Missing dog was ‘last link’ to son

Dana, a three-year-old whippet, vanished after two dogs attacked her as she was being walked through Dinnington on 13th August.

Heather Worrall, of Charles Street, took on responsibility for the dog after her son died.

She describes Dana as a silver brindle whippet and her “last link” with her son Barry, who died unexpectedly two years ago at the age of 27.

Heather was walking the dog near the A57 crossroads in South Anston - near the Shell Garage - when two other dogs approached the whippet and began attacking it.

The 55-year-old said she feels guilty for letting go of Dana’s lead during the attack.

She said: “I felt that I only had two options - hold on to her and watch her get eaten alive or let her go in the hope that she would run back home.”

“Because it was at the crossroads she could have gone in one of four directions.”

“I have walked the streets day and night, put posters up everywhere and even sat up in a car overnight when somebody said they had seen a whippet matching her description nearby.”

“I an absolutely devastated because my son Barry, who was in the Army and worked away, died two years ago and she was his dog - she is my last link with him. “

“He asked me to look after her when he was in the Army so when he died I saw her as my link with him and really loved her.”

“Barry was my only son and I feel like I have let him down by losing her.”

“I’m hoping that somebody has found her and taken her in.”

“I’m appealing for anyone who knows where she is to please come forward. Dead or alive I would like to know what has happened to her.”

Dana has got a distinctive black mark, shaped like a target, on her right hind leg. Anyone with information should call Heather on 07531 925831.