A Ballina family have made a heartfelt appeal for the return of two companion dogs who guide and care for their autistic daughter.
Nine-year-old Jenny Prendergast enjoyed the company of her two black and white springer spaniels Jan and Star for three years until their disappearance last Friday evening. Now her life has been turned upside down.
During a visit to her grandparents in Aughervilla, Claremorris, Jenny’s parents Grainne and Vincent let the dogs out into the fields for a run. However, when the dogs failed to return they began to fear the worst.
They have done everything in their power to try and locate the two animals but to no avail. Grainne has stressed how helpful the gardaí have been, the local priest made an appeal on their behalf at the weekend’s Masses and they have also been in contact with the SPCA and local vets.
The family now fear the two dogs have been stolen but as both dogs have been neutered they are useless for breeding purposes.
Grainne and Vincent are appealing for the return of the two dogs who they say knew they had a job to do with Jenny from the day they came into their lives. While Jenny has been coping since their disappearance she has been looking for her two companions.
“They know her routine and queue her up for her routine,” Grainne explained to the Mayo Advertiser. “They are part of her life and impressed themselves on her when adults couldn’t.”
If anyone has spotted the two dogs or has any information which could lead to their recovery they are asked to contact Vincent Prendergast on 087 122 2120. The family are deeply saddened by the dogs’ disappearance and urgently seek the assistance of the public.
