A NORTH-EAST breeder is appealing for the return of one of her prize-winning dogs.

Dawn Bussey last saw her Bedlington Terrier Moe, ten, when she let her into the back garden with her companion, Sassey, on Friday morning.

Sassey, also a Bedlington Terrier, returned alone 20 minutes later, sparking a search for Moe.

Mrs Bussey, of South View, Middlestone Moor, near Spennymoor, said: "Moe is not the sort of dog to wander off and there is no way she could have got out of the back garden.

"We think that somebody has coaxed her to the back fence and taken her. There is no other explanation.''

Last night, Mrs Bussey, 45, a member of the Bedlington Terrier Committee, urged people in the dog breeding world to look out for Moe, who has a shaggy coat.

She said: "I am aware there are thieves in the area and Moe has won lots of working shows. She is from the best working strain in the country and that is why she would be wanted.

"You are not supposed to breed from dogs after they have turned eight, but there are people out there who would try to breed from Moe.''

Mrs Bussey said Moe was a treasured member of the family and was sorely missed.

She said: "I cannot rest worrying about what might be happening to her. If she is shut up somewhere she will be screaming.

"I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen her or knows where she is, and there will be a reward.

"I have people looking for her all over the country already, and I will not stop until I find her, even if it takes me months or years. She belongs at home with us."

Mrs Bussey can be contacted on (01388) 420557.