THORNWOOD: Mother appeals for return of daughter's dog

4:25pm Monday 12th May 2008

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A BROKEN-hearted mother is appealing for the return of her severely disabled daughter's dog which she describes as "meaning everything" to the family.

Anna Gardener, of Weald Hall Lane, in Thornwood, said she is frantic with worry after her daughter Angela's Shih-Tzu bitch Poppy disappeared on Saturday afternoon from her home.

Angela, 31, has severe disabilites and requires 24-hour care, and according to her mum is "completely devastated" by the loss of her beloved pet.

Anna said: "She has made such a difference to Angela's life, she was the thing that got her up in the morning, the dog is what keeps her going."

Poppy is described as "distinctive looking" with a sunken chest which means she wheezes loudly when she walks. She is white and tan and has fanged teeth that jut up from her bottom jaw.

Despite scouring the area until the early hours of the morning, Anna could not find Poppy and believes someone may have taken the dog, which is not chipped.

She appealed for Poppy's safe return saying: "Please, if anyone out there has her we would be so grateful if we could have her back. She means everything to Angela and me, Angela can't do a lot, but she really loves looking after her dog, it gives her independence and joy."

She added: "She is completely grief-stricken at the moment."

Angela, who was left disabled after a serious car accident in Chigwell some years ago, went to see her mother to give her carer a respite break, however Poppy got loose and escaped along Weald Hall Lane at 4pm. She was last seen nearby outside Weald Hall Residential Home.

Anna believes Poppy's friendly nature may have led to someone taking her in.

She said: "She is such a sweet natured dog, it wouldn't surprise me if someone had picked her up, but I would appeal to them directly. Please, please, please bring her home to us, we would be more than happy to give them some sort of reward, it would make a huge difference to Angela."

Anyone with any information should ring 07970 276651.