By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A DEVASTATED Noble Park couple have been vainly searching the streets for their apparently stolen dog Sophia.
John and Lavinia Vaccarino have put up scores of lost dog posters, driven around local roads and checked animal shelters since their cavalier-poodle cross, or cavoodle, Sophia went missing from their Craig Street back yard about 12.30pm on 7 February.
Their children and grandchildren have joined in the effort to reclaim the cheerful lap-dog, scouring social media and internet trading sites for signs of her.
A devastated John has since been unable to sleep, pining for his friendly tan-and-white pet. Sophia has been a comfort to him, always following by his feet.
Her loss has caused him to shed three kilograms from the stress and exertion of the search.
John said he was last with her in the back yard, standing metres away when he turned around and she was gone.
“Someone has coaxed her under the gate. She is such a friendly dog she would come straightaway if she’s called,” his daughter Maria said.
“Sophia has been a blessing for our family, our children has are all saddened by this event
“Dad needs her to relax and take his mind off his health.”
John remembers vividly choosing Sophia from a pack of other cavoodle puppies offered by a local breeder.
“She was the one who came up and tapped my wife on the leg.”
The Vaccarinos are offering a reward for the return of Sophia.
Any information to 0430 111 132.
