A GRANDMOTHER has been left distraught after one of her dogs – which has comforted her in the wake of her granddaughter’s death – was stolen from her car.

Dorothy Boyeson, 83, of Lytchett Matravers, is appealing for her chihuahua papillion named Carlos to be returned via a vet, police station or animal sanctuary.

Carlos, who has a twin, Ferdy, has been a great source of comfort to Dorothy since her granddaughter passed away three months ago.

The dog was stolen from Dorothy’s car while she was at a car boot sale in Lytchett.

She said: “I thought I had locked the car up safely, but it doesn’t have central locking and the two side doors weren’t locked.

“I had windows slightly open to give the dogs some air. It never occurred to me that people would go into your car and steal your dog.”

Dorothy said Carlos was a successful stud dog and it was possible he had been stolen to order.

He had been a favourite of her granddaughter’s before she died.

She added: “He loved her and I’m consumed with grief over my granddaughter’s death.

“He was the sort of dog that was always with you and sitting on your lap. Ferdy is looking for him everywhere.”

The family has appealed for the dog to be returned and said whoever gave it back – whether through a police station, vet or animal sanctuary – would not face any recriminations.

Dorothy is offering a reward for the safe return of Carlos and the family can be contacted via Steven Smith at the Daily Echo.