The body of a stolen rare therapy dog has been found, after she was taken by thieves in December.
Chloe Hopkins had cried herself to sleep for days after her dalmatian, named Lottie, was taken from an outhouse in a Leicestershire village.
Three-year-old Lottie helped keep Chloe calm - and the theft has left the youngster thinking someone hates her.
Chloe's mum Gemma believed thieves used a drone to plot the cruel burglary, which happened in Peatling Parva on December 1.
Gemma told the BBC she saw a drone flying over her property before the lock on her outhouse was broken.
But on Sunday the family received a devastating call to say they had Lottie's body had been found.
Chloe's mother, Gemma Hopkins, posted on a Facebook page about the appeal: "Having to identify her was the hardest thing I've done.
"I've now got to break my 12-year-old's heart tonight.
"We never wanted this ending. We kept hopeful. Goodbye my crazy bunch of spots."
Hundreds of people reacted to the post and shared their condolences in response to the sad announcement.
Chloe had relied on Lottie to get through her days, knowing she would see her dog after school.
TV personality Chris Packham shared Lottie and Chloe's story back in December.
Gemma stated: "She doesn't understand, with her autism; she thinks somebody hates her and that's why someone's taken her dog.
"I watch my daughter crumple and there's nothing I can do as a parent to stop her being in pain."
Lottie suffered from a liver condition, which meant she needs specialist food.
Gemma, speaking before Lottie's death said: "She helps Chloe get through every day because she's got her best friend to come home to."
