Larry Franks and Scruncher the missing English Bull Dog

TV show host Jill Franks has been left heartbroken after the disappearance of her pet bulldog.

Seven year old Scruncher went missing on a towpath walk near his home in Windsor, Berkshire, late Thursday night, when husband Larry turned his back on the microchipped and neutered pedigree pet for just a few seconds.

Now celebrity friends including Lulu, Louise Redknapp, Lisa Snowden and Kelly Hoppen have joined a Twitter campaign to reunite Jill and Larry with the tan and white Bulldog. Others including John Stapleton and band members of McFly have demonstrated support by re-tweeting.

Entertainer and dog lover, John Barrowman – a personal friend - interrupted his skiing holiday to film an appeal for broadcast on the Twittersphere.

‘It is a life-changer,’ admitted Jill, 48, who has been one of the hosts on the shopping channel QVC for over 15 years.

‘It's been a very emotional time and very stressful. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. At the moment it's difficult to sleep and even more difficult to wake up, as the nightmare returns.’

‘He has a loyal Bulldog nature. If he was left somewhere, even for a moment, he would just sit and wait for Larry to collect him thanks to him,’ she said.

‘He is so obedient, so this is totally out of his character. We want everyone to look out for him.’

She and Larry have spent hours scouring the streets close to where he disappeared and surrounding areas. Apart from the Twitter drive, they have distributed hundreds of posters across the county and offered a substantial reward.

‘We fell in love with Bulldogs many years ago as they are beautiful, affectionate, sensitive and love human beings. Scruncher was typical, a unique treasure, a true legend, everyone in the area knows him. We miss him dreadfully.’

Larry, 50, who a partner of a Public Relations company, was walking Scruncher and the couple’s other dog, Mr Bojangles, when he ran up some steps to deposit a bag in a dog bin. He told Scruncher to ‘stay’ at the bottom while Mr Bojangles – also a British bulldog - was half way up the steps. When Larry dashed back down the stairs and Scruncher had vanished.

Although the River Thames is swollen after heavy rain, the couple believe it unlikely Scruncher entered its fast running waters.

‘He hates water so much it is difficult to get him to go out in the rain,’ explained Jill.

‘This is a walk Scruncher is very familiar with and has done since he was a puppy.

‘He has never gone missing before and never leaves Larry’s side. He wouldn't wander off either, in fact, I’ve rarely seen him run".

Swans gliding on the water nearby remained undisturbed and the water was calm. The couple fear he may have been targeted and taken for a pet or a ransom.

Scruncher, who has distinctive bald patches on his sides and weighs a hefty 32 kg, achieved celebrity status when he was photographed with celebrities attending the premier of the film ‘Cats and Dogs 2’ three years ago.

He also appeared in The Sun wearing an England shirt supporting the England football teams last World Cup campaign, and has appeared in campaigns for Churchill insurance. He is a frequent fixture on Jill’s blog and has appeared on her show.

Fellow QVC hosts including Claire Sutton and Craig Rowe have also joined the campaign.

Said Jill: ‘We've had support from Bulldog breeders and pet lovers in America, South Africa, Australia and Dubai. The texts keep coming in through the night, with the time difference. It's amazing how many people come together to help right the wrong. If anyone knows anything, please let us know by calling 07956 939007 /Paul King@Alamy Live News UK

 

 

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