A FAMILY whose beloved dog has gone missing have offered a £500 reward for its safe return home.

Jemma Calvert said two-year-old jet black Pug Poppy disappeared from the garden of her house on Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, Blackburn, on Friday afternoon. 

Despite their best efforts to trace their dog, the family have not been able to find her anywhere and believe she has been stolen. 

Mrs Calvert said: “She was in the garden of our house at around 3.30pm on Friday and two minutes later she was gone.

“We are devastated and have searched day and night.

“We’ve put posters up and appeals on Facebook, as well as ringing the vets and the RSPCA, but we’ve not found her.

“The only reported sighting was from an older woman who said she had seen a man with Poppy in his arms hours after she had gone missing

“He was out walking his Rottweiler and his dog had tried to go for Poppy, so he picked her up while his partner got their dog out of the way and then he put Poppy down and she ran off.

“It’s out of character for her to go missing and she never has before.

“She wouldn’t just run off like that, so I believe she has been stolen.”

Mrs Calvert said she has contacted the police about the matter and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The 32-year-old, who lives with husband Simon Calvert and their three children Chloe, Simon Jnr and Tyler, and has a 13-year-old Staffie called  Teela, said: “We did contact the police about this and someone came round on Saturday morning.

“We were given a log number but have not heard anything since.

“We are offering a £500 reward for Poppy’s return and just want anyone in the know to come forward.

“Poppy is a beloved family pet and the children love her.

“She is loving and very friendly."

Mrs Calvert said Poppy is Kennel Club registered and is a full pedigree dog that the family bought from a breeder.

Mrs Calvert added: “We had her as a puppy and she has been brought up around our children who are absolutely distraught.

“We just want her to come home.” 

A police spokesman said: “We have received a report of a lost dog. 

“We were called at 6.44pm on June 28.”

Anyone with information should call Mrs Calvert on 07954409874