A HEARTBROKEN family facing six months without their beloved dog and companion is appealing to anyone who may have taken him.

Toby the 10-year-old chihuahua vanished on December 14 at 2.30pm while out for a walk with his owner, Shelley Jones, and her other dog in Radley Common Farmers Field in Orford.

Due to no sightings, Toby's breed and friendly temperament, Shelley and the lost and found service DogLost believe he was stolen.

Warrington Guardian:

Shelley, 38, explained: "Toby is an elderly chihuahua so he lags behind a bit.

"My other dog was running ahead but it was near the motorway so I shouted my other dog back.

"I turned around and Toby was gone."

Shelley has placed posters around Warrington, posted on various Facebook groups and contacted dog shelters and police but no sightings have been reported.

She added: "My concern is because he is elderly, he has arthritis in both hips so he will be in pain without his medication."

Warrington Guardian:

Toby is also due his Parvo vaccination which protects him from the disease.

Shelley, who has owned Toby since he was a puppy, said: "I understand why someone would want to keep him but they are being cruel because we have not been apart for a day in 10 years.

"He will want to be home with his family.

"My daughter is heartbroken.

"He slept with her every night and now she's lost her little friend.

"I'll never give up looking for him- he is not just a dog to us, he's family."

Toby's Christmas and birthday presents are still waiting for him, along with his bed.

Warrington Guardian:

Shelley has even had a number of hoax calls from people claiming they have Toby and will return him in exchange for a ransom payment.

She says it is heartbreaking that someone would take advantage of her family's situation.

Toby is cream coloured with teeth missing at the front due to age and was wearing a blue checked collar when he disappeared.

He is neutered and microchipped.

If anyone has any information which could help bring Toby home, call 07716193404 or join his

Facebook group

.