Very fortunately, we received a response to our email very quickly.

It reads:- Thanks for your concern, but don't worry I'm in good shape. My captors say you've given me up for firewood!!! I'm having to undergo a bit of reconstructive surgery as one of my captors has an evil little brother who decided he could improve my good looks. Sadly he was very, very wrong. However the best efforts are being taken to make me my usual self and all being well I should look better than when I was untimely snatched from you!

I want to come home!

Bob

Sadly, this email does confirm our worst fears - that Bob is undergoing some reconstructive surgery.

However, it also appears that some efforts are also being made to return him to his previous state, rather than a slimmed down, tidy, brushed up version that we were expecting.