Bradford family 'devastated' as beloved dog still missing

Ashley Stafford and Justine Pennington, both 41 and living in Ravenscliffe, Bradford, faced the heartbreaking news of a burglary at Crystal Spring Kennels, in Gildersome Lane, Leeds at around 1am on Sunday.

The couple were 340 miles away, on holiday in Cornwall at the time.

They had left their three dogs – Pixie, Pearl, and Zelda – in the care of the kennels, as they usually would.

The family's dogs, (from left to right) Zelda, Pixie, and Pearl (Image: UGC)

But during the burglary, a number of dogs escaped.

All three of the family’s dogs got out, according to the couple.

Pearl, a dachshund, and Zelda, a German shepherd, were brought back in but Pixie, an Isabella Dapple Dachshund, ran off.

Mr Stafford said: “We were in Cornwall and not due back until Monday.

“We got a call at 5am on Sunday and cut the holiday short.

“We loaded the car up and drove straight back up from Cornwall.”

Pixie and Zelda sleeping together (Image: UGC)

It was a tortuous six to seven-and-a-half-hour drive home for the family.

Mr Stafford said: “It’s not like it’s just round the corner, so we were panicking all the way home.”

The couple have four children - Mr Stafford has 15-year-old twins, Kaison and Levi, while Ms Pennington has Chelzey, 25, who is autistic and non-verbal, and Micky, 22, who is also autistic and in a wheelchair.

Three-year-old Pixie has been with the family since she was a puppy and her disappearance has hit them hard.

Mr Stafford said: “All the kids love her.”

All three dogs together (Image: UGC)

Three dogs in total were missing initially, with Arnold, a French Bulldog found at around 11pm on Sunday.

Drones have been up and the areas surrounding the kennels have been searched extensively to try to find Pixie and a brown Patterdale Terrier who is also yet to be spotted.

All three dogs asleep together (Image: UGC)
Lesley Hirst, of Crystal Spring Kennels, said on Wednesday: “Everyone is doing all they can in the search for Pixie and the Patterdale at this distressing time.

“The drone is back up as I write this.

“Posters have been put up in the surrounding area and we are just hoping there will be a sighting of them very soon.”

A poster put out to find the missing dogs (Image: UGC)

Mr Stafford said about Pixie: “She’s not an outdoorsy dog, she’s a house dog really.

“We want her home where she’s safe.

“We haven’t slept the last few nights.”

Ms Pennington said: “We’re not sure if someone has taken her, or if she was in a field overnight with no food, we just want her back.”

Ms Hirst said: “We are asking anyone with CCTV or Ring doorbell to check if the dogs may have passed by and to look in sheds and gardens.

“Any information at all please get in touch. We must get these dogs home.”

If you see either of the dogs, or have any information, you should text or ring the following numbers: 07753260917, 07708382130, or 07931175135.

• A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are investigating reports of a burglary at that location. A 47-year-old man was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries. Enquiries are ongoing.”