AN URGENT appeal has been issued by a woman whose beloved pet spaniel dog has gone missing during a Lake District walk.

Alex Hodgson, 22, was enjoying a walk on Haystacks Fell in the Buttermere Valley on August 3 when her sprocker spaniel Apollo disappeared, having impulsively followed a scent trail that had captured his interest.

Alex spent several hours scouring the fell for her missing dog but there was no sign of him.

But, determined to find Apollo, Alex repeatedly returned to Haystacks Fell over the next four days in the hope of finding the 16-month-old dog.

The civil servant, from Doncaster, has now returned to the area with her partner Tom Heald, 22, to resume her search for Apollo.

They hope somebody may come forward with a drone to help the search and have brought along some of Apollo’s favourite treats, including smoky bacon, in the hope that the smell will help lure Apollo into the open. 

“We were camping at Seathwaite and went walking over Haystacks, towards the tarn, when Apollo picked up a scent and went over the mountain,” said Alex.

“He didn’t respond to his whistle. I kept looking but there was no sign of him. I stayed on the top of Haystacks for seven hours before the mountain rescue people told me to come back down the fell.”

Asked to describe Apollo, Alex said: “He’s just a cheeky chappy.

“He loves his food and he’s just soft. He means absolutely everything to me and he’s my best friend. He’s helped me with my mental health as well; he makes me smile every single morning. He is named after the first moon mission.”

  • Alex is offering a reward for Apollo’s safe return.
  • Anybody who thinks they may have seen Apollo, or who may have rescued him, can contact Alex on her mobile. The number is 07305 915529.

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