THROUGHOUT history there have always been animal lovers.
From animal hoarders – whose homes resemble miniature zoos – to protesters chaining themselves outside circus' believing animal involvement to be cruel.
But then there are the animal lovers who turn their pets into "humanimals" – a whole different breed of owner whose pets can be seen sporting anything from tu-tus to tennis outfits and enjoying a pampering pet-icure.
Some of them even sport human names – I once met a very friendly cat called Steve. Needless to say, he was not amused at the fancy head scarf his owners had him wearing.
And now social networking is an intrinsic part of everyday life, it would appear these humanimals have found a place there, too, and many cats and dogs have their own Facebook account and "furriends" to go with it.
Now for some people, reading how a Yorkshire Terrier named Fluffy-boo-boo chased the next door neighbour's cat may seem a little strange and even irritating – who cares, right?
But for Sally Sweatman, 39, from Barton, the proud owner of seven dogs – including Poppy – and her 1,130 furriends, Facebook provides a platform for pug lovers and other breeds to meet, greet, and treat each other from across the world.
She said: "I see it as a place to talk to like-minded people and understand the bond between a mum and their dog. It might seem crazy to some people, but it is powerful and the friendships I have built are strong."
And just six weeks ago, the strength of this cyber-friendship was put to the test when Poppy, just six months old and worth £1,000, was snatched from her home and sold on.
For legal reasons we cannot print the exact circumstances surrounding her kidnap, but Sally – now known among friends as Ace Venturer Pug Detective – claims Poppy was taken from Heneage Road, Grimsby, after she gave the pup to her daughter's friend.
It is thought a teenage boy took Poppy who then sold her on to a man who bought her for his girlfriend.
Devastated, Sally turned to her "furriends" and together spread the word of Poppy's capture across the pug-loving community.
Word of Poppy's theft spread and her friends reacted with all the loyalty you would expect from, well, a dog.
Six painful weeks and £3,000 later, Poppy was tracked down 15 miles away in Brigg.
The handover took place in Brigg's Tesco car park and a tearful Sally was reunited with her pup.
She continued: "I was over the moon when we tracked her down. I couldn't believe we had finally got her back. I just kept looking at her in disbelief. But it would never have happened if it hadn't been for all our friends on Facebook.
"Not only did they help spread the word, but they were so supportive throughout. I couldn't go to work for crying, I didn't eat or sleep for days.
"I honestly don't think I would have got through it without them. They offered constant support and genuine well-wishing. They were all there when Poppy needed them the most."
And it isn't the first time Poppy has been at the centre of the online humanimal community.
When her mother, Luna was in labour with Poppy and her brothers and sisters, many stayed up through the night to watch her arrival.
Sally continued: "They have been with Poppy from the start and we will continue to be great friends. When we found her they were as happy as I was. We got parcels of cakes, muffins and cards sent to us. It was overwhelming.
"Poppy's kidnap was a nightmare, but it showed me how many great friends I have made through her and her mum, Luna.
"People might think it is extreme – my daughter calls me Liam Neeson from the kidnap film Taken and my boss has started calling me Ace Venturer Pug Detective. But I don't care, I've got my little ninja Poppy back."
