A RUNAWAY dog has been sighted two and a half weeks after it escaped from its home in High Woolaston.
Scooter, a nine month-old golden labrador was spotted by a group of boys at the side of the river on the Wye Valley walk. They had seen the advertisement for Scooter in the Review and were convinced it was the same dog as it was wearing a new tan collar.
The sighting gave a glimmer of hope to devastated owner Wendy Eames who has been scouring the Forest and walking for miles every day in the hope of finding the dog.
Scooter has been missing since February 6 after he and Wendy's other dog Tiber were playing in the snow in the garden.
Both dogs ran away, but Scooter did not return.
She followed the footprints to the woods, but lost the trail on a frequently used path.
She hopes Scooter has managed to forage enough food to survive on his own.
Wendy has been advertising in the Review and says she has received three phone calls from people claiming to have seen Scooter.
A lead in Cinderford turned out to be a false trail, as the dog belonged to another family.
Wendy said: "Obviously I am absolutely devastated. I have had Scooter since he was eight weeks old and he means so much to me. All my friends and neighbours are heartbroken too and everyone has been keeping an eye out for him.
"I've got a gut feeling that it was him on the side of the river but how he got there, we will never know. There is a reward of £200 for his safe return."
She says she wants to appeal to any family that might have picked Scooter up and be looking after him.
"I know your children may love him, but he is not yours. Please bring him back to me. If your neighbours have a new labrador puppy that is about nine months old, get in touch so we can check it is not him."
Wendy says Scooter is a friendly dog who responds to his name and he has been microchipped.
If you have seen Scooter telephone Wendy on 01594 529848 or 07855 763528.