All the Morgan family from Shirley want for Christmas is their beloved puppy back

Their 14 month-old puppy named Ralph was snatched by a mystery dog-napper on Thursday, November 9.

Owner Brenda Morgan, from Shirley Park Road, said: "A friend took my three dogs to Ashburton Park at 1.30pm.

"He had been walking Ralph with my two other dogs and had just unleashed him in Ashburton Park when he went missing."

A woman in the park spotted a lady wearing a green coat heading out of the park with a puppy under her arm.

Mrs Morgan said: "Someone's stolen one of the family and my girls, who are 10 and seven, are going to bed crying.

"How can you explain to kids that someone has stolen their puppy?

"We're all very upset and I think I was more distraught than the kids.

"I just think that its disgusting that somebody picked him up and ran off with him.

"This woman sounds like Cruella De Ville."

The family spent the weekend driving around Addiscombe, Shirley and surrounding areas talking to people and putting up posters.

Mrs Morgan added: "Everyone's pining for him including our other dogs. He was such a lively puppy.

"My kids told me they don't want presents for Christmas this year, they just want Ralph back."

If anyone has noticed a new puppy in their neighbourhood fitting Ralph's description call Brenda on 020 8654 3225.

Ralph has a jet black glossy coat, a white stomach and was wearing a blue collar.

His mother is a Staffordshire cross labrador and Ralph responds when he hears his name called.

November 14, 2001 13:00