A FAMILY is continuing its desperate appeal for a much-loved dog that has been missing for almost a month.

A big part of Melissa Round's family, Dougie the Dauschund went missing from Parr at around midday on Sunday, June 4, after it ran down a dirt path off Watery Lane, close to the RG car garage in Sutton.

As the tan-coloured miniature Dauschund is described as a sociable dog who would not hide away in the bushes, the Round family believes that he has been stolen after he got away from Melissa's friend earlier this month.

With the 18-month dog not sighted for weeks, the Sutton mum is desperate to keep her appeal going and is offering a cash reward as she believes Dougie will be sighted sooner or later by someone who has seen her social media posts.

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St Helens Star: Dougie went missing after running down Watery Lane in SuttonDougie went missing after running down Watery Lane in Sutton (Image: Melissa Round)

The devastated family has been out searching for Dougie every day since he was reported missing, with Melissa and her family and friends scouring the streets and fields of Sutton, Parr, Bold, and Thatto Heath.

Determined to find the pet that she describes as her "baby", the 32-year-old mum has also been putting posters up around the area, while thousands of people have shared her social media posts in the attempt to find the missing pup.

St Helens Star: Dougie and Melissa's other dog, BlueDougie and Melissa's other dog, Blue (Image: Melissa Round)

Melissa, a support worker from Sutton, said: "It has nearly been a month now since Dougie got out. We are absolutely heartbroken my family is incomplete and we all feel it massively.

"He's always on my mind praying every second we hear of him it's not like he has passed away and we know what's happened, I literally don't even know if he is okay. It's the not knowing that is unbearable.

"He's literally like my baby and I can't stop thinking about him. We are so desperate to have him home.  

"It's crushed us as a family, but we will not stop searching for him. We are so unbelievably grateful to everyone who's been out searching for him and sharing our posts on social media, we really do appreciate all the help.

She added: "I will keep the appeal going and keep his face out there for as long as possible, until my dog is seen and back home safe."

St Helens Star: Melissa with her much-loved Dachshund, DougieMelissa with her much-loved Dachshund, Dougie (Image: Melissa Round)