A plea has been put out to mend an autistic child's broken heart by finding her family's pet.

Albi has been missing for four months and despite a £5,000 reward there is no trace of him.

Mollie Murphy, four, is desperate for him to come back.

Her grandmother, Sharon Morton told Kent Online said: "Albi improved her well-being but now she is asking all the time where is he and when is he coming back.

"We can't explain to an autistic child that we don't know where he is.

"Albi is her little friend and she has been growing up with him. She has known him since he was little puppy."

Albi, a two-year-old Jack Russell and poodle cross, is owed by Mrs Morton and her husband Carl, of Archers Court Road, Whitfield.

Mollie, of Springfield Road, Dover, would come up to see him four times a week and be with him during sleepovers.

But Albi vanished at about 7.30am on Friday, October 5 when he was chased by a German Shepherd.

Mrs and Mrs Morton had been walking Albi on a field next to Cranleigh Drive, Whitfield, when the other dog frightened him off.

A specially set up Facbook page, Finding ALBI, was set up that month with the family appealing for people to check outbuildings, garages and sheds for him.

A £5,000 reward has been on offer since just before Christmas.

With the ongoing appeal the family are now asking whether anyone has unwittingly bought him or seen him wandering alone.

A new family statement, also on behalf of Mollie's parent Kyra and Hayden, said: "It seems so poignant that a young child who was doing so well with her autism suddenly became dreadfully bewildered by the loss of her magical boy. Albi.

"To lose your greatest pal is simply heartbreaking.

"Mollie's steps with her development became outstanding after the introduction of Albi and she showed such progress which is currently waning as a result of his disappearance.

"There is nothing quite as sad as a confused child who does not understand why he has gone away

"Perhaps we will never feel the deep bond that ties autism and a deep love for animals so tightly."

Albi is neutered, white with brown patches and roughly 14 to 16 inches tall. He is larger that a Jack Russell and has curly hair.

If you can help you can call Mrs Morton on 07460 436102, Mr Morton on 07780 942302 or message the Finding ALBI Facebook.

22.10.17

A desperate family have cancelled their holiday to find their missing dog.

Albi, a Jack Russell and poodle cross, vanished three weeks ago after being seen chased by a German Shepherd.

A specially set up Facebook page, Finding ALBI, has been set up in the appeal to find him.

A posting said: "Someone must have seen him, please check all outbuildings, garages, sheds and your neighbours' too. He has to be somewhere, he is missed so terribly."

Albi went missing from Cranleigh Drive, Whitfield, at 7.30am on Friday, October 5, when he ran across a field into Archers Court Road and up Newlands.

More recent sightings have been in Studdal but he is thought to have moved on.

Owners Sharon and Carl Morton gave up their holiday in Norfolk to find Albi and say he is also missed by their two grown-up children and six grandchildren.

Albi is neutered, white with brown patches and roughly 14 to 16 inches tall. He is larger that a Jack Russell and has curly hair.

Mrs and Mrs Morton say that anyone who sees him should immediately call 07460 436102 or grrandda Carl 07780 942302, day or night.

WHO ARE THESE SETS OF PEOPLE

HOW OLD IS MOLLIED four

IS IT 5K REWARD

collins family friends

mortin is grandmar

PARENTS are mre adn mrs mathtews

WHOI ARE THE PARENTS WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES WHERE DO THEY AND MOLLIE LIVE Kira and Hayden of springfield road dover

WHO OWNS THE DOGS - LAST TIME WE AID IT WAS MORTONS

ISN'T THIS A RENEWED APPEAL , WHY NOW

continuing appea l

grandparents live in whitfield own the dog live in archers court road

albi is two

sees albi four times a week

A statement on behalf of her family said: "It seems so poignant that a young child who was doing so well with her autism suddenly became dreadfully bewildered by the loss of her magical boy. Albi.

"Mollie's recent mantra is simply 'Where Albi? When Albi come home? Miss Albi.

'"Can you imagine your child saying those words over and over and not being able to provide any comforting answers? To lose your greatest pal is simply heartbreaking.

"Perhaps you have found Albi wandering alone or even purchased him unwittingly. He is the devoted and loyal friend of a sweet young girl. Can we all look to try and restore the love in this little's girls soul by bringing her beloved Albi back to her?.

"Mollie's steps with her development became outstanding after the introduction of Albi and she showed such progress which is currently waning as a result of his disappearance.

There is nothing quite as sad as a confused child who does not understand why he has gone away. "Perhaps we will never feel the deep bond that ties autism and a deep love for animals so tightly.

"It would be so beautiful if these two could be reunited and a small girls heart could be happy once again."