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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jilly Beattie

Dogs Romeo and Juliet may be trapped in Co Tyrone bog

The owner of two Golden Retrievers fears they may be trapped in bog land after they escaped his garden and have not been seen since.

Stephen Lipsett from Fintona, Co Tyrone has been searching for his dogs, Romeo and Juliette, aged four, since Sunday.

He said: "The gate of their run opened in the wind on Sunday evening and they vanished. I think they got out themselves rather than being taken but now they're still missing and I just want them back. Normally they'd just play in the field beside our house but I've searched there for evidence of them, for clumps of their hair and there's nothing.

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"I've travelled all over looking for them, I've spoken to local farmers in case they'd got in with the sheep and were shot, I've let the everyone in the area know there's a cash reward for their return.

"The farmers have all assured me they have not seen the dogs and not shot them. I've had no one approach me for the cash reward and now I'm getting desperate just to know what has happened to them.

Juliet and her brother Romeo in Stephen's car (Stephen Lipsett)

"They are fantastic dogs, friendly and lovely to have around. If they were worrying sheep I'd have to understand if they were shot, but I just don't think they were. I'd hope if a farmer shot them, they'd just let me and I'd have deal with it.

"I'm asking people to check their land, check garages, sheds, old outhouses that the dogs could have got into, please even check places you think have been closed up - you just never know, they might be inside.

Romeo and Juliet are always together, now their owner fears they've become trapped together in a bog (Stephen Lipsett)

"They have been missing for four days now and we're worried that rather than having been taken in by someone or stolen, they could've ended up in bog land can't get out. It's just very strange that neither of them have come home so we think maybe they're both trapped somewhere. So we have some hope but it's fading.

"Any help anyone can give me is appreciated, both dogs are spayed and neutered so there not any good for breeding just licking faces. I love these guys, I miss them and I want them home and safe.

"If they have been taken I'll pay for them to be brought home and that'll be the end of it. Please. Just let them come home."

Stephen who sells alloy wheels, is heading into bog land on Thursday with a team of volunteers to try to find Romeo and Juliet.

He said: "I'm really worried now that they haven't made it. But there's still chance they're just stuck and they could be OK. I need to know. They're big house pets and I can't just let them vanish and not try and bring them home one way or another. I'd ask anyone who can help me to let me know."

If you have seen these distinctive dogs or know where they are or where they have been, you can contact Stephen directly on 07874745106 or email jilly.beattie@reachplc.com

Stephen has offered a hefty cash reward for the return of his dogs Romeo and Juliet (Stephen Lipsett)
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