Elgin helpers in search for rescue dog

PEOPLE have been combing Elgin's Pinefield industrial estate to help find a newly rescued dog who was spooked and took off on the journey to her new home.

Frances Fraser, from Banchory, and her family issued a desperate appeal on social media after Morag, a 14-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross, bolted off down the main A96 road through Elgin, near Pinefield Glass and McDonald's, after a loud bang from a nearby car park.

Mrs Fraser and daughter Angie were on their way home with Morag from the Scottish SPCA's Caithness centre on Friday, October 4, and stopped off in Elgin at around 8pm.

Kathleen Fraser, Frances's daughter, said: "My dad passed away a couple of months ago, so my sister and I thought a wee companion dog would be perfect for mum.

"We really liked the idea of giving Morag – who is a little old lady dog – a lovely retirement with mum. She sounded perfect, which is why my sister made the effort to drive to Caithness and Sutherland Scottish SPCA.

"Mum was really chuffed with her – and we'd love a happy ending."

The little dog was in a harness provided by the rehoming centre, but she wriggled out when she got the scare.

Kathleen said: "She managed to wriggle out of her harness and escape so quickly there was nothing my sister and mum could do. She just fled – and with no bond yet formed my sister couldn't tempt her out of hiding on the industrial estate.

"I can't believe we lost her when we were nearly at the end of the journey."

The family have been overwhelmed by the response to appeals posted and shared on social media. The police and Scottish SPCA have been informed.

Kathleen said: "There are lots of willing helpers on the ground – which is amazing as none of us is local to Elgin. I don't think we can believe how helpful the doggy fraternity are in Elgin."

Kathleen visited Elgin this morning to put up posters around the industrial estate and at local businesses. She added: "I met some lovely school kids on their route to school through the industrial estate who took some posters and said they will keep an eye out and spread the word at school. I don't think we can ask for more than that."

The lost dog is described as very friendly but timid and scared. She is black and brown with a grey muzzle.

Anyone who finds Morag or has any news of her is asked to contact Angie Fraser on 07812 380834, phone 07855 053181 or see www.doglost.co.uk.

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