Appeal for arthritic dog missing for four days

A man from Stoke-on-Trent has said he is desperate to get his dog back after it went missing from his back garden last week.

Paul Marston’s dog Duprie has arthritis and requires daily medication for the condition.

The 11-year-old cockapoo has never lived apart from Mr Marston, who fears Duprie has been stolen.

“I thought he would be safe because he’s older and perhaps not a desirable breed,” Mr Marston said.

“This is hurting me really, really badly.”

He added that he was hoping to review CCTV footage from the nearby area.

Lisa Dean, from missing animal charity Beauty’s Legacy, has been working with Mr Marston in an attempt to find Duprie.

“He was in his back garden and he has a dog flap in the door so he comes and goes as he pleases really,” she said.

She added that she thought the dog had been stolen.

Duprie is described as a black and white cockapoo cross

She said: “The gentleman who owns him has only lived in Shelton for a couple of months and we think he was watched.

“When the dog went outside he just didn’t come back in, and when his owner realised the back gate was open.

“It was a secure garden with a locked gate, but we believe someone has climbed over and opened the gate from the inside and taken Duprie.”

Ms Dean added that the dog has very stiff back legs and will likely be walking with a limp.

“He’ll be very uncomfortable, very poorly. We really need to find him,” she said.

Duprie is described as a black and white cockapoo cross, with distinctive markings, and a short haircut.

He is microchipped and neutered.

“I’m desperate to get him home because he needs medication,” said Mr Marston.

“That’s key for me. He’s an old dog with specific needs and he’s been with my since he was a pup.”