'The money is there': Huge £20k reward offered for dog missing from Scottish town

A DESPERATE pet owner offering a £20,000 reward for his missing therapy dog is appealing for help after possible sightings in Inverclyde.

Property developer Vishal Lal told the Greenock Telegraph that his three-year-old pomeranian, Bear, vanished from his garden in his hometown of Irvine nearly four weeks ago.

The devastated owner says he has hardly slept since his pooch went missing and believes he has been stolen.

Missing Bear (Image: contributed)

Now he is prepared to pay thousands of pounds to get his dog back home.

Vishal, who is a recovering alcoholic, said: "Bear is more than just a family pet, he is my anxiety and therapy dog. He is part of me, I feel like I have lost an arm or a leg.

"He comes everywhere with me, I take him to business meetings. He has helped me stay sober for 500 days. Now he is gone, I am drinking again. It has affected everything.

"I have had search parties out and we can't find him anywhere."

Missing Bear (Image: contributed)

Property expert Vishal has been made aware of sightings of a pomeranian in the Greenock and Port Glasgow area.

So he is now widening his search to Inverclyde as he grows increasingly distraught.

Help find Bear (Image: contributed)

He said: "I know the area well and come here a lot on business in Kilmacolm and the likes of West Blackhall Street. I also attend AA meetings in the area.

"There have been some sightings and I would just say to anyone that if they can get my dog home safe, there will be no questions asked. I just want Bear back.

"The money is there, I will pay £20,000 for information that leads to his safe return."

Anyone who can help in the search for Bear can call Vishal on 07824159976.