Lost: Cocker Spaniel Male In East Anglia (OX16)

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  • Dog ID 12113
  • Status Lost
  • Registered 25 Jan 2008
  • Name SMARTIE
  • Gender & Breed Male Cocker Spaniel
  • Age Elderly
  • Colour
  • Marks & Scars
  • Tagged Yes
  • Microchipped Yes
  • Tattooed No
  • Date Lost 25 Jan 2008
  • Lost In Region East Anglia
  • Lost In Post Area OX16
  • Date Reunited
  • Other Info
  • Listed By Not known
  • Views 1936
  • SMARTIEPoster Image
  • SMARTIEExtra Image

 

Sightings and Information

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weeze
There is one in here http://leighdogsandcatshome.co.uk/gpage2.html
Nick Devereux
Thanks - I did pick it up, but didn't see anything in The Cake yet.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Hi Smartie's mum. Just wanted to let you know that Smartie could soon be getting a mention in the Banbury Cake, Oxford Journal and Witney Gazette along with the other dogs missing from your area. Take a look at Sia - Labrador Retriever OX7 and Rhubarb's post of 11.4.08. I really hope this brings some good news for all of you xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
I am sure that is the case. I just hope that where ever he is he is OK and one day you might just get that phone call, take care x Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
It's not about getting on with life. There is a big, empty hole in our hearts and in our lives that was filled by Smartie - we will NEVER forget him.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Hi Smartie's mum. I agree with Pontsian about keeping the posters up. I can only guess at what you must be going through and can understand that you probably just want to be able to "get on with life" but I think it's still early days in some respects, although it must seem like a lifetime to you! I would definetely try all avenues and keep them open if I lost one of my two. The posters might just bring that long awaited phone call, so please reconsider for Smartie's sake... Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
Why are you taking the posters down?? Surley you are not giving up on him?? I know it is terrible to think but even if something has happened someone might see you poster and contact you. Look at Zak, Cocker Spaniel missing in Norfolk. HIs owner was contacted with the very sad news that he had not survived 3 months after Zak had died, but at least they know what happened to him and it gave them closure. Please re-consider this decision. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Nothing. We are going to take the posters down this weekend. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
Any more news on Smartie?? Hope his chip brings him home very soon xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
Hi, i made contact with the website/finder on your behalf and the dog had been reunited with his owner. Good luck with your search and thinking of you x Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
Found: Male Black Spaniel, 02/03/08, Totteridge Lane, Hertfordshire. No more details given, found on www.nationalpetresgister.org. You will need to register (free of charge) to get contact details. If i have not heard anything from you in day or two I will make contact with the finder. Good luck x Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pontsian
Still thinking of you Smartie and hope that wherever you are you are safe, warm and loved...but hurry home soon!! xLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Thank for all your help and advice. I have to say that to go to Crufts would be very poignant for us. The last time we were there was in 1997, when we were showing Smartie and he got a third in the postgraduate class. It was the last show we ever went to. He didn't really like the whole show thing, although he did do very well. We still have posters up around the local area, and we know people are continuing to look out for him. I agree there should be one central national database that is used by the police, all dog wardens, rescue centres, and breed rescues. This site is probably the nearest there is. So a big thank you from me to everyone at doglost - I can't tell you how much your support and advice has helped and encouraged us to keep going, even on the darkest days.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
penink
I also have a missing spaniel, and how I understand how you have come to these thoughts, you are describing how my zak behaved, I wish with all my heart that smartie will turn up, he is the double of zak just older , good luck to us both.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Just a thought, but what about handing out posters at Crufts? There'll be literally THOUSANDS of people going there next month and it's not really that far from where he went missing. Perhaps if you went on gundog day?Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Hi Smartie's mum. I've emailed posters to a few rescue centres a bit further afield - Birmingham, Northants area and also in the opposite direction along the M40 - Harefield (Dogs Trust), Chiltern Dog Rescue and a few others. I really feel that Smartie has been picked up by someone, but with him going missing in the vicinity of the M40 he could really end up anywhere! If someone has picked him up and they don't know the area, they could have taken him to a rescue centre near where they live. We really do need a nationwide database for ALL rescue centres, vets, dog wardens etc to use. I'm sure this would result in so many more dogs being reunited! Are you regularly checking local vets and rescues?Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Thanks to everyone for the help, advice and support. We think Smartie is no longer with us. I know my dog and I know he would have come home by now if he could - he was such a home body. Even out on walks, he would NEVER let us out of his sight - he would run on, stop, turn back and check he could still see us. When his brother was alive, he would 'tell him off' when he came back after being out of sight - so I know in my heart that he would be home now if he could be. He didn't like strangers, so wouldn't go willingly with anyone - unless he was injured or sick and couldn't put up much of a fight. And, if he was injured, surely he would have been taken to a vet and been scanned? I don't know why he did what he did that day and just took off - I wish I did.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
penink
I know it not a consolation, my zak has the same white mark on his head, he went missing on the 9th august, with no sightings after 28th Sept, but recently I have had two poss. sightings, nothing so far on those, but please I know how hard it is, do not give up, I believe that someone has my zak, and poss. feels enough time has passed for them to go public, who knows...my thoughts are with you, you have already done so much, but it just takes one person and one poster and one phone call...all the very best...Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hey Smartie Went to Chippy vets today - your poster is still up. I have "upgraded" mine and made it very colourful so it grabs more peoples attention....I think otherwise people get used to seeing things.....maybe you want to make a new "bright" one as well. Also may be worth giving the "chip" number to the vets (I didnt realise that when they scan, it just comes up with a number.....I thought maybe an "alert" came up saying she had been stolen....) so am going to re call ALL vets and give them Sia's chip number....may be an idea for you too. XLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
shez
Oh Smartie's mum,i am so sorry it sounds like you have tried everything possible but hard as it maybe to keep positive you must never give up hope. Smartie needs his mum to stay strong. I am sure he will be found I will continue to put posters up and i have one in the back of my car with one of sia which does attract alot of attention and will always be thinking of new ideas. Be strong for Smartie.xLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Angus Thanks for your message. One of the first places we went to were the local industrial sites. We made contact with all the security guys, the people on the food vans and gave them posters and/or contact details. We've spent our nights searching those areas thinking, like you, that they were likely places for him to be hiding - but nothing. When we got the news that he had been seen crossing the M40, our hearts sank because there is so much open countryside. Undeterred we've put posters up on popular dog walks and bridleways, etc, etc, as I've said before - but still not even a sniff of him. We know people are still looking out for him, but we are now really fearing the worst. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
DogLostAngus
Hi Smarties family, I have been looking on google earth at your area , are you close to the industrial estate? if s have you posters into the companies - there are literally hundereds of cars and lorries and probably plenty of dry places for him to hole up in during the day, also likely to be a few roadside cafe vans where food pickings would be. Also noticed on the other side of the M40 a smaller lane with a really sharp U bend with a bit of woodland off the corner it looks like there is a place to pull a car of the road on that bend, so might be worth a search. I also remember a dog from bicester ended up in a milton keynes rescue and another in nottingham, I will send posters to our milton keynes rescues if somebody could do the Nottingham ones. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Batch We did put a poster up in Crofts, but they must have taken it down. Will take them in another saying that Smartie is still missing. We just can't believe that no-one has seen him. Smartie just walked out of the house (quite out of character for him) while I was putting something into the skip on the drive. He didn't even come up to me to see what I was doing - which he would normally do - he just disappeared. Didn't even follow the usual route, which would be to go onto the green opposite our house, he headed for the main road, and then the M40. The worst thing is that, whilst I was searching around the green and paths around it, and my husband was waiting at home in case Smartie turned up, we actually heard car horns sounding - and that was when Smartie caused a hold up on the dual carriageway coming into Banbury from the M40 (we live within ? mile of the junction - but didn't make a link. We don't know why he behaved the way he did - it feels like he must have had some sort of brain storm. He was last seen crossing the M40 towards Nethercote/ Overthorpe at about 4pm on Saturday 12th January. Despite extensive searches day and night, posters (in the sorting office, the village post van, outside (and inside some) schools in Middleton Cheney, Kings Sutton, Farthinghoe, on popular bridleways and routes used by dog walkers in the area, the bus station, local veterinary surgeries, local pubs, contact with all the farmers in the area, dogs for the disabled, guide dogs for the blind local rep, local driving instructors - anyone who is out and about and might catch a glimpse of him (and I could go on - my son works for Thames Valley Police and arranged for posters to be put up), letter in the Banbury Guardian, we've had no more sightings. Also checked with the Highways Agency, Network Rail, local dog wardens in Cherwell and Northamptonshire. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
shez
Hello Smartie's mum,i am not as close to you as i am to rhubarb but have been putting posters up around the place and in the back of my car which as i said to Rhubarb it is a great way of getting peoples attention. I did go into Banbury the other day and into Crofts the pet store but didn't see a poster and unfortunately didn't have any with me so i would recomend you putting one up there as it is a very popular shop. I am affraid to say that another cocker has gone missing aswell,a light brown one but am not sure how it went but the one in oxford was seen being put in a white van. How did dear Smartie go walk abouts? I will continue to put posters up and hope you have some good news soon. I do think we should make a plea on the Paul O Grady show as he is dog mad and we will get more publicity! Thinking of you.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
DogLostAngus
Is it worth putting Smartie & Sia on the local Banbury Website can you help page?
link
http://www.banbury-cross.co.uk/emailhelp.htmLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hey Smartie, thanks for your lovely message. Spoke to Oxford Mail. Not sure if they will print anything. Mentioned that both dogs have seemingly vanished into thin air! If someone picks up a dog and does not hand it in, or report it or make any attempts to reunite it with its owner - I think that is heading down the "stealing" road! Anyway, whats important is that enough people know about Smartie so that if he is being "looked after" then the people doing it are either good enough to do the right thing by handing him in, or someone notices a new dog in the neighbourhood that matches his description and gets in touch with you. The Golden Oldies, Smartie and Sia. They have quite a fan club and thats a GOOD thing, motivates me even more to find Sia and I know you are absolutely hell bent on getting Smartie back too. Get to it with the forums. I am going to read "Farmers Weekly" this evening and see whether it is worth putting Sia in .... The guy in the Chippy newsagents says he sells alot of them every week.....Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
We had a letter printed in the Banbury Guardian last week, and an awful lot of people have told me they saw it. So many people now know that he is missing, and they have been so kind - and some have even changed the route they drive to work so that they are travelling along the country lanes around here, just in case they get a sighting. We are worried that he may have had doggie Alzheimer's, as he had been acting strangely for a while before he went missing, but we just put that down to old age and missing his brother (who died last year) - perhaps he went out to find him?Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Corbiere
Do the usual people nab 12 year old dogs tho? I think its more likely Smartie is running around loose and lost or has been taken in, so publicity of every kind is the way to go here, inc veets re his chip etc. You are doing all you can, good luckLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hey Smarties Mum. No news? There has been a dog taken nearer Oxford and I met another person today looking to their 2 yr old lab bitch who vanished early on Weds am when they let her out for a wee - I think that makes us ALOT more news worthy. I am going to get on to the Oxford Mail on Monday. Do you want to try for an article in the Banbury paper? I think that there needs to be a message sent out to owners - my brother is in the forest of dean and they are having a terrible time with dogs going missing on walks, out of gardens etc. They managed to get ITV (rosie, little spaniel- look her page up). I think we need to do the same for Oxfordshire.....Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Come on Smartie, show yourself so we can get you back to your mum. The best present she ever gave you was your microchip - that's what got Gemma home (cocker spaniel on reunited page today). Stay safe until you are found xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Have checked with Network Rail- but nothing. Highways Agency - nothing. Environmental cleansing - nothing. No more sightings other than the two on the first day he went missing. Smartie has vanished into thin air. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Thank you - I'm really grateful. Everyone has been so wonderful, there are so many people out there who know he is missing and are keeping and eye out - we don't know why he hasn't been seen, and are beginning to fear the worst.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
no
Hi, Can't offer any news on Smartie I'm afraid, but the company I work for deliver to all the outlying villages in your area, I'll give each of my drivres a poster of Smartie, hope it helps get this one home soon. Don't rely on him being microchipped to get him back, when my white GSD went missing a couple of month ago, he too is chipped but managed to live rough for 6 days in fields about 7 miles away! I didn't put up posters till the 4th day, it felt too final and I believed he'd be back by then. Within an hour of putting up posters in that village a woman on a horse rang with a sighting and I got him back a few hours later, don't give up hope, widen the search area and the very best of luck to you, I'll keep my fingers crossed. xLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Rhubarb - nothing so far from the local paper. Well done on going to the Blue Cross - I know what you mean about needing something to focus on. The first thing anyone asks us is if we've found Smartie yet, and I just hate telling them we are no further on now than we were when we started. We are hoping for the best, but prepared for the worst I fear. My fingers are very firmly crossed for you and Sia xLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hi Smartie. I went today.....I nearly bundled a sheltand pony into my boot.... The staff were absolutely lovely and I was feeling very tearful today and really needed something to focus on. I just got myself brave and off I went...but no Sia. I did look for Smartie type dogs and there didn't seem to be any there - although some were being excercised at the time. I ped one of my posters in - so that they had a photo to match Sia to. Starting to not trust her coming back on the basis that she has a microchip....If you are feeling brave, then I would in, if only to make that personal contact - so much easier for them to remember you and Smartie if they have met you in person......Hope that the Banbury paper brings you some news. Sia is in Oxford Mail tomorrow.....Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
penink
My heart goes out to you, my spaniel is also missing, and the white spot on Smarties head is the same as zaks, I do hope he is home soon, wish I was nearer to help. good luckLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Sorry realised I had added details tonight of Smartie via a helper and have just realised Smartie is already registered with us so have removed new listing and updated original Smartie so no confusion.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Thanks Finnybobs!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Finnybobs
Hi I work in Chippy Vets and put the posters up for both Sia and Smartie the day I got them. Alot of people have looked at them over the past week which can only be good. I am in contact with Paws Within 2/3x a week regarding dogs that are picked up so will let you know if i hear anything at all. Cherwell Dog Warden is really veryhelpful apparently, I expect you have contacted him? Neil I think his name is. Cherwell dogs do come over to Paws Within aswell. wishing you both so much luck.Anything i can do please shout! Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Rhubarb, Sorry for not replying sooner - have been laid low with awful cold. Can't do anything today (Friday) or Saturday/Sunday. We were in touch with Blue Cross when Smartie first went missing, but will take your advice and go and see them, hopefully on Monday. My husband is scared that if I go there, I won't come home alone!!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hi Smarties Mum. Dont give up. I went into the vets at Chipping Norton, Smartie's poster is on the notice board. Have you been to Paws with Inn and Blue Cross (I have been told to visit in person) - do you want to go together? I could do Friday or Sat - Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Banbury Guardian are going to feature Smartie on their letters page. Still no sightings of him though. It's as if he has vanished into thin air.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Rhubarb - I've also been following Sia's story. Like you we've put up loads of posters, and reckon that by now more than 1,000 people know Smartie is missing - but still no sighting. Have just come off the phone to the local dog warden to let him know that Smartie is still missing. Am getting in touch with Banbury Guardian and Banbury Cake today, also Touch FM, local radio station. Will find Banbury website - have got details on Facebook!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
pixielilly
Hi, we are going through a similar "dog vanished" nightmare. We are in Charlbury (between Chipping Norton and Woodstock). We are contacting all the newspapers in the area tomorrow to get pictures a so on put in this weeks papers. Would you like me to forward you a list of oxfordshire papers? We have put up about 200 hundred posters and have had 2 calls of sightings (it was another dog) and had 50 people scouring woods today.....I know exactly what you mean about highways agency contacting you - we have to keep calling the railways as well. have you got a local banbury website? I have put Sia on the Chippy local website forum and also the charlbury one - it gets people talking.....GOOD LUCK.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Matherick
Smarties mum i have pm'd you. xLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Keelah
smarties mum - they do not usually do it but fox fm may well run an appeal for you along the lines of driver caution - a dog in the road has already caused one warning sign to be put up so perhaps they will run an appeal again for you. approach the banbury guardian and ask if they wil run an appeal for you and also jason collie at the oxford mail. am on hand for phone support with media assistance but no access to computer. if you want to chat i am on 07843 681980Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Hi Sherlock We have posters in villages in a 5 mile radius of where Smartie was seen crossing the M40 last Saturday - that is the last known sighting of him. We have searched the fields bordering the M40 at junction 12 (where he was seen) - but nothing. If only we had another sighting, we would have something to go on.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
DogLostSherlock Bones Police Liaison Co-ordinator
Hi Smartie's mum - saw your post on Bailie's page so thought i'd dive in here and take a look... its honestly not unusual for dogs to go to ground for a while - a week or so isn't that long and unlike Bailey a pet cocker really isn't built for stamina in the same way a pointer is. I would think posters in a 3 mile radius of the last sighting are probably your next step. Have you plotted sightings on a map? We may need you to scent in the area, if you haven't been given details on that, do call me on 07702 862937. We got Bailie back, no reason Smartie shouldn't follow suit. xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
ARK
So glad that the signs were not about Smartie. Has anybody got any ideas ie search party I am sure that we can muster up some volunteers as will upnover if we ask nicely. We could also find out which farmers own fields next to M40 and get then to check or get permission for us to. Will be on call all weekend for any sighting or searches. AnnabelleLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Meeka
Smartie's Mum - you're doing a great job, keep going, at least there are some sightings and you have hope. I'm sure he'll be home SOON snug as a bug - GOOD LUCKLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Have just had a call from the Highways Agency. They were alerted by an RAC driver who had spotted the dog in the road. They checked CCTV and the VMS message was removed at 5.00pm. Dog has not been spotted since, and they haven't picked him up - either way. They have also checked all other animal-related incidents since Saturday, but none involved a dog. So it looks like he could still be out there somewhere.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
Have been in touch with Highways Agency - they are getting in touch with team who manage that section of M40 up to Banbury and will get back to me. They will also let me know if he was hit and they have taken away the body. As long as I know what has happened to him, that's the main thing. We are so worried, there have been no sightings of him alive for almost a week.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Not known
Information received from local rescue that on Saturday at around 4pm on M40 Junc 10-11 northbound, the traffic signs were flashing slow down 50mph animals in road. This information has been passed to owner and they will follow it up.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
B30
Thanks Annabelle. Great to know that ARK are looking out should Smartie turn up. Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
ARK
we are the kennels that take the stray dogs for smarties area. if he turns up here or we have any info we will let you know. Also if the owners need any help just get them to contact us 01869 346307 we are on call for dog warden out of hours. AnnabelleLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Thanks!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
CollieTrainer:
Hi, The Dogs Lost poster with Smarties details and last known sighting has been forwarded to all of our 127 members. This is on our doorstep as we are at J10 on the M40 and our membership covers Banbury and the surrounding villages. Fingers crossed! Dave, Up N Over DTC www.upnover.co.ukLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
B30
Oh dear, I hope Smartie stays away from the motorway and busy roads. Thanks Barney's Mum and Tye's Dad for your help with posters. If there's anyone else in this area that can help in any way to get this oldie home I'm sure it would be very appreciated. XX Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Nick Devereux
We have had another sighting of Smartie - shortly after the first on the afternoon of Saturday 12th January, at about 3.30pm, he was seeing running down the side of the northbound exit slip road of the M40 at Banbury. He then proceeded to cross both carriageways of the motorway (safely, thank goodness) and was last seen running into fields near Nethercote/Overthorpe. We have had no further sightings since. We have now put posters in an area covering Nethercote, Overthorpe, Warkworth, Kings Sutton, Newbottle, Charlton, Farthinghoe, Middleton Cheney and Chacombe, in addition to those we already had in Banbury.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
cosmicveggie
Please everyone who is involved with dogs please sign this petition to try and get government help on the subject of dog theft: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/stolendogs/ it expires in a couple of days so please sign it immediately and pass the word around - many thanks!!!!!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Thanks!Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
tye's dad
Poster put in at Hawthorn Lodge vets. Good luck.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Matherick
Oh smartie i hope you are home soon, the weather has been too rough, wet and windy for a boy of your age to be outside, hope and pray that you are in the warm being looked after until your owners have been traced. stay safe sweetheart. xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
UNKNOWN
Poster emailed to Banbury Animal Rescue. Having computer probs, so will try to email other rescues, vets etc from work tomorrow. Hope he's home soon xxLast edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Posters have been e mailed out to local helpers and registered organizations.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18
Unknown
Owner can be contacted on 07745 411002. awaiting photo.Last edited: 2010-05-11 02:17:18

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