11:01am Thursday 19th June 2008
A YOUNG owner has issued a heartfelt plea for the return of his dog over fears that he has been stolen.
Pedigree Bassett hound Gus went missing on Saturday from Manor Farm Country Park, Bursledon where he was playing with the family's other two dogs.
Josh Digwell, 11, and his family searched the fields, the nearby country park and the surrounding area all day but to no avail.
Josh said: "He is a friend and companion for me, we have play wrestles and go down the garden and the park together. We all miss him."
The dog was a 44th birthday present to dad Tony, who reported the dog stolen on Monday.
A police spokesman said: "We are keeping an open mind but as this animal has not been reported found we are currently considering this a theft. It is a rare crime. Animals are effectively members of the family and when those members go missing it affects everyone."
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk