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Stolen pet anguish

Sam Lister
29/ 1/2003

A WORRIED lorry driver is appealing for the safe return of his missing Yorkie.

Dave Pilkington has barely eaten or slept since his beloved pet Pepe was snatched from the backyard.

The 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier is believed to have been taken by two youths on Monday afternoon.

And the aging pooch, who is deaf and recently lost his identification tag, has not been seen since.

Dave, of Audley Street, Ashton, said: "I'm worried sick, he's not a young dog and he's deaf.

"He's such a bonny dog, I would give anything to get him back. When I get home from work he lies on his back waiting for me to take him out and he'll follow me about. This is awful."

Pepe was tied on a long lead to the post in the backyard and given free reign to roam as far as he could.

But Dave and his wife Valerie heard a large yelp on Monday afternoon and when they went to check on their prized pooch, found he'd gone.

Two youths, thought to be around 15 years old, were seen darting down the passage way that runs along the back of the houses.

The couple has contacted the police and Tameside dog warden service but Pepe has still not turned up.

Now they are appealing for anyone who has seen him to contact them.

Valerie added: "The police said the lads had probably done it for a laugh because he's not worth any money.

"I think he would have probably found his way home by now but he's gone deaf and he's getting on a bit so he's probably really confused.

"He's really well known round here, all the school kids know him and everyone who walks along the back. We just really want him back."

Anyone with information about Pepe should contact Dave or Valerie on 0161 330 0491.