Meet Frankie, a photogenic pug who was snatched off the street by a thief after the canine escaped from his home in north Queensland last week.

Frankie's owner spent the night searching and just when it seemed hope was lost, the people of Cairns banded together to crack the case and rescue the smiley pug.

Meet Frankie, the photogenic dog who was pug-napped in Cairns, and rescuer Constable Gabby Walter. Credit:Queensland Police Service

Frankie's owner returned home from work last Wednesday, March 20, and when they opened the garage door, Frankie and another pug ran underneath and took off.

Their owner chased the canines and grabbed Frankie's friend but Frankie got away.