LOCK UP YOUR HOUNDS, COAST DOG NAPPERS ON THE HUNT

Sitter at centre of ‘nab’ case

A PET detective called in to hunt for a Gold Coast client’s missing pooch is investigating allegations that the cavoodle was nabbed and rehomed by a sitter.

Arthur and Co Pet Concierge took to Facebook on Thursday as part of its search for Tigerlily and the appeal for information quickly went viral, attracting more than 1200 shares.

Anne-Marie from Arthur and Co, who asked only to be referred to by her first name, said her client had been left “devastated” in the wake of the alleged theft.

“We were told our client was renting a granny flat-type property from the pet sitter and paying rent and money every week for the use of the granny flat and to pet sit Tigerlily,” she said.

“It was the pet sitter’s belief that our client was not home enough and our client’s response was ‘that’s why I’m paying you to pet sit while I’m at work’. She’s a full-time health worker, so during this COVID-19 crisis demand for her has increased.

“On Tuesday, July 7, she left Tigerlily with the pet sitter, left for work and got home at 6pm.

“She started calling her dog and there was no response.”

Anne-Marie alleged contact between the owner and her sitter indicated the dog had been taken and rehomed.

“Our pet sitter admitted to our private investigator, who was a detective sergeant in the police force for many years … there is absolutely no way the dog could have escaped,” she said.

Anne-Marie alleged a dog with a striking resemblance to one-year-old Tigerlily was seen advertised on an animal rescue Facebook page, and referred to as “Tiger”. AnneMarie suggested that anyone who handed a pet to a sitter should have a signed contract.