Qiaoqiao, the 7-year-old black Labrador. [Photo by Peng Ziyang for China Daily]

A guide dog that was stolen from a blind masseur in Beijing was returned with a note from the dognappers that said "please forgive us".

The 7-year-old black Labrador, named Qiaoqiao, was stolen by an organized gang of dog thieves on Monday, the Beijing Public Security Bureau said on Tuesday.

Shunyi district police investigated after receiving the call from Qiaoqiao's owner. The bureau posted Qiaoqiao's information on the Internet and asked for public assistance.

Guide dogs, often Labradors or golden retrievers, are sent to foster families when they are puppies and are socialized for nearly a year. Dogs that show promise receive another year of training.

The dognappers are still at large.