AN APPEAL has been put out to help find a family's missing dog.

Izzy, a seven-year-old terrier cross, went missing on a walk near Faverdale fields, Darlington, on Wednesday, March 20.

Since then her owner, veterinary nurse Ellie Worrall, has been searching the town for signs of the dog.

A small terrier was reportedly spotted near Whessoe Road, after an appeal on Facebook was shared by thousands of users, but the sighting is unconfirmed.

Ellie said: “The minute I found out she had gone I went up to where she disappeared. I got it up on Facebook, got people involved, I didn’t stop until later that night.

"The next day I got up when the sun rose, walked the routes, walked the fields or where she possibly could have gone. I’ve put fliers all round Faverdale. I’ve looked down rabbit holes.

“Dog walkers have been out, the general public have been out. The dog wardens have been looking, I’ve been in touch with the vets in the area, the kennels, the stray aids. I’ve been in touch with the rail people because it goes along the railway.

“I’ve been putting scented clothes out every single day. Her own bed is up there now with loads of smelly treats.

"I’ve told the burger vans because she should be getting hungry. I’ve got scented bed sheets that I’ve slept on hanging outside hoping that if she can smell it she can get back. I’ve done everything that I can. There’s just nothing, not a single sight of her."

The mother-of-two, who lives in a different area of town to where Izzy went missing, will be continuing her search into the weekend and is rallying together as much help as possible.

The terrier is a white-and-tan colour and weighs only 4kg, with black fluffy ears and a busy tail.

She was wearing a collar and tags at the time she went missing and has been microchipped.

Ellie Worrall said the dog is fairly shy and not likely to approach strangers so caution is needed if found.

She added: “The actual people that have come out so far have been absolutely amazing. I would never have expected all these people to come out and help me – they have just been brilliant.

"All the seven years I’ve had Izzy she has never left my side. It’s so out of character for her to run or to be spooked. She’s just a pet, and we’re missing her terribly.”

Anyone with news of Izzy can contact 07496 596 890 and there is a reward available.