A 91-year-old man determined to retrieve his family’s missing dog has offered a £15,000 reward – and now has a host of celebrities backing him up.
Jim Scott was heartbroken when three-year-old border hound Flossie disappeared last September.
Ten months after Flossie went missing, Scott’s call to track her down was supported by Countdown’s Rachel Riley, actress Vera Brenda Blethyn and crime writer Ann Cleeves.
The famous trio all shared his online posts and Scott’s call to help find her has been viewed by 1.5 million people.
Mr Scott’s daughter, Gill Keeley, told the Northumberland Gazette: ‘He is saddened by Flossie’s disappearance and recently asked if there was anything he could do to help, which has led to posts post.
‘He was delighted that his engagement had reached 1.5 million people, 10 times more than any other post we’ve put out before and with celebrity retweets.
The three-year-old border hound crossed Flossie disappeared on a beach in Blyth, Northumberland, last September
Mr. Scott posed with the missing poster for Flossie and presented him with a £15,000 reward
‘His love for Flossie seems to have really touched people’s hearts.’
Flossie ran away while Mrs Keeley and husband Nick took their children for a walk on the dunes between Seaton Sluice and Blyth, Northumberland.
Ms Keeley said: ‘She walked into the bush and we never saw her again. We drove there, and it was about 9 miles from home.
‘I’m in a wheelchair because I broke my leg a few weeks before. I don’t think there’s a day when someone in this group doesn’t do something to find Flossie. ‘
In the 10 months since the incident, the family has used an endoscope to look for rabbit alerts in case Flossie gets lost, as well as staying up late at night and searching the dunes.
After handing out hundreds of stickers, posters and flyers, the appeal has now reached a larger audience.
Mr. Scott lived separately and enjoyed meeting Flossie. Among her features, she has distinctive white front paws.
Ms Keeley added: ‘The loss of Flossie broke my father’s heart and he always asked if she was back.
‘He used to come back with gifts for her and he was absolutely devastated not knowing where she had gone.
‘My dad has always had a dog and feels a part of his life was taken away when Flossie went missing.’
Mr. Scott lived separately and enjoyed meeting Flossie. Among her features, she has distinctive white front paws.
To respond to an appeal, visit its Facebook page or Twitter pages.
