A Scottish family on holiday in Belfast say they are desperate for news of their young puppy Coco, who bolted during a dog walk in a nearby country park.
Mel Johnston, from Aberdeen, says she, husband Aidan and their three daughters have been frantically trying to locate the brown cocker-springer-spaniel mix since she ran off on Tuesday December 20 during a walk at Cave Hill. Girls Nadie, 11, Allie, eight and Robyn, seven, are distraught and hoping for good news soon.
Sister site Belfast Live reports that Coco was spooked by a larger dog during the walk. The 11-month-old puppy has never been apart from her family and Mel is concerned for her safety.
Mel said: "Coco was enjoying a walk up Cave Hill with a family member when she was spooked by a big dog approaching and she bolted. There was just no sign of her on Tuesday and she spent the night alone without us.
"Now we're facing night number two without her and we are desperate to find her. She has never been alone and she must be so frightened and we're very worried about her and you can imagine, there have been many tears.
"Coco is just 11 months old, she's our first dog and a precious member of our family. Please, if you see her, or if you know that someone has taken her in, let us know."
The Johnstons are due to return to Scotland on Friday via boat – but Mel isn't sure if the family can face going home without Coco by their side. The spaniel was wearing a green collar and a green harness, and bears a name tag with her name and Mel's contact details.
She added: "We are all so upset. We're due to get the boat back home on Friday to Scotland so the girls will be home for Santa and to spend Christmas together but without Coco I don't know how we can. How can we leave if she is lost here?
"I was told that some workmen may have seen a pup straying on Sommerton Road today and they had put a rope on her to try to keep her safe. I'm trying to make contact with them.
"She is spayed so cannot be used for breeding and she is microchipped. If you can help us please call."
If you have seen Coco or know where she might be, please contact Mel on 07412 508613.
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