TWO schoolgirls have been left devastated after their puppy disappeared from their back garden.

The Covell family from Buckland Newton last saw their three-month-old Jack Russell Crumpet in the garden playing with their other family dog 13-year-old Totty.

Owner Sarah Covell, 47, said her and her husband Mike believe that Crumpet was stolen and the couple are offering a £300 reward for the puppy’s return.

Mrs Covell said her two daughters, nine-year-old Tallulah and seven-year-old Elektra, have been asking if Crumpet has returned home every hour.

The full-time mum said it was unlikely that Crumpet could have escaped because their garden is secure and they hadn’t known her to stray before.

She said: “My two daughters are absolutely gutted.

“We had been promising the girls a puppy for three years and we only had her for four weeks.

“It was a big excitement getting a new puppy so they are devastated. She was a real sweetie.”

Mrs Covell said that the village had been helping with the search for Crumpet and she had been putting up flyers.

She said: “Crumpet is very friendly and curious but because she is only young she only ventures so far.

“We have been searching high and low and the whole village has been looking.”

Mrs Covell added that if someone has taken Crumpet she would urge that person to return her.

West Dorset District Council's environmental health team leader, Graham Duggan, said: “The missing puppy has a collar, tag and is microchipped and this will give it the best chance of being returned should the dog warden find the dog or someone manages to pick it up as a stray.

“All dogs when in public places must wear a collar and a suitably addressed tag.

“Microchipping is not a legal requirement but can help in reuniting a dog with its owner."

Crumpet went missing from Mr and Mrs Covell’s back garden in Buckland Newton on Wednesday, October 6, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

* If you have any information about Crumpet please the Dorset Echo on 01305 756032.