West Kingsdown family's renewed appeal for dogs still missing after a year

MARKING a year since their beloved pet dogs went missing, a West Kingsdown family is issuing a renewed appeal for help in tracing them.

Tigan and Victor, a brother and sister pair of German Shepherds went missing from the Mace family's back garden on February 24 last year.

Despite the offer of a £5,000 reward for their safe return six months ago, the dogs are yet to be found.

'We still miss them so much', said Brooke, 23-year-old daughter of Tigan and Victor's owners Julie and Russell.

'They were a huge part of our family and we really want to have them home.

'If they came back now, they'd be as much a part of the family as they were a year ago.'

The German Shepherds were lost when they had been let out to play in the evening, but the family is convinced that they did not escape on their own.

The garden fence was reported damaged and as both dogs were microchipped and wore collars bearing contact details, it is believed they would have been returned if they had simply wandered off.

'Things have gone quite quiet regarding possible sightings of loose dogs, and that's very sad,' Brooke added.

'We have used Facebook and Twitter and we've checked out all the information we've been given over the last year, even where the dog's description was not an identical match for either or them.

'Our focus now is on dogs that are for sale and dogs that are in rescue centres.

'We have not forgotten them we'd ask everyone to please keep their eyes open.

'Hopefully a renewed appeal will get people's attention again.

'We're really grateful to everyone who has helped so far and we're hopeful that they'll eventually come back home.'

Anyone with information about Tigan and Victor's whereabouts should call the Mace family on 01474 854602 or email macebrooke@ymail.com.