‘Our one wish for Christmas is to get Charlie back’

A heartbroken family is hoping the public will grant their Christmas wish and help them find their beloved pet.

Charlie, a tan-coloured shih tzu who is on heart medication and has arthritis in one leg went missing from his home in Killeens, Blackstone Bridge in Blarney, Co Cork, a week ago and has not been seen since.

Jim Mulcahy, wife Jane, and their children Stephen, 9, Hayley-Ann, 7, and Emily, 3, went to bed last Friday night and woke to find their 12-year-old pet pooch had disappeared from the yard.

“I think the wind must have blown the gate open during the night and off he went,” said Jim.

“We have no clue as to where he went, but we don’t think he could have gone very far.

“I’ve put posters up all over the place... on walls, telegraph poles, shops, and in the local school. I’ve been driving all over the place looking for him. I’ve pulled out all the stops. I was driving for three hours looking for him last night.”

The family has appealed for anyone who has seen Charlie to contact them and Jim is offering a reward for his return.

“I’d be worried he’d be out in this type of weather. I honestly think someone must have him and is looking after him,” he said.

“Me and my wife got him just after we got married in 2000. He’s a member of the family. He used to sleep at the end of our bed. He’s a charming dog, very placid, and nothing phases him. The minute you’d see him, you’d know he’s somebody’s pet.

“He has the temperament of a pussycat. He’s very gentle and very good with the kids.”

Jim said their children are “mad about the dog” but that youngest daughter Emily is missing him the most. “She loves him to bits,” he said.

“We’re hopeful we’ll get him back. Our one wish for Christmas is to have him home with us.”

* If you see Charlie, contact Jane Mulcahy on 085 8410243.