A family who are searching for their lost dog say they have been subjected to scams and fake sightings whilst trying to find information about their pet.
Willow the 18-month-old English Pointer went missing on December 21, 2022 after chasing after deer in the Black Hill area of Bere Regis.
Since then, there have been sightings of Willow in Wareham Forest, Crossways and Bockhampton areas
It is now believed the dog may be somewhere on the military base in Bovington or surrounding areas.
Owners Lindy and Simon Manning who live near Bere Regis have been searching every day to try and find their dog, with their daughter assisting in the search through social media.
The Facebook posts and posters in the area have led to members of the public contacting the family with information about the whereabouts of Willow, however, the family say it has also led to what they believe are scammers trying to fool the family with fake stories. They have informed the police about the contacts they have received.
Citing one example, Lindy said: “I got a call from a man who said they had found my dog and that she was injured and they had got her in a cage.
“It was part of a horrible scam, they said they were canine rescue.
“I thought it was suspicious the way he spoke at first, then he just said ‘if you give us a grand we will let you have your dog back’.
“Apparently they are known scammers, there are some really horrible people out there.”
The misinformation has continued on social media, with people commenting on social media posts from the family with pictures of similar-looking dogs from all over the world.
Lindy said: “So now we are getting phone calls from well-meaning people, which are clogging us up with misinformation.
“They are getting fooled by the same scams as we are.
“If you get even a small lead you have to follow on just in case, but we are spending hours trying to follow these fake leads and it comes to nothing, none of it leads to anything.
“Why would people do that? It tips you over the edge emotionally when you are already feeling pretty low.”
Whilst there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the search for Willow, Lindy said that most people are being “kind and supportive” in helping them track down their lost pet.
People are advised not to approach Willow or call her name or whistle, but to immediately call Lindy on 07971 024154 or Simon 07808 770692.
