A BOY of three is hoping for the return of his playmate after his dog Bruno was accidently given away.

Toddler Kieran O’Callaghan’s pet was being looked after by his great-grandfather while his family were away for a few weeks.

But on their return they found that 91-year-old Joe Atkinson, had donated four-year-old Bruno to a family who had lost their own dog.

His granddaughter Nicola O’Callaghan said: “He can be a real softy. He probably felt sorry for the family.”

Mr Atkinson was with Bruno at some shops in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, when a family came up and started patting the dog.

When they said their pet had died a few weeks ago, Mr Atkinson told them they could take Bruno.

The O’Callaghan family has put up posters of the Staffordshire cross in local shops in the hope of getting him back.

Mrs O’Callaghan said: “I’m not cross with my grandad because he thought he was helping their family and didn’t realise he was upsetting ours.”

The O’Callaghans, who live in Fant Lane, Maidstone, with Mr Atkinson, have had Bruno since he was a puppy.

Kieran’s father, Lee O’Callaghan, said: “They have grown up together. Kieran loves him, he used to fall asleep on him.”

Mrs O’Callaghan said: “He just keeps saying 'want Bruno back’.

“When we got to my grandad’s, Kieran ran into the house ahead of me, because he was so excited about seeing Bruno, and ran round the house trying to find him. When we couldn’t find him he burst into tears.”

Their daughter Amelia, 16 months, is too young to know Bruno is missing.

Mrs O’Callaghan said: “We are all sorry for what has happened. Now we just hope the family have it in their hearts to give the dog back.”

If you have any information about Bruno’s whereabouts contact Nicola O’Callaghan on 07949 264354.