually reunited with her owner with nothing but a mild infection to tell the tale.

Miss Hutton said FIDO was there from day one to aid Maisie's safe return.

"Every story for every dog brings in more volunteers," said Miss French.

"We had plenty get in touch after Maisie was reunited with Codie. It was lovely to see."

After the rescue, Miss Hutton decided to set up a fundraiser to collect donations to support the organisation's life-saving rescue methods.

This money goes towards buying equipment such as trail cameras, setting food piles out in areas lost dogs have been spotted and putting up posters and boards appealing for information or sightings.

Ipswich Star: Co-founder Mr Hunter has also building a specially-made dog trap, which works by releasing the magnets for the doors when the sensor is activated.Co-founder Mr Hunter has also building a specially-made dog trap, which works by releasing the magnets for the doors when the sensor is activated. (Image: Sam French)

Co-founder Mr Hunter has also building a specially-made dog trap, which works by releasing the magnets for the doors when the sensor is activated.

Since it was formed five months ago, the organisation has managed to reunite 25 dogs with their owners.

Miss French said: "There have been a couple of sad outcomes, which is heartbreaking to tell the owners.

"But it does, at least, give them some closure so they're not searching for their pet for years and years."

On the flip side of things, Miss French added that happy reunions are a feeling "like no other," saying it gives her a warm feeling to know that she's helped someone.

"We couldn't do it without the volunteers," she added.

"They're some of the most brilliant people I've ever met."

For those wishing to help FIDO in their searches, please join the Finding Ipswich Dogs Organisation Facebook group. 

If you would like to join Miss French's growing volunteer base, then please get in touch with her through the above group to provide details of the postcodes you are able to cover.

"Even if you can give up just an hour of your time, that can make all the difference," said Miss French.

"You could be an instrumental part of reuniting an owner with their dog which is a good feeling."