Missing Tinky found safe and well after hundreds mount big search

A huge search was mounted in Winsford and Northwich after Casper, a white and brown Shih Tzu, known to his family as Tinky, suddenly ran off near St Mary's Church in Whitegate a week a go.

Hundreds of locals rallied round to help after appeals were made on social media after Tinky disappeared shortly before 7pm on Friday, April 2.

Thankfully, the six-year-old rescue dog was eventually found safe and well on Friday morning by a cyclist in Whitegate Way.

Elated owner Jane Hough, 50, said: "I'm amazed how fantastically well he is after being out in all the elements for seven days. I'd love him to be able to tell us about his adventure.

"His tail was wagging and he was crying when he saw me. As soon as he got in the car he just knew his surroundings and was so excited. When we got him home he was dancing around for food."

Apart from being dehydrated and having a small ulcer on one eye, a check up at the vet confirmed he had survived extremely well.

Jane's son Joseph, 22, was taking him for a walk with their two other dogs, cocker spaniel Izzy and rescue dog Ben, when Tinky bolted.

"Tinky was rescued from a puppy farm where he had been a breeder," said Jane. "When we first adopted him in December, he was a very timid character but over the last four months he has grown in confidence.

"He is a happy little dog."

Tinky wagged his tail and danced after being reunited with his family

Tinky wagged his tail and danced after being reunited with his family

Jane and husband Richard, 64, want to thank everyone who rallied round to help in the search.

"We have been completely overwhelmed by the response from everyone, " said Jane, a deputy director of a business services team for a charity. "We have had the support of professional dog catchers who volunteered to help us. They have been putting food out, distributing posters and leaflets and giving us advice. We had night cameras, drones and thermal imaging cameras.

"It has been absolutely phenomenal. I am absolutely elated by the response from the community. We won't ever forget it."

Jane was shocked to receive phone call at 10pm last Saturday from an unknown man claiming to have her dog. The police are investigating.

"I can honestly say the last seven days have been a complete emotional rollercoaster," said Jane.

"Losing a dog is incredibly painful. I cannot put into words what it feels like to get a phone call from someone who tries to blackmail you for your dog."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: "Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing to identify the caller. However, at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that the man has the dog and officers believe that it may be a hoax call.

"Following the incident, officers are urging residents to take extra care when sharing personal details online to avoid contact from unscrupulous people taking advantage of their misfortune."