Have you seen Tess?
Family distraught after beloved dog goes missing
A devastated Larkhall family this week made a heartfelt plea in a bid to find their missing dog.
Rescue dog Tess went missing on Friday, May 13, at Chatelherault Country Park.
The Wilkie family say the black Lurcher has transformed their lives after they rescued her from a cat and dog home seven months ago.
Owner Michelle was out walking with Tess at Chatelherault Country Park when the dog got over excited and took flight, leaving her owners beyond devastated.
Michelle and husband Allan have been out searching for her every day since and are pleading with anyone who may have the slightest piece of information to come forward, the smallest thing may make a huge difference.
The eight-year-old dog enjoyed country walks, company, and lots of fun with her new family of four, but is now left roaming outdoors or with someone who may not understand her very particular needs - she is on medication for her previous bad health.
The family have been handing out flyers and putting up posters to help find Tess in and around Hamilton and are offering a £500 reward for her return.
Despite the dense woodland area around Chatelherault, it’s believed Tess may have managed to make it to Earnock and Burnbank where she was reportedly seen by three different witnesses on Sunday, May 15.
Allan has asked that the public keep their eyes peeled for Tess in the hope that she will return home safe.
He said: “We’re obviously distressed but we’re really hopeful that Advertiser readers will assist us with our plight.
“We’ve only had Tess for a little while, but anyone who owns a dog will understand just how quickly and deeply an attachment forms. Our priority is to make sure that the rest of her life is as full of fun and happiness as possible.”
The couple from Larkhall have written to all vets and dog groomers within a 50 mile radius and are doing their best to get Tess home safe and sound.
Distraught Michelle said: “I have been contacting everyone - vets, dog groomers, Lost Dog Scotland and have been wandering the streets to ask people if they have spotted a black lurcher.
“We’ve planned our summer holiday around Tess and hoped to take her on forest walks and to beaches nearby. We dearly want her home and appreciate someone might have taken her in thinking she was just a stray or had been mistreated because she was not wearing a collar.
“We can assure them that Tess comes from a loving home and we are heartbroken without her.”
Tess has been microchipped which means that if she is taken to a dog warden, vet, dog home, or police station, she will be scanned and easily identified.
If you see a black lurcher roaming on her own in and around the Lanarkshire area or if you think that you may have seen Tess with someone, please contact 07716872992 or call the dog warden during working hours on 0303 123 1015.
Alternatively, phone Police Scotland on 101.