A Japanese Spitz named Atlas has been safely returned to her Sydney family following a city-wide search initiated by distraught owners.The reunion occurred at Fairfield Police Station late Tuesday evening after the pet vanished from a southwestern residence Sunday afternoon.

Surveillance footage revealed an unidentified woman stopping her vehicle in the area,opening the car door and beckoning from the roadside.Atlas approached willingly and was placed inside the vehicle.Notably,the freshly bathed dog wasn't wearing identification when she slipped away momentarily while her owners retrieved household items.

"Her trusting nature makes her approach strangers,"owner Elise Pham explained to local media,describing the pet as"a plush,affectionate bundle of white fur."Police investigators traced the canine to a Bossley Park residence Monday night where they interviewed a suspect and recovered the animal.

A 23-year-old woman faces multiple charges including theft of companion animals,possession of stolen property(specifically a dog),and violation of public health regulations regarding face coverings.Released under conditional bail,the accused is scheduled for arraignment at Fairfield Local Court on September 13th.