Lost: Black Labrador Retriever Female In South East (OX7)

Sightings and Information

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2010-01-11 21:15 keo61

I hadn't forgotten her either and although it may be unlikely she is up her in Yorkshire I check black lab paws.
Have often checked her page and thought of her.  Hope she's back one day. X

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2010-01-07 21:49 alfmar

laura...........we will keep looking for her :0)

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2010-01-07 19:21 Spindle

Laura, we are all still looking out for Sia, I still have loads of her posters in my drawer at home.  Both Sia and Miasie went about the same time, miracles have happened, lets pray one day it will for her and you.

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2010-01-07 15:37 Laura, Sia's Owner

Thank you Jayne.  Just a reminder....Sia, is a gentle girl, no trouble, doesnt bark and is excellent with children - with very arthritic front paws (they are gnarly and swollen).  We got her as a rescue dog when she was 6 or 7 and she was a total delight, she had been mistreated in her former life but had come on soooo well in the time she was with us. She is probably living (I hope and pray) very comfortably with someone but we miss her so very much and it feels horrid at this time of the year especially.....its nearly 2 years now.  If anyone knows her or has her....you know what to do.  She is chipped and was wearing a brown leather collar with id tags on when she vanished....  Rhubarb her companion had puppies 1 year to the day that she vanished...so she needs to come home and meet Lettice and Wilfie our new additions!

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2010-01-07 15:05 alfmar

cross posted to labrador forums  http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopicp-1145878.html#1145878

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2010-01-07 13:14 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

e mail from owner: Hi Jayne Happy New Year! I have heard great things about you being SO supportive to my friend Selena who had Archie the cocker spaniel stolen on 11 Dec.  I truly hope you, she, Doglost can find him?.. Would you ever be able to bump Sia back up to the top of the list ? its nearly 2 years now and I still think about her every day and wish and hope that she is being cared for?..She would be 11 now?.I wonder if she has a grey muzzle?it?s so sad not knowing! Thank you Jayne.  You are doing such a tremendous service?.I for one have always been so grateful for your support during our very ?dark days?.  

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2008-08-19 14:44 Meeka

Hi Laura - sorry that Sia hasn't turned blue yet but glad to see her back at the top and getting some deserved attention.  I still keep checking Labs front paws everywhere I see one (people think I'm mad!!) - one day I'm sure you'll find her but until then believe she is loved and well looked after (as I do with Maggie) - it's the only way to go - glad you're still checking her page, keep well

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2008-08-19 13:30 Spindle

laura, I am still looking for Sia AND Maisie.  There is a found one on site at the moment, asked for picture, keep watching in case.  I haven't given up you can be sure.

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2008-08-19 13:18 Laura, Sia's Owner

Hello!  Wow, that was a wierd couple of months not being able to access this site and Sia page going missing and now it is all sorted!  We have continued to look/advertise for Sia in the Oxfordshire Cotswold area - she is incredibly well known around here now.  Sadly nothing has come of itbut I still remain positive that she will come back to us one day. I hear so many stories from people about the amazing way that animals can end up back with their owners that it gives me the will to keep positive and keep trying to find herI just hope that she is being cared for and loved because thats what she deserves.  Thank you for your messages and please keep looking at Labradors front paws = hers are all swollen and arthritic - you couldn’t miss them!

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2008-07-11 18:55 Millie's Mum

Still checking your page Sia. Stay safe sweetheart.

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2008-06-30 08:02 poppymolly

Pupsandmuts west yorkshire have a lab

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2008-06-29 15:26 jeepsmi

Sorry you have not found her yet. Just to let you know we are hoping and praying for you to have a happy ending. Love from Julie and Boxers Lrewis and Molly xxx

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2008-06-14 00:00 PYH

Hi
I have just seen your recent message posted on the Swinbrook site.  Just to let you know that there is a black lab that wanders the village on a daily basis and it's not Sia. You may get lots of reported sightings.  Lots of us are dog lovers and we always 'pick up' any strays and find the owner.  I do hope you find her.

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2008-06-13 00:00 Yasa

There you go. Photo and details back on now. Hope they are correct, and hope this brings you luck x

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2008-06-12 00:00 Bess 'n' Barney's Mum

Such a gorgeous girl, she looked lovely on her photo on the old site, keep safe lovely girl...

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2008-06-10 00:00 DogLostAngus

Hi Laura, just checking in to see if you have had anymore news or sightings to report, I am still searching the web for Sia.  

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2008-05-06 17:04 pixielilly

It wasn't her, but I must admit, getting any information out of the Labrador Rescue person was like extracting blood from a stone! I felt slightly as though she didnt really want the owner to be found! Strange, but true. Had another call from someone locally who had "caught" a labrador but sadly he had caught someone elses dog. It was great that people are still looking out for her and keeps me feeling positive.....

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2008-05-04 21:47 shez

Hi Laura,been thinking of you and just wanted you to know that i'm still around to give you a helping hand with anything. I know that Hearing Dogs are having a dog show in Carterton tomorrow so i will try and get over and give some flyers out.Please try and keep strong and i hope that dear Rhubarb has fully recovered now.x

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2008-05-02 18:09 sparkys owner

Hello Rhubard, have you had any news on the found lab. Please please don't give up yet still keep going. Perhaps someone along the way will read the chip and she will soon be back home where she belongs.

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2008-04-29 23:00 nick

Stay safe and come home soon Sia xx hope that when they call back it is her x just keep faith :) xx

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2008-04-29 20:18 pixielilly

I have left a message for the contact to call me back ASAP. Think that we need a better photograph of the dog as I can't tell if it is Sia or not.

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2008-04-29 20:17 pixielilly

I have left a message for the contact to call me back ASAP. Think that we need a better photograph of the dog as I can't tell if it is Sia or not.

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2008-04-28 18:15 jacky-uk

There is a black lab on the found pages today - found in Taunton - says age around 5 with no chip, but please check her out x x

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2008-04-28 15:09 Teddys Mum - Area Volunteer, West London

Dogs are incredibly good at getting back to an area they know. Get doglost helpers in this area of kent notified and get in touch with the local dog warden as well. Keep poster blitzing the park from where she went missing. If someone took her from there they are probably local and someone will see her somewhere and you will get that call. ..Good luck

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2008-04-28 00:21 Corbiere

So sorry you are having no luck Laura! Don't know what to suggest... There are a number of game fairs over the Bank Hols and it's National Shooting Week next week, see http://www.nationalshootingweek.co.uk/ you can get venues in the down menu to the left, will be lots of labrador people attending various events I guess. I think you can find details of all these game fairs on the Countryside Alliance website. It's also Badminton Horse Trials, will be lots of labs about I'm sure! - the CA always have their big bus there and will display flyers etc. I know from the search for Jetsie how frustrating it is trying to identify a black lab - there are dozens roaming about!!

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2008-04-27 15:15 pixielilly

Hi, thanks for that hope it helps, sadly it isnt sia..... I have just had a call from a lady who has seen a black labrador 2 x in the last month in Beacon Wood Country Park, Southfleet Road, Bean KENT. Apparently it has "approached" her twice but has turned away again before she can get it. Does anyone walk their dogs around there? Can anyone keep a look out - it was last seen today and approached her (she has a muzzled dog and a small child so couldn't really do anything at the time) and the moved away. She thinks it had a brown leather collar on. She will carry on looking out for it as she is convinced it is sleeping rough.

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2008-04-25 22:41 keo61

There's a black female lab on Rotherham dog rescue called Tasha - says she's only 2 but worth a look?? She's in a foster home so you need to scroll towards the bottom - link is http://www.rotherham-dog-rescue.co.uk/inf_03.htm

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2008-04-24 11:55 UNKNOWN

Hi again. I just wanted to bump this to the top. Has anyone mentioned trying the Paul O'Grady show. I think there have been lost and found dogs on there before. He is a great animal lover. You never know. Take care. Jackie

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2008-04-19 22:22 pixielilly

Hi digbys owner - will be in touch re your contact. I have thought alot about Sia going back to near Tonbridge in Kent where she originated from, to be honest, I don't even want to think about it! Its too much to try and cover and too much to panic about. I have registered her with Battersea dogs home (there is one in Windsor and one in Kent as well) so I hope that her chip will help if she is ever handed in..... I know that there is a possibility that her chip wont work, but I had it tested in June last year and it was fine........I want to concerntrate on getting her as much publicity as possible (god its hard!!!!! - any journalists reading - CUT ME SOME SLACK!)....I think she is in somoenes house.....I just need to know whose house!

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2008-04-19 10:32 digbysowner

If you want to go nationwide as suggested below, and Keelah hasn't already tried this avenue (which she probably has) I have a very nice contact at Take a Break who was going to print a story about Digby, but I cancelled this when I got him back in the meantime. They have about 3.5 million readers, so it's a really good publication to be in. Digby was going to the in the readers reality section with a page to himself. The angle was that he was my 3 yr old son's dog etc, and we had lots of very cute photos. If you can come up with an angle like that they'll be very helpful. Please PM me if you're interested in getting the contact details.

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2008-04-19 07:37 Filo

Laura, I'm not sure if this has been considerded before, but is there any chance she might be making her way back to her old home?

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2008-04-18 20:51 pixielilly

Thank you so much for your message. I called them this morning and got them to check her out. They were ABSOLUTELY lovely and went and checked her over to see if she had arthritic front paws and also re scanned her and also looked at her photo. It wasn't Sia, she is a fair bit younger than Sia and a different build (short legs). But thank you so much for thinking of her. Any suggestions I am more than happy to chase up!

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2008-04-17 22:23 DogLostPoochpal - Regional Co-ordinator - South West - Police Liaison Team

Please look at found page today, Y1067, I know it says she is only 6 but.....Fingers crossed!

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2008-04-15 18:25 Filo

Hi Laura. Nice to hear from you yesterday and to finally have something positive to do in the search for Sia. As you asked, I popped down to Brize village to see if the roaming Labrador spotted by the lady with the terrier, was in fact Sia. Foxbury Farm shop was closed, so I knocked at the farm house door, well actually that?s not quite correct, the hullabaloo from the farm dogs brought the owner out to me! The farm is in full swing with lambs, but none of the farm staff have mentioned seeing a roaming Labrador and nothing is bothering the sheep, so if she is there she?s behaving herself. Foxbury still have Sia?s poster up in the shop and it will remain there. I headed off Kilkenny Farm (not far from Foxbury) where the owners admitted that one of their two middle aged black Labradors had unusually left the farm and had been ?out visiting the neighbors? earlier in the day. So it looks like the Lab reported was in fact theirs. Anyway, just in case I continued with my search ping off flyers, knocking on doors (especially those obviously out and about in the area regularly, horse owners and at the local quarry) and ensuring the lamp posts and notice boards still carry her details. Such a shame I can?t bring more positive news or better still bring her home to you, but as people are calling you, at least we know the posters are working. So pleased to hear that Rhubarb is finally on the mend even though she will have to have a bland diet in the future ?????I am lead to believe from my lot, this is not good as far as a Labrador is concerned.

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2008-04-13 21:42 shez

Hi Laura,just back from a break in Hampshire.I do hope Rhubarb is feeling alot better now and that you are getting some rest. I wondered what i could do next to help? I don't feel like i'm being much help just doing the odd walk. Maybe it is time to go nationwide! Would it be possible i wonder to get into a paper like the Sun or one that loads of people like builders or lorry drivers read as they are out and about alot. I am here waiting to help so please pm me if you think of a job for me.Take care and a big pat to your other precious girl.x

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2008-04-13 21:33 UNKNOWN

Find your way home girl,Rhubarb needs you and so does your mum, Stay safe beautiful. Don't give up your search for her x x

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2008-04-13 15:45 Ingrid

Come on Sia make your way home little girl and stay safe.x

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2008-04-13 10:50 Millys Mum

Laura, I must admit, I've also been quite busy workwise and helping to reunite Tim (missing from BR1) with his owner and so I hadn't checked in on Sia's page recently. I just wanted to say how very sorry I was to hear about your Rhubarb. I do hope that she is now on the road to recovery. What a poor, but very brave girlie. I often think of Sia. In fact, I've been half watching the London Marathon on the telly and spotted a runner wearing a top with the name Sia on the back. I thought of your girl immediately and, of course, had a look on DL and saw she had been bumped up to the top. I hope that your Press Release does the trick because you certainly deserve some good news. And finally, please give Rhubarb two get well kisses from me and Milly!

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2008-04-12 16:16 Yasa

Well done on the publicity Laura, and we are extreemly grateful for the help with Cracken, Lottie, Archie, Smartie and Roxy. Good Luck all !

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2008-04-11 12:40 pixielilly

Press release sent off to Banbury Cake, Oxford Journal, Oxford Mail, Witney Gazette. Taken the tack that Doglost needs more volunteers in Oxfordshire and as well as highlighting Sia, have also mentioned Cracken, Lottie, Archie, Smartie and Roxy. Will let you know how I get on!

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2008-04-03 09:30 LeapingFish

Sia looks lovely, I am hoping for her safe return, Glad Rhubarb is on the mend. You have had a really bad time, I have my fingers crossed that your luck changes very soon & Sia returns safely & Rhubarb recovers quickly x

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2008-04-02 23:25 labrador lil

Laura, I am back from hols now, was checking in as often as I was near a computer. So glad Rhubarb is on the mend and am sending positive thoughts for Sia. Keep your chin up.

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2008-04-02 00:25 Yasa

Laura, your vet bill !! Crumbs. Yes thank goodness you are insured. The main thing is that Rhubarb is on the mend. Very potent infection, or whatever it was though and a terrible ordeal for you after all that has happened. Lets hope all goes well now and you will have a turn around of luck. Good idea to do another press release. Will be calling in again. Good Luck x

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2008-04-01 20:10 shez

Ah,what a relief it must be to have Rhubarb home.I hope she will be running around those fields again very soon. Look after yourself and please shout if there is anything i can do. x

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2008-04-01 15:48 pixielilly

Rhubarb came home from the vet last night. ?1350 vets bill!!! (thank god for pet insurance). Am fairly house bound at the moment as it is her first day off a drip and off pain killers so we are taking it slowly. Am trying to write a press release for the papers re Sia and Doglost. Will let you know how I get on. Am gee'd up after reading about Purdey the staffie being reunited from Sept. Can't give up on Sia, she's too precious. Thanks for all your messages, it makes SUCH a difference knowing that you are not alone. X

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2008-03-31 20:50 Keelah

sia sia sia, check in every day and send you and mummy reunited thoughts. i think of you at least once a day and just wish you would make your way home, come on girlx

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2008-03-31 08:38 wheaten1

I hope Rhubarb is doing better today! x

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2008-03-29 13:47 pixielilly

Hi. I'm afraid I have done no Sia hunting since Easter, I've just been concerntrating on getting Rhubarb sorted. They allowed her to come home just for the night last night. The vet thought it would be interesting to see if she "perked up" when she was at home - she has been in solitary confinment at the vets and was rather "down". She looks like one of those anorexic hollywood actresses with lollypop head! it was pretty horrid. She cryed most of the night - I was on a blow up matress on the floor with her and she wanted to go out every 2 hrs (she had been on drip so lots of fluid in her!) - latest indication is that it may be pancreatitis or the allergic reaction to the drugs may have now led to pancreatitis. I had to take her back this morning and she has to stay in for the weekend (but in the main area with other dogs and more people), mainly because they can control her pain relief as she is terribly uncomfortable in her tummy and wont let anyone near it. It was awful handing her over again, but this time she has her Hippo so she has a friend with her! I will be back on the case with Sia as soon as Rhubarb is sorted out. Thanks for your messages. XX

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2008-03-28 22:43 Yasa

Laura, so sorry to hear about Rhubarb. I hope there has been a turn around today and that there will be some good news on her tomorrow. I am surprised they wont let you visit. Thinking of you at this stressful time. Healing thoughts are with Rhubarb x

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2008-03-28 22:13 shez

Oh Laura,i am so terribly sorry to hear about Rhubarb the poor thing and how awful for you. I'm not sure which vet you go to but i am sure they would be aware of the recent Parvo Virus outbreak near Chipping Norton. If there is any thing i can do please call.We must get Sia back quickly! I am going to do some more walks around Cornbury and Wescote this weekend. Keep strong hun,your girls need you to be. BIG HUG! x

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2008-03-28 17:47 jacky-uk

Still got poster in my car and seeing posters up - I really hope there is some news soon - take care - love to your other lab too x x

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2008-03-28 16:45 DogLostAngus

All best wishes to Rhubarb for a full recovery - you must be exhausted, healing thoughts to you today. S xx

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2008-03-27 23:03 UNKNOWN

You poor, poor lady, you are so dedicated to your dogs and now for this to happen, you don't deserve any of it, I don't know you but from reading Sia's page I can tell that you are one of the most caring dog lovers ever. It never seems to happen to bad owners does it. I really hope that your poorly Lab gets on the mend very quickly and that Sia returns to you in the very near future, you have done so much to find her, no one could have done more. Take care and look after yourself, those dogs need you.

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2008-03-27 22:42 pixielilly

Jackie - The lady that I spoke to at Labrador Rescue was Sue Birmingham Tel/Fax 020 8408 1214 Email: sue.birmingham@blueyonder.co.uk re the black labrador advertised in Hayes Kent. If you tell her I am the lady that emailed Sia through to her after I told her about the dog in Hayes.....Sorry not to do it myself - my other lab Rhubarb is in "intensive care" at the vets and has been since Tuesday (having had two emergency visits to vet over easter). She has seemed to have picked up a mystery stomach/sick virus and stripped the lining of her stomach out and then last night had an allergic reaction to some medication or maybe the catheter and her head and lips are about 3 X the size they should be. They called it "an aggressive reaction" - I think I would have burst into tears! I can't visit her as she is distressed and they think that me going to see her would upset her more, especially since Sia went missing her and I have been like glue! Feeling really wretched right now and a bit like I just wish Sia would turn up on the doorstep and make everything ok like she always used to! I know the dogs in Yorkshire won't be Sia, I just hoped that by passing on information that someone doesn't have to live through this. Its like waking up to the same mental car crash every morning and I can't see wood, trees or sunshine today.

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2008-03-27 21:33 TracyB

Have received pm & whilst I live just into WF postcode area I work in Castleford which is just off the M62- J32. I will put alerts out via contacts & 'hopeithelps' your assistance is really appreciated with this. Leeds is a bit outside where I can get to during the day BUT that said we do have high volume of travellers moving within the area. Usual haunts go to Ossett Bypass & they camp on field just after bypass, they also move over to Doncaster Area. i havent heard of traveller camp but will put word out with wagon drivers & fitters tomorrow. i would be suprised IF Sia was one of the dogs but not suprised at all if some/all of the dogs had been 'aquired'

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2008-03-27 20:22 morticia

hi hyndburn stray dogs have a black lab girl on thier site no age but worth a look good luck x

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2008-03-26 23:26 UNKNOWN

Hi Rhubard - could you keep me posted if you have time about the Lab in Kent. I noticed the card was gone from the shop window (if you have any info that is). Good luck.............. Jackie

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2008-03-26 19:00 pixielilly

THANK you so much for looking. I will try and call this lady back and get her to log on and take a look......will let you know how I get on.

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2008-03-26 18:11 keo61

Meant to ask - did the person who rang about Strensall leave a no. - if so could you ask her to describe exactly where she saw the dogs

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2008-03-26 18:09 keo61

Well I?ve been to Strensall Common but I?m afraid couldn?t spot any travellers at all. Will describe my route in case anyone else can up with a suggestion of where else to look. If you type in ?strensall common? in www.streetmap.co.uk then you?ll get the idea of where I?ve been. Headed to Strensall from A64 which takes you past the southern edge of the common ? the odd farm and lots of army land ? all fenced off I think. At the crossroads turned right and went past the army barracks ? nowhere to camp. Carried straight on past the golf course and over one cattle grid ? I presume this is the Common proper. As you head out of Strensall going north the land to the right is peppered with signs saying ?no vehicles ? beware army training? ? could see no sight of any travellers. The land to the left is not very big as is bordered by the railway. Eventually you cross another cattle grid and I presume that is the end of the common. Did continue on to Flaxton (3 miles), then turned round and came back to Strensall. Did spot a couple of caravans down a private road ? this is indicated by a blue caravan on the map and tried to get a closer look by driving into Strensall and crossing over the railway line but no luck. I could go back with my dog and walk along the Ebor Way / Foss Walk over the weekend though have a feeling that it is a holiday park. Drove round Strensall and then headed back to York via Earswick. So sorry not to have any more positive news ? the only thing I can think of is if there were travellers on there the army maybe moved them on quickly. Once home I did think that there is sometimes horses tied up on the verge near Monks Cross Shopping Park ? so it may be worth checking there ? if noone can do that before the weekend I will try and get up there. Will try and go back to Strensall with the dog as it's easier to wander around though can?t promise anything as have the children then.

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2008-03-26 12:44 keo61

Am just about to leave work and will drive home via Strensall common - have looked at the map - not sure how close you can get - some of it is used as army firing range!! Will update later.

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2008-03-25 22:40 DogLostAngus

TracyB covers WakefielD/Leeds area - you will find a posting by her on Pepper JRT LS25 if you want to send a pm. S xx

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2008-03-25 21:13 pixielilly

Thanks Angus, have left her a messge and will post what sex it was and anything else as soon as she calls me back. Still hoping that we can get some York helpers to go and look at the travellers site......or get the ball in motion - who is the area co-ordinator for that area?

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2008-03-25 17:52 DogLostAngus

This on missing pets register - doesn't say if dog or bitch but worth an email in Northamptonshire
Black labrador found in Rothwell. Has chain on but no tags. Please contact Caroline on 07706 148885 or hlscharlie@hotmail.com.

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2008-03-25 16:57 Spindle

Perhaps we have a few dog lost helpers in the Leeds area that could check this out.

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2008-03-24 17:22 keo61

Live in Selby, work in Leeds - am at work Tues all day and it will be dark when I drive home, but finish at lunch on Weds so could drive home via Strensall common (if I can find it), not sure if I could id Sia but could confirm if the dogs are there or not if that would do any good. PM me if that would be any help or not.

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2008-03-24 16:03 pixielilly

Do any of you have any contacts near YORK??? Had a call from a lady who says there are some travellers on STRENSALL COMMON and there are about 10 labradors all tied up to travel crates dotted amongst the travellers. Does anyone know any more? Are these travellers based there, are they moving travellers?? The person that called said they felt it was an "unnecessary" amount of Labradors.....not sure if there is any validity in it, but may be worth checking out.....?

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2008-03-22 20:43 shez

Well back from a very snowey Thame Show where i handed out the flyers.I have to say everyone was really sorry to hear about Sia.I gave posters to all the Gun Dog trainers there and found the Dog Show who were great and put flyers on the desk as the Lab rescue couldn't make it. Everyone who entered the show went home with a flyer and we came home with 1st and 2nd rosettes. x

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2008-03-22 13:51 pixielilly

Rynard, have pm'd you my email address X THANK YOU everyone for being so amazing. Hope that it stops snowing for Lockinge! X

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2008-03-22 13:06 DogLostReynard

I now have a load of posters (flyers) kindly made up by Majoret which has several different dogs on one page so if anyone is going to an event and would like them for hand outs then please pm me with your email address and I will send them to you.

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2008-03-22 12:52 DogLostReynard

Well, when we got there( Mollychops and I) the weather was good, shame we could not find you Corbiere. We put posters everywhere!

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2008-03-22 12:19 Corbiere

In spite of the vile weather I managed to had out quite a few posters and fliers yesterday at the Lambourn Open Day field event - will be surprised if we don't get a few more helpers at least... Have to say that mollychops was there before me, the ladies loo facility was well covered! The Countryside Alliance stall was particularly helpful, and was already plastered with missing flyers, but took a load more - and promised to display them all prominently at Lockinge on Monday

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2008-03-21 01:33 Corbiere

Re my message below - sorry it's BELLA not Tessa, dyslexia strikes again,,, lot going on here right now, the yard is in overdrive!!

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2008-03-20 22:29 pixielilly

Hey Batch. PM'd you!. Corbiere, thank you so much for helping me out....I came across a black lab advertised for FREE in a newsagents in Hayes in Kent (via a lovely lady on the Daily Mail forum). Have pm'd Sherlock Bones and also told the Labrador Rescue area lady as it sounded a little bit odd! The lab is about 7 and had apparently just had a litter of puppies and was going for free as the "carer" was moving house....hmmmm. I thought it may be Evie, but the ages didn't match up. Apparently has a scar above its eye....

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2008-03-20 21:32 shez

Sorry Laura but i have only just got your message.Can pop into chippy tomorrow or will come to your house if you arn't in town. x

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2008-03-20 19:18 Corbiere

I've now got a large number of flyers for Sia, Maisie, Bullet, Tessa and the missing bulldog pups. Also laminated posters of Whizz and India Rose and a DogLost 'Missing Dogs' A4 sheet kindly run up by Reynaqrd so I'll do what I can over the weekend

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2008-03-20 17:26 DogLostPoochpal - Regional Co-ordinator - South West - Police Liaison Team

Would you be able to take posters of Maisie ? She could be anywhere in the country by now.

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2008-03-20 15:38 labrador lil

I can get Thame Fair covered with leaflets, we (Labrador Retriever Rescue) will be sharing the dog show there with the organisers I can get some leaflets printed and will put up a poster on the dog show registration table. I personally wont be there as I am on holiday but will email our other helpers who will be there and get them to sort posters etc, Keep your chin up, Sia will be found one day.

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2008-03-19 22:39 pixielilly

BAtch can you come in tomorrow? I am in treatments till 11. But am around between 11 and 1 so if you popped in I can print off some small ones for you. xx

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2008-03-19 21:48 shez

Apologies for my spelling,Thame Country Fair is actually this weekend.So if anyone can go it would be a good place to hand flyers around as loads of people go from all over the place.I will try and go on Sat but would need some more flyers as i have run out now.x

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2008-03-19 20:09 shez

Oh,what a shame. We do need to poster everywhere! There are Game Fayres,Dog Shows,Village Fates etc all coming up which could be covered.I know Thame Show is in April and they usually have a Country Fayre at Blenheim Palace around this time.Everyone needs to know she is missing!I have even been putting flyers under people's windscreen wipers on there cars.The thing is she maybe on our door step or she could be a distance away so we need to cover everywhere,could you get her story in the Sun or a nother popular newspaper? Keep positive.x

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2008-03-19 17:57 Meeka

SIA - 300 up, now it's time to get your bum back to your Mum.

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2008-03-19 17:56 Unknown

Featured in this weeks countrymans weekly column.

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2008-03-19 16:40 jacky-uk

Spent an hour driving around and sitting in Charlbury. Not a sign - so much open coutryside. It makes you wonder if someone has taken her in and is oblivious to the hunt. x x

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2008-03-19 15:13 pixielilly

Just got this off the Charlbury forum that I had put a post on. So back to getting her profile raised in the press and via different means...So Sad. ""The black Lab which you are referring to at Ranger's Lawn belongs to a resident who lives there and regularly walks his dogs in that area. Sorry. ""

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2008-03-18 22:18 BonBon

You are working so hard to find Sia. I do hope you get some good news soon.

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2008-03-18 20:26 Corbiere

Rhubarb please see Reynard's suggestion, we are going to try to give C/S/W dogs and DogLost a high profile for Lambourn Open Day on Friday and the Lockinge Point to Point [Wantage] on Monday - there will 1000s of doggy people about, bring flyers etc!

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2008-03-18 17:14 wheaten1

She may very well make her way home - it has been known!! Until then we will all keep looking x

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2008-03-18 16:37 pixielilly

Thank you so much Batch. I don't think it was her though. I think it was probably a muntjack that these people saw - when you said exactly what I was thinking about at certain angles, they really do look like them....Jacky - I live in Charlbury, so not far away, but I am really doubting whether it was a labrador. Its good that people are still keeping their eyes peeled though!

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2008-03-18 16:14 shez

Been and postered the area,have done farm,stables and footpaths aswell as the houses nearby. Just along abit from that field you pass a turn to Chilson on the right and the first left is a drive which takes you to a circular walk through the woods. I postered and did the few houses up the track aswell. Will walk over that way for the next few days.x

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2008-03-18 12:45 annelouie

http://www.pupsandmutsdogrescue.co.uk/page_1196643481562.html, sukimax.xxxxx

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2008-03-18 12:04 DogLostReynard

Hi! Easter w/e open day at lambourn (not that many miles from you) see Tanner Whippit lambourn SW (in blue!!!!!!) could you come along and get Sia details out there?

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2008-03-18 10:32 jacky-uk

Will still do a sit and look tomorrow - is this area far from home? x

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2008-03-18 09:51 pixielilly

Batch, you total star. I was in Wychwood this morning from about 6.45. I must admit, I think it probably was a muntjack that both these people saw.....she is probably sitting on someones sofa eating digestive biscuits!

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2008-03-18 08:55 Unknown

Thanks jackis and Batch!

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2008-03-18 08:42 shez

Not long back from doing the early morning shift.Got there at 5.40am and stayed until 7.30am.When i first pulled in i got abit exited but alas it was a muntjack which i have to say can look black from a certain angle and it depends on how near you are.I had my long zoom lense and was stationary but if you were driving past you could well mistake it.I saw March hares playing and a kestrel but no black doggie! Maybe i was to early,she may not be an early bird? I have walked around that area alot and not far from that field is a wood which we call Poo Bear wood which does lead to the back of Cornbury.It is a vast area! Afew of the posters i put up at Chad bridge have been taken down so will put more up and there are afew houses on the outskirts of the woods so will put flyers through letter boxes. Off to do some work now,if you can call walking dogs work! x

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2008-03-17 22:27 morticia

i know its miles away but theres a lab bitch on hyndburn stray dog rescue no age ect worth a look though . good luck

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2008-03-17 22:21 jacky-uk

How far is this wooded area from where Sia went missing? x

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2008-03-17 22:17 pixielilly

NOTHING!!!!! ARGGGHHHHH. Walked around with my other Lab, she was TOTALLY overexcited, its just heaven for dogs. So many smells and so on. There is some woodland, which is on the left hand side and then when you get to the end of the valley bit there is a big pine wood (the really dark dense stuff that you just cant see in to). There were alot of muntjacks which came out whilst we were on our walk - from a distance they do look like dogs....I just don't know what to think....From a dog point of view - lots of cover, lots of animals and a couple of big water troughs out of view of people.....there are tractor tracks and 4 x 4 tracks so people must be there quite a bit stalking etc but I guess she would lay low like the other animals would.....I guess everyone needs to spread the word for people to look into that area everytime they drive past and see if anyone else spots her.....

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2008-03-17 22:07 shez

Have everything crossed and just praying it is Sia.I will do a morning visit but will not venture onto the land. x

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2008-03-17 20:56 jacky-uk

I'll just park up and sit in the car, won't venture onto any land, will take binoculars, just in case! x

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2008-03-17 20:55 DogLostAngus

Best of Luck tonight

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2008-03-17 17:57 pixielilly

Have just cleared it with Cornbury. On way there now. PLEASE don't walk on the land unless you have permission. They stalk there ALOT and I don't want to upset the game keepers, head stalker. Fingers crossed. Will do scenting when I have more of an idea about the layout - tonight is just a "site visit" as need to see it first....

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2008-03-17 16:46 Corbiere

Updated with latest info on gundogclub website

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2008-03-17 16:43 UNKNOWN

come on SIA show yourself and come on home x x

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2008-03-17 16:20 jacky-uk

Husband drives that road to work - will make sure he keeps his eyes open. I will try and get over to do a spot of 'sitting' Wednesday. x

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2008-03-17 16:09 Meeka

Our two long timers back at the top - keeping everything crossed for you and Sia - hope you catch sight of this dog soon, even if just to eliminate it. This is a disgusting thing but have you tried dragging a sock full of tinned pilchards behind you - preferably marinaded overnight and left somewhere warm to mature - possibly the worst smell in the world but could be appealing to a lab - it must be our turn soon - GOOD LUCK and sorry I am not closer to be of any help to you all. Sabrina

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2008-03-17 13:59 pixielilly

another sighting which corresponds to a sighting about 4 weeks ago (which we put down to being a muntjack). If you drive out of Charlbury B4437, past station and to top of hill (known as Rangers Lodge) go straight ahead towards Burford past the turning on the right to Chadlington, just after that the road goes down hill and kinks to the right....if you look left just there (there are five wires of electric fence with plastic handles on) a black labrador was seen in the middle of the field (which wood on one side and a green slope on the other) at 1.30pm yesterday. We sat and watched till it got dark last night the most amazing amount of bunnies, pheasants, muntjack and deer.....its like an oasis! I am going to email Cornbury as its no where near a footpath. If anyone fancies a bit of time out - you can go gazing there (tuck your car in by the electric fence!). The lady said she saw it as she was driving and was convinced it was not a muntjack. As I say this is the second person who as called us about that specific field and there was one sighting about 1/4 mile towards Chadlington at the beginning of Feb as well.....WHO KNOWS but will see if the game keepers can make any sense of it....I felt quite tearful sitting in the car watching last night. If it was her, she has picked such a lovely place (apart from the road!) lots of woods and lots of food and away from people!

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2008-03-16 21:52 shez

Yes,def do a few early morning drives.I am more of an early morning person than a night owl anyway.A new week,a new start!x

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2008-03-15 22:30 pixielilly

Ahh neither of them are Sia. Batch, that would be great. Maybe we should do early one morning as she never seems to be about in the evenings.......I'm worried about all the leaves on the trees coming out and giving her even more camoflague to hide in!

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2008-03-15 21:12 annelouie

http://www.pupsandmutsdogrescue.co.uk. Dog number M10, Sukimax. xxx

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2008-03-15 20:19 annelouie

Lab bitch on here, http://www.hyndburnstraydogsinneed.co.uk/index.php?menu=viewdog&sel=941, Sukimax. xxx

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2008-03-14 22:23 Yasa

Normaly the best time to see a dog out hunting is daybreak or as it gets dusk. This is when the rabbits are about. I would think she will be holed up somewhere warm during the coldest hours of the night.

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2008-03-14 21:42 shez

I shouldn't have said have you given up on Finstock area.I meant are you concentrating on Brize Norton? x

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2008-03-14 20:07 shez

Hi Laura, I think that would be a good idea,i wondered if she had been feeding at night or in the early morning.As she has stayed so aloof she may well be doing that. I would like to do a night drive but couldn't manage 3am but could do late late evening if that would help? Shall i do Burford to Foxbury Farm? We MUST find her! Have you given up on Finstock area as i could walk that way again this weekend. I did think we should poster where people will be going over Easter.Any play centres,garden centres,parks etc.I took a poster to Burford garden centre on my return fron Carterton the other day.If you know anyone who is going to the Cotswold Farm Park with their children that would be a good place as i know that is heaving in the holidays.I will do the little chef in Chippy and Burford because they also get busy.I'm just trying to think of as many popular places as i can.x

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2008-03-13 22:46 pixielilly

Am thinking of doing a "night drive" around all the possible areas that people have possibly "spotted" her. (ha ha Saturday nights used to be trawling night clubs, now its lanes and rat infested barns!) what time is good? Midnight? 3am? 4? I know its pot luck, but if it is Sia and she has been so illusive, maybe she is going about her business in the dead of night....not at sunrise or sunset. Its another box to tick and I am getting to the point where I am totally out of ideas.......

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2008-03-12 19:07 pixielilly

Just got hold of the kennel owner. The labrador isn't Sia. They are based in Staffordshire. Apparently it is in a pretty bad way (neglect) and was found wandering near Tamworth. Anyone up there want to resuce her???

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2008-03-12 17:42 pixielilly

Thanks Batch, thats is great. Hmm who ever this dog was, I haven't had another call. Maybe it found its home.....Ohhhh I so hoped it was Sia. Cant get hold of the kennels in Bourton on Trent to see if the paws on the labrador they got in (the one with the flea allergy on her bottom) is Sia. I can't imagine that it would be her, but have to check anyway....Woke up at 4am and did the whole "scenario" playout in my head. She has probably been rehomed over a month ago or is still "hostage" with a well meaning person - I am more than happy to pay them to go get their own puppy who they can have for years and years.....I just wish I knew where she was and most importantly that she was ok and happy.....

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2008-03-11 20:46 shez

Have just spoken to my Godson who lives in Carterton and him and his mates will post flyers through peoples doors after school tomorrow.I only have an hour or so free so won't be able to get alot done by the time i have driven over and back.They will go on their bycycles and should be realy quick.I have asked them to do the new estate. Have got everything crossed.x

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2008-03-11 18:17 pixielilly

Oh eek. Apparently it has been very mistreated. They are going to check her paws in the morning to see if they match Sia's paws. They dont have internet so can't look at pictures. Thanks Angus. Please keep posting - I follow all of them up. X

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2008-03-11 18:02 DogLostAngus

Might be worth a call - even just to eliminate from our enquiries from petsearch uk website
936 Early March 2008 Staffordshire area Black Labrador Female. Older adult. She has a flea allergy with fur missing around her bottom and some thinning on back area. Contact Burton PetsearchUK 01283 535622

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2008-03-11 14:13 Filo

Old part of Brize village is now officially posted! I then did an hour + of door to door, leaving a mini poster at every property. Whilst there, I took the opportunity to return to Foxbury Farm to ensure Sia?s poster is still up and they are aware she is still missing. Apparently all the farmers in the area are the hunting fishing variety, so the rumors about a dog hating farmer may be unfounded, lets hope so. Lots of doggy walkers in Brize who will keep an eye out for Sia now they know she?s missing. Also loads and loads of builders that side of the village, Sia you are missing out big time, you would be in heaven. The area we are looking at is very close to the new estate in Carterton approx ? mile, so it would be good to post more there as I have done only a small bit of it. I can?t do it until Thursday, could Batch help? It?s a large estate with 2000 new homes being built and guess what that means???????.. lots and lots of builders. I popped in to the Blue Cross to let them know that there has been a possible sighting in the area. A colleague of mine is a dog walker there and I know a one of the senior kennel staff too, they are keeping an eye out for you.

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2008-03-11 08:49 jacky-uk

I only saw the black lab for literally ten seconds as we drove through a village, pretty sure it was in Kingston Blount which is about two miles from Chinnor. It was making its way across a small green x just thinking on a bit, there is a 'camp' in Bampton - x

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2008-03-11 08:20 wheaten1

This sounds promising! Will keep an eye out in Bampton and Brize!! Hi Jacky UK - any idea where the dog you saw went to? I am not sure where exactly Kingston Blount is but it is a possibility and if not could be another missing dog.

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2008-03-10 21:30 jacky-uk

Laura, just picked up the free paper that came thro the door earlier and seen your poster. Husband seen pic on back of lorry too today. Presume you have tried Blue Cross Burford? On Sunday we went to see our daughter in Chinnor. There was a black lab walking alone in Kingston Blount, elderly, stocky, shiney coat and wearing a collar with a disc. I always worry about dogs out and about on their own but it looked well looked after and comfortable in its surroundings. Just thought I ought to mention it although it is thirty miles from you isn't it? x x keeping everything crossed for you. Doglost helped us find a dog Christmas before last. Jacky, Lechlade x

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2008-03-10 21:21 Mollychops

Have a couple of friends out that way in Charlbury and at Shipton U Wychwood. Will call tomororrw Suexx

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2008-03-10 21:21 Spindle

I am praying this is the break you've been waiting for. Have everything crossed, I have been putting her poster up around Somerset today in a couple of places. Where are all the labs going? Come home Sia everybody wants you to!!!

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2008-03-10 21:03 pixielilly

http://siathelabrador.spaces.live.com/

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2008-03-10 20:59 Unknown

Hi Batch-Bruce forsythes reunited dogs are on our site(big well done to everyone on here that helped reunite them-especially Jazzi!) can I ask you to click onto Dollies directive to the left of this post-Dollies owner has been relentlessly campaigning for routine scanning for years-please support her and Dolly-still missing. Have pm'd you.

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2008-03-10 20:58 pixielilly

Batch, you total star - sounds like Sia got a good outing at Crufts. Thanks for approaching Ben (but I know you would have been only too happy to!) That dog looks very similar to Sia, same shaped head, Sia doesnt have white eyebrows yet..but totally understand why you saw the resemblence....do you want to liaise with "poppys chum" as she is in the area as well and maybe you can cover different areas?

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2008-03-10 20:34 shez

Hi Laura,well the sighting at Brize Norton sounds promising. I did my bit at Crufts, aswell as giving posters out to all the rehoming organisations who said they would take them back to head office and put them on the site i cornered Ben and explained about Sia and he was lovely and took a poster of her and said he would see what he could do. I also spoke to Bruce Forsyth's daughter who had her two dogs stolen from her car last year,she was also lovely and took a poster.She has set up a site to get pets routinely scanned when registered at a new veterinary practice. www.VetsGetScanning.co.uk if anyone wants to look at it and take a letter to their vets. I spoke to the national Dog Warden Association who were great and said if you get some pictures to them they will put them on their site which will be seen all over the country.www.ndwa.co.uk I am free for searching again and putting up posters so will get onto doing Carterton and Brize,Foxbury Farm would be a good stop too. Was it Shipston On Stour where the other sighting was? It is also worth looking at dogs thet have already been rehomed as dogs are rehomed after 7 days and she may have slipped through the net. I looked at www.dogrescuepages.co.uk and saw a Lab which has been rehomed from the National Animal Welfare Trust. She is called Jenny and was a stray.I'm sure it isn't Sia but it may be worth you looking. Please let me know what else i can do to help. Try and stay posotive hun,she will come home! x

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2008-03-10 20:21 Keelah

Have been online and sent an appeal to the two churches, two schools, west oxon councillor for the area, brize norton press office and general contacts email, members of the flying club, the car hire place and a bed and breakfast. we need posters up fast as if it is her, it is a small area. come on girlx

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2008-03-10 20:04 pixielilly

Thanks Keelah. Could do with refreshing their minds a bit! Come on Sia, Please Please be you! Poppy's Mum knows the area and is going to "case the joint" tomorrow. as the crow flies, it is quite possible that she could have got there in 8 weeeks -

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2008-03-10 19:52 Keelah

come on sia where are you baby = nagged oxford mail again with an update.

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2008-03-10 19:08 Unknown

Thanks Poppyschum and good we have more sightings to work on.

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2008-03-10 17:13 Filo

As luck would have it I'm off again this week, so will poster Brize Norton again first thing tomorrow. The old part (where Sia was possibly seen) isn't that big so I will do a door to door too.

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2008-03-10 16:03 pixielilly

RIGHT! Postal advertiser has started to hit all of Oxfordshire. Two calls - can anyone help me please? 1. SATURDAY 8th March. Black Lab with greying muzzle covered in dirt, BRIZE NORTON. It walked up the path to Reynards Cottage, which is up a little lane near an old garden nursery off Burford Road and by the time lady had got downstairs it had been spooked. She said it looked WORN OUT. She did not see if it went back on to Burford Road or whether it went to NEW ROAD towards Carterton. Coat was blackish/orange (may be dead hair as my other lab is moulting like mad at the moment). 2. 10 days ago in SHIPSTON by The OLD SCHOOL where Church Street meets Stratford Street - black lab standing on its own trying to cross the road. Had very shiney black coat (possible if she was looked after by someone who has now dumped her because of publicity?). Can anyone help me at all??????????????

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2008-03-10 12:17 wheaten1

How about trying Jack FM the new oxford radio station?

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2008-03-08 23:41 Yasa

Rhubarb have you done an internet search for email addies and send her poster with a letter to all and sundry. Look for village community sites and you will get loads of ideas. You want to target things like village halls, where loads of functions are held, clubs, there are loads of different sorts, and businesses, taxi firms, schools, there are hundreds, stables, rambling and walking clubs, groomers, feed stores, farmers, pet shops, just see what comes up, and send a poster. Anywhere where loads of peole go. You just need to tell the world, until you get her home. Come on Sia, we just need a little sighting x

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2008-03-07 17:50 pixielilly

ahh thanks for that. Too short and looks like she has been used for breeding. Sia has a "taut" tummy for her age...Keep trying though I really appreciate it! Heard about a couple of travellers that are just outside Chipping Norton. Will drive past as they are on side of road - dont think they would want a lab, but worth a look see. I need ideas from people! I need revving up again with ideas and so on, feeling like I am running through very thick treacle....

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2008-03-07 10:22 annelouie

Black lab but it does not say anything about her,http://www.ponderosa.org.uk/KIMY.jpg, Sukimax. xxxxxxxxx

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2008-03-06 17:30 pixielilly

Gutted. Archies mum called me and told me that she had been asking around about the dog that was eating the muntjack and it was infact a dog that is owned by the farmer nearby, a totally black collie type. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW

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2008-03-06 17:28 Keelah

Hey laura, just checking in. think of you and sia every day and you know where i am if you need a chat or a brainstorm. sorry, ped off the radar for a bit due to sudden death of my dog and just could not face the world. am back with attitude and sia has to be somewhere so we have to keep on. gis a ring if you want and next time i am in oxfordshire with the folks we can get searching!xx

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2008-03-05 22:30 pixielilly

Went to the pub, The Gate Hangs High near Hook Norton and ped a poster and then did door to door (not many houses as V rural) - everyone has a dog around there, but no labradors and also met a woman whose border terrier Archie is on the this site - he went missing in December. A couple of the dogs were collie mixes some black with a teeny bit of white and some black with a teeny bit of tan. Apparently the dead muntjack that had been on the road had caused most of the dogs in the area to stray! Oh eeeek that road is deadly, its such a busy B road. No one has seen a black labrador.....I think it may have been one of the collie X dogs that may have been seen and mistaken for a labrador (although they were not skinny, they were fit and healthy looking to me) anyway, until there is another sighting, I can't really do anything. If anyone thinks they see Sia, can they get a picture on their mobile, it would be such an easy way for me to identify her!!! Cmon See Bee. Today I am convinced she is still in Cornbury Park, living a lovely life with a nice little home under a bush and because 1500 acres is an awful lot of woodland, I have convinced myself that she has just managed to outwit all of us so far! How on earth we go about "flushing" her out if she is there....I don't know. Any suggestions? She would have all her basic needs catered for 10 fold! Lots of wild life, water, shetler in the woods, no people as easy to keep away from the 1 footpath......Is this a crazy thought? Maybe she was more feral that I was told when she arrived on my doorstep...I know she used to be let out in the morning and had the run of a very large estate to roam in.....she had no routine and went home when and if she managed to. Apparently according to people who I have spoken who knew where she came from, she would always be found with builders (sandwiches!)....she had no discipline...but how did we manage for nearly 1.5 years not to loose her....we really were concientious about her recall and spent alot of time working on it.... she had a couple of minor slip ups over the year and a half, but ALWAYS went back to the EXACT spot she had gone from and we always made sure that we walked her away from roads and in open spaces.....Hoo Hummm

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2008-03-05 21:28 UNKNOWN

Have you checked Stokenchurch Dog Rescue to see if they have any black lab/retrievers in at the moment? I emailed them a poster weeks ago, but would be worth ringing them just incase - 01494 482695.

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2008-03-05 14:23 wheaten1

I contacted Chilterns dog rescue and said that Tilly was definitely not Sia. Come home soon Sia xx

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2008-03-04 18:48 pixielilly

Hello everyone, sorry I have been off line for a couple of days, I have been in London at The Beauty Show (a bit like Crufts, but for the beauty industry!!) I have had two phone calls already off the back of the Postal Advertiser about a scruffy, thin looking black labrador that is on the Road to Banbury just near a pub called "the gate hangs high" Yesterday a man found it eating road kill and when he tried to approach it, it ran off. The other one was a couple of days before from a lady who was driving a bus and saw it on the side of the road near to the pub. It is about 12 miles from where we live. Have spoken to the pub about whether there is a "wandering dog" - they don't know of one, so going to try and poster the area tomorrow......if anyone knows the area around Hook Norton........any help appreciated! I am printing leaflets off like crazy Batch, so come to the salon tomorrow and pick them up whenever you want to. Tilly seems to have VANISHED off the Chilterns website, so I have emailed them Sia's webpage....http://siathelabrador.spaces.live.com/ with lots of photos of her on so they can check against all the photos. Where is my lovely SeeBee monster? I miss her terribly, but I just think I should have found her by now....

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2008-03-04 12:57 lainey

There's a 10 year old spayed black labrador bitch up for rehoming at Chilterns Dog Rescue. The page was last updated on 3rd Feb.

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2008-03-04 12:51 lainey

hi Rhubarb. I've been keeping tabs on your story since you posted on CL site. I had a thought, seeing as you've been looking further afield...Have you considered contacting Tiggywinkles? They're in Haddenham near Aylsebury, and when I've taken in wildlife casualties there before I've heard them talking on the phone to people who've spotted stray dogs. They won't take them in but they will pass on relevant details to the people ringing in of who they can contact. Might be worth giving them a ring for some fresh ideas? Good luck, hoping that Sia will be back soon x

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2008-03-03 22:09 shez

Hi Laura,just wondered what time to pop into the shop on Wed to collect posters for Crufts? I have another thought what about getting intouch with Whychwood dairy as they are about in the early mornings and the local dustbin men? x

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2008-03-03 20:45 Spindle

Just mooching on rescue sites. Black Lab on Chiltern Dog Rescue site called Tilly. Says black bitch, speyed. Age 10. Probably a long shot but may be worth you calling them just in case. I have e mailed them but no response, tel: 01494 791467 or 01442 876009.

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2008-03-03 18:46 Little_Chi's

Hi Rhubarb, do you still need any help with envelopes or contacting vets etc? I am free most days and can give you a lot of time as I am lucky to only work a few hours from home on a Mon & Fri morning. I live in Oxford so you are not far away from me, I am willing to travel to your area anytime.

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2008-03-03 14:24 Spindle

Big Game Fair coming up in Somerset, Maisie's dad is taking laminated posters of Sia and Maisie to put up around the show. More publicity which can only be good for them both.

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2008-03-03 08:02 pixielilly

Thank you so much. I am trying to get as many people as possible to forward Sia's pictures as possible all over the countryside....so join in, lets make Sia the most illusive, but well known Labrador ever! Sia is also in postal advertiser this month. Its oxfordshire based and goes out to about 80,000 homes. Fingers crossed.

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2008-03-01 22:06 joleivesley

I have just put a link on the front of our website for both this site and the spaces page you have set up

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2008-02-28 22:08 pixielilly

http://siathelabrador.spaces.live.com/

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2008-02-28 22:08 Finnybobs

Hi Laura, way to go with the mail out to oxfordshire vets, thats great news that some have contacted you! it is a wicked poster i have to say, you did brilliantly with it, i did the envelopes in the biggest writing ever, as i told you, so they had to think 'what the hell is this!?' when it arrived in their pile of post!! the note i attached to every one, just below sia's eyes asking whoever opened the post to show the poster to all their vets and nurses before displaying the poster on their board, so they too can join the search for sia, hopefully encouraged them to pass it around. i had a good feeling the posters would provoke a response, so lets definately keep going with them. anyway, im in work tmrw, if you need me to do another county just pop up and let me know, very happy to do that for you. ive got some envelopes and stamps left from before, not many though.if you dont manage to pop up im in chippy sat so can come in and get whatever you need me to do over the weekend. lucie x ps it really didnt take that long to do, im sure with more helpers we could get pretty much all the counties covered in the south in very little time. : ))

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2008-02-28 21:52 pixielilly

http://siathelabrador.spaces.live.com/ More photos of SIA. Gives people more of an idea of her shape. I don't know her history, but she definitely is not pedigree! She is roughish coated, "big boned" and has a quite "pointy" top of her head. She is definitely labrador, but not what a lot of people would imagine!! She was 26 kilos and fit when she went missing.

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2008-02-28 21:27 pixielilly

If anyone would like to "brainstorm" ideas about Sia. PM me. There are a couple of us going to meet up after work at the pub (drinks are on me) and get some ideas flowing. My friend approached David Cameron as I am in his constituancy and I run a business about 3 miles from his home, but we have had no response for 2 weeks (!) not sure if dogs are his thing! Anyway, its always good to get ideas out on the table.....anyone interested?

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2008-02-28 20:18 annelouie

http://www.nantycorn.com/P1010308.JPG, Did you have a look at this stray, I know it was a long shotand a distance, Sukimax.

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2008-02-28 14:14 wheaten1

Good idea! - Are you still searching the wood and surrounding area as i know it is such a big place!! Could be that she is still there. I am not sure where the track leads but there is a possibility she is still on the Estate somewhere?!

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2008-02-28 10:15 pixielilly

Digby's owner has made a great suggestion "I meant putting the posters on the really major traffic lights in the major towns around you. Put them on with cable ties from B & Q (it's very quick). Copy the places where fly-posters are currently posting (for car boot sales or car sales usually) as they always know the best sites. Places where people are stuck in traffic are great. This way the message stays out there for weeks and people get a chance to read the poster and the coverage is amazing. This was ultimately how I got Digby back. " If there is ANYONE out there that is reading this - you don't have to be in Oxfordshire (!) can you start to put Sia's poster up in towns around you. SOMEONE knows what has happened to her and I just want her to be back with me....more than happy to supply the "tools" just contact me! I really need as much help with this if I am going to reach a wider audience!!

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2008-02-28 08:31 wheaten1

I have contacted someone at the Wychwood Project who deal with activities in Wychwood Forest. Unfortunately they have not seen Sia - they are aware of her and said they will keep a look out! Anyone else have any other ideas? - as Sparky's Owner said she could be further afield, or she could still be in the forest! x

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2008-02-27 17:37 sparkys owner

have you thought that may be she is futher a feild. try contacting the dog wardens in other areas. hope she comes home soon xx

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2008-02-26 22:34 pixielilly

HI batch what date are you going to crufts? See you on Thursday at the salon X

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2008-02-26 21:00 shez

Laura,i can pop into see you at work on thursday morning to get some posters to send to vets. If you would like me to hand out flyers at Crufts then as many as you can give really. I can try and speak to Ben at Crufts,i would like to pounce on him really but alas he is a married man now!I can but try and get his attention and hopefully his help.Labrador rescue may have a stand there so i can ask them to put a poster up.See you on thursday.x

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2008-02-26 20:05 pixielilly

RIGHT! Double action. Sia has gone quiet, Maisie (another black lab) has gone quiet. Lets get posters to vets. I have done SPECIAL posters for both Sia and Maisie outlining their conditions (please only send the special ones out as they are REALLY eyecatching and still have all the dog lost blurb). All I need now is willing hands to write a note to all vets and to address the envelopes! (I will pay postage blah blah) - If you fancy stopping by the salon in Chipping Norton (give me warning so I can print enough off, get stamps!) I want to do all surrounding counties to Oxfordshire. Have suggested that Maisies owners some counties that they can do so we don't double up! Finnybobs did a really excellent job of the ones that went to all oxfordshire vets and I have had calls from the vets asking more questions about Sias condition.....

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2008-02-26 12:34 wheaten1

Hiya Just wondered if there was anymore that needed doing? My mother-in-law (PCSO) emailed me and said she is aware of Sia and is keeping an eye out. x

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2008-02-26 09:15 pixielilly

Batch, let me know how many posters you want and I will print them off for you.....

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2008-02-25 23:19 garthy

dear Sia be safe and hurry on home p.g.xxx

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2008-02-25 22:20 penink

hope you find Sia soon, so much effort, how do our dogs just vanish it amazes me, and why do they want to run away, good luck

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2008-02-25 20:34 pixielilly

Julie (you star) found the Springfield Oval and Popes Peace just off the Burford Road. Postered the area. I think it may be a Choccie one that she saw as apparently there is one that wanders around. Will definitely do Daylesford. Good excuse to buy some overpriced biscuits! Where are you Sia?!

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2008-02-25 18:28 dillondog

I know it's a little distance away, but is it worth getting small flyers and a few big posters to Daylesford, (just outside Kingham)...the very posh farm shop, that attracts people like magnets from far and wide. Lots of people go there, so may widen awareness. Laura - you're doing a great job, keep persevering, I'm sure you'll get lucky.

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2008-02-25 15:08 wheaten1

I know Springfield School in Witney - not sure whether it is there, must be around there somewhere, quite in the country that way..think it is near Stanton Harcourt - will find out!! x

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2008-02-25 14:23 pixielilly

Hi guys, thanks so much for this, it really helps! a lady called yesterday and said that she had stopped the car because a black lab was about to step out on the road in front of her. She was by the "springfield" development in Witney. Apparently the dog was trying to get something out of a macdonalds wrapper and it was 7am in the morning. she said that she passed there most days on her way to the stables, so she was going to keep an eye out. she left a message does anyone know where the springfield development is? Off the Burford road? The dog wandered down a "lane" and by the time she had turned her car around it had vanished.... Really cross about the police thing. They are utterly USELESS! I spoke to the police the day she went missing and have spoken to them weekly since.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrr I took a poster in as well. Fat chance that has been hung up!

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2008-02-25 12:36 wheaten1

Just to update you (I know you have probably covered this) but it is confirmed that the Estate Manager, Game Keeper, Deer Manager and all the groundsmen are aware that Sia is missing and are all looking out for her at Cornbury Park - good to know as it is such a big place and she still may be there that they are looking out for her - !!! x

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2008-02-25 12:15 wheaten1

I have spoken to someone who works at Cornbury Park and she is contacting the Estate Manager - not sure if this has been done but she is going to ask around and keep an eye out!! x

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2008-02-25 12:11 Filo

Laura, As promised, I posted Leafield and Field Assarts this morning, there are still lots of posters up, I assume you posted these when Sia first went missing. It is however good to know they are staying up and not being removed, the only problem is that the few people I stopped to talk to wondered if she's been found yet and the posters have just been left. Hopefully the new posters will make everyone understand she is still missing. I also stopped at a couple of farms in the area, unfortunately they haven't seen any sign of her, but they are aware she is still out there, so word is getting around the farming community.

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2008-02-25 09:35 wheaten1

Spoke to Witney Police Station and they were asking lots of questions like "why have you only jus reported it" I then explained and they said that if they found a dog they would have scanned it and contacted the owner so unfortunately nothing there! Saw the posters up at Bampton- good to see there is a lot of publicity about her! I have also asked my mother-in-law to spread the word and keep an eye out (she is a PCSO in Faringdon) I work in the week but if you need anything doing - putting up posters or helping with searches please let me know !!!! Come home soon Sia! xx

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2008-02-24 22:01 pixielilly

Thanks bonbon. Will look into it. Dont think she is what they would go for, but worth a try. Went to battersea dogs home....WOW! I was taken round all the dogs that have been in there less that 7 days to look (mostly staffies and staffie x breeds) and a couple of GSD's Then i was taken round all the ones that are waiting to be homed (SO many more than are on the website). There was only 1 lab in the whole place and he was a boy. They couldn't have been more helpful though and all of them told me to put Sia on doglost! They told me it was really early days still and that alot of people "look after" a lost/stray dog for a month or so until the novelty wears off and they hand them in so they told me to keep on searching. I wish there was on place to look for dogs that need rehoming! If anyone comes across middle aged black female lab ANYWHERE - can you alert me! Thanks!

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2008-02-24 20:17 BonBon

Laura - I had a look on the internet under Oxfordshire council and came up with the following. Go into www.oxfordshire.gov.uk and then click on a-z and then go to 'g' and a bit down the page it brings up gypsies and travellers. There is lots of info on here including telephone numbers and site details. Hope this helps and keeping fingers crossed that Sia is found very soon.

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2008-02-24 19:56 shez

Hi Laura,i have been walking around Cornbury at the weekend but nothing i'm affraid.Please can i get some more flyers,i can pop into chippy to collect them anytime. x

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2008-02-24 11:25 pixielilly

Does anyone know of any traveller sites around the area? I don't think Sia would be "their type" but may be worth checking or postering.....

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2008-02-24 11:23 pixielilly

Poppys Chum and Silver - that would be great. I am more than happy to mail you posters as I know that it can become costly on the old ink cartridges.....just let me know what you want.....Bonnie (Sia's dog walker) is really going for it with PR. I think it is better that someone "one step" away does the PR as they can be more forceful and pushy about things!I was thinking of maybe doing a couple of days when I get a crew of people together and put the little handouts under peoples windscreen wipers at supermarkets in Witney. Where are the other big supermarkets? there is a tesco in stow...I am in London at the moment and just on my way to Battersea Dogs home. Want to give them a poster and just check (I did register her at the beginning with them, but I think they thought I was off my head calling from Oxfordshire!) I need to go back to the Blue Cross in Burford as well. Dog Warden for Cherwell called me - what a lovely man, he has labs so he assured me that he knows of ALL labs that go to Paws with Inn in Chippy (where all the strays go from this area) as he sometimes fosters them. That made me feel alot better. I just don't know what to think....is she wild and laying low (but surely she would have been busted by someone, its been nearly 2 weeks since the game keeper distrubed the lab in the barn!) or is she dead or is she eating digestive biscuits, scoffing bags of crisps (terrible for her waistline!) and being loved by a million children and sitting on someones sofa???

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2008-02-23 22:50 Corbiere

PS I recommend anyone sending a poster to a training yard rings the office first to explain why they are sending it. Most yards have dogs about, they will be sympathetic, many trainers have had dogs stolen too.

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2008-02-23 22:46 Corbiere

Rhubarb have you sent posters to all your local racehorse trainers? I know Wally Swinburn trains near Banbury also John O'Neill [sp?] permit trainer ie he trains Point to Pointers [I believe he's the local hunt master too]. For P2P websites see Whizz's page, for RH trainers see http://www.racehorsetrainers.org/contacts/findtrainerbyalpha.asp || put the county into the search box, click on names for further contact details, you'll know which are near you.

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2008-02-23 22:01 shez

Is anyone else going to Crufts and can take some posters or flyers? The more handed out the better. I can't think that it would be a problem doing it but it's worth a try. Shame Jayne hasn't got a stall there.

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2008-02-23 13:42 shez

Oh Laura,i do so hope your dream comes true! I will look on the map and do some walks around the area(it can't hurt)but will stay away from Swinbrook,gosh i can't understand why people let there dogs out to roam. It may be worth going further afield with the search as it is along shot but maybe just maybe she has headed back to her old home.I know it's not something you want to hear but it is possible and maybe worth a try. I still thing GMTV and Paul O Grady should be approached. If you can get a load of posters for me i will take them to Crufts on Gundog day and hand them out,even if they are just the little flyers and i will just put them in peoples hands. I know some people who will be on Discover dogs and also trading and showing so am sure they would put posters up.It is the biggest dog show in the world and what a better place to start expanding the search as people will be coming from all over the country. Try and stay strong. X

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2008-02-23 12:44 pixielilly

Have to just post about my dream! Dreamt that someone put Sia back in the garden (!) and that I came downstairs in the morning and she was outside the front door! She was covered in fleas and you could see daylight in pinpricks through her ears because she had been ratting so much the rats had bitten her ears all over! The wierdest part was .......she had learned how to talk! (I did have a couple of glasses of wine last night!) and she kept point blank refusing to have a bath (verbally, and she spoke like the queen!)! She also wanted to speak to Jayne when I called to get her put in to the "blue". I'm hoping it is a positive dream......!

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2008-02-23 12:38 pixielilly

We have now had 7 calls about the dog at Swinbrook. GRRRR! He seems to be the only one loose in Oxfordshire at the moment! Batch, I am at a loss as to what to do now. I checked the barn at Wilcote this morning and the bone has not been touched. There are some funny rat footprints where they have obviously been jumping furiously to get the bone! I re did the walk down through the woods opposite the barn today and saw a couple more walkers and riders and told them. There was a possible sighting of something in Cornbury Park on thursday afternoon (I personally think he saw a muntjack) at the bottom of Patch Riding track (you can get to it by parking in layby on B4022) where it goes down to two lake type areas. Apparently it was behind the fence (so cant get there) it is called buckleap Copse on the map and whatever it was popped back into the woods....I don't know. We scented the area yesterday, but until we have more positive sightings I don't think it is worth getting too excited about....I had such high hopes because of the publicity....anyway, we have to keep plodding on.

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2008-02-22 21:38 shez

Hi Laura, Sorry i have not been around for afew days but am back now so will be up for anything you would like me to do? I don't know if you have seen the posters i put on each side of the traffic lights in Chippy but alot of people have been looking at them. Well done for getting Sia in the papers and on the radio.Over the weekend i will put out more flyers and do some more walking.Which area should i do now? I don't suppose you had any luck with the lady at the farm shop then? I hope to speak to you over the weekend.Try and keep strong although it must be so very hard. X

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2008-02-22 19:42 Filo

OK.................. if you need me to do a flyer/mail around Leafield, then I can do something next week as I am on leave. So far I have used a combination of the posters supplied by you and the Dog Lost poster, working on the assumption that people will be more likely to look at a different formats. The dog Lost site does give the web address which I think is helpfull. Do you want to put something together which would be unique to Leafield or should I use the dog lost poster? Do let me know if I can help. Silver who lives in Bampton too, volunteered to help so amybe we could do something together. HELLO SILVER ARE YOU OUT THERE? If Rhubarb comes back with a positive on Leafield mail could you help?

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2008-02-22 19:39 Filo

OK.................. if you need me to do a flyer/mail around Leafield, then I can do something next week as I am on hleave. So far I have used a combination of the posters supplied by you and the Dog Lost poster, working on the assumption that people will be more likely to look at a different formats. The dog Lost site does give the web address which I think is helpfull. Do you want to put somthing together which would be unique to Leafield or should I use the dog lost poster? Do let me know if I can help. Silver who lives in Bampton too, volunteered to help so amybe we could do something together. If Rhubard comes back with HELLO SILVER ARE YOU OUT THERE? If Rhubarb comes back with a positive on Leafield mail could you help?

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2008-02-22 19:32 Unknown

Thanks Poppyschum!

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2008-02-22 18:13 pixielilly

Thanks poppys chum - that was so kind of you to go. There were NO calls about Sia even though she was on the radio, witney gazette and Banbury Cake. Not a peep! Not sure where to go from here....I think I need to get more people in Leafield to know about it - is anyone that way? I can do it on Monday. Maybe looking at google earth there are some farms and barns over that way that I may not have got to. A man called yesterday and thought he may have seen her in Cornbury Park - we scented the area today and there have been no more calls, I think maybe he saw one of the really dark muntjacks as they can look like big dogs....ANY ideas about what to do next with the searching for sia project - obviously we have ongoing PR campaign which Bonnie is very kindly spearheading .....what to do, what to do.

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2008-02-22 17:42 Filo

Sorry everyone, the Swinbrook dog is definately not Sia, it's got 'boy bits' and but belongs to a village resident who lets it roam. Lucky it's quiet roads down there. So sad, it would have made my day to find her. I took the opportunity to poster whilst in the village and left a flyer in the local pub/resteraunt. On the way back I stopped off with a poster at the Foxbbury Farm shop.

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2008-02-22 10:37 Unknown

Thanks Poppyschum!

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2008-02-22 06:45 Filo

I'll try to get out to Swinbrook at lunch time today. Lets hope it's Sia .......

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2008-02-21 22:37 labrador lil

My thoughts are with you, I really hope Sia shows herself soon. I will be away for a while but will check this site as often as possible for good news. Saw this on another forum, an offer of help phoning dog wardens....might be worth a reply> http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=162015

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2008-02-21 21:43 Matherick

Hi I am so very sorry that thisbeautiful girl is not home yet. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe gorgeous girl until your found. xx

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2008-02-21 19:41 pixielilly

Thanks Angus, that is really helpful = glad you managed to get the photos to come up! One call so far about black labrador seen on the green at Swinbrook (near Burford) twice today. Have called the pub there to get them to spread word and tried to post on the village website....can anyone poster/investigate the area tomorrow?? I have to be at salon all day.

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2008-02-21 19:03 Unknown

Well done Angus and everyone!

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2008-02-21 18:48 DogLostAngus

will be listening in later to your interview .. just to let you know new poster format going out in tomorrows post with Masies details also to 47 vets in Bucks link to those done so as not to repeat.
http://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/county/buckinghamshire.htm

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2008-02-21 18:19 pixielilly

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/noscript.shtml?/radio/aod/oxford_aod.shtml?oxford/jo_thoenes You need to push the forward 15 minutes button and then you will hear Bonnie, Me and Jayne from Doglost talking. WAS SO NERVOUS! It may make you download real player (thats fine to download!) No calls yet. We also had a piece on page 10 of the Banbury Cake today. COME ON SIA!

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2008-02-21 17:34 Filo

Been busy postering again today in Brize Norton, Alvescot and Black Bourton. Lady I bumped into in Alvescot has gone off with a load of posters to do Clanfield (she has a yard there) and is doing Witney Farm Supplies and the other farm supply shop (can't remember it's name) for me tomorrow. She did mention a black Lab that has been seen roaming around near her yard, but was under the impression it was a latch key dog. I think it's quite heavily set. She was worried about unnecessarily raising your hopes, but I tried to convince her to call you anyway, better to know one way or the other. Local PSCO's came into the office today, saw the posters and have now gone off to spread the word in the area and to PSCO's in Chippy and Charlbury. Mind you they did mention seeing the odd poster around the town!! I've tried to spread the word as much as possible to get people talking, given the fantastic publicity ob the radio and in the local papers. Let me know if I can do more. Come on Sia, time to trot up that drive or make yourself known to a rescue.

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2008-02-21 16:14 AngieG

What a lovely dog you have there hope she gets back!!

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2008-02-21 14:31 BonBon

Great broadcast. So hope this brings the news you need to find Sia.

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2008-02-21 13:44 Unknown

Well done owner-good long slot on the radio just now-lets hope this brings Sia home.

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2008-02-21 09:33 wheaten1

Hi all, I have just joined. Just wanted to see if there was anything that I could do to help with finding Sia, you are all doing such a good job and I hope she is found safe very soon! I live in Bampton! Speak soon.

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2008-02-21 09:09 Unknown

We posted at the same time. Great Coverage owner! And the icing on the cake will be your radio slot this afternoon.

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2008-02-21 08:33 Unknown

Good luck today on Radio Oxford at 1.30pm owner!

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2008-02-20 21:37 DogLostAngus

Hi Laura, I will pm my email addy send me copy of ypur new poster I will do the Milton Keynes and north bucks vets from the local phone books.

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2008-02-20 21:06 pixielilly

Thanks everyone! Its great that so many people are getting on board and helping, it just means that I can cover more ground! Finnybobs has done a grand job stuffing envelopes - its hard to do a facial and stuff envelopes at the same time! I "restyled" the doglost poster - its very eye catching and basically says "check my paws, its my only way home...." and refers to her arthritic paws. (still got all the doglost bits on!) I also did one for Maisie about her dermatitis (black lab lost in Dorset) as her owners are a bit computer shy...I may need to start tackling the vets in neighbouring counties, but will see what tomorrow brings on BBC oxford and also if Sia is in the Witney gazette. Sia HAS to be out there somewhere! Thanks a million everyone. Corbiere I will check the schools. Have got myself a pay as you go number which I will put on those posters as I know I will get a couple of pranksters! we have targeted primary schools so far, but maybe we need to do more schools...

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2008-02-20 20:00 annelouie

Sorry i am not sure if that was the right link. http://www.nantycorn.com/dogs_for_rehoming.htm, Sukimax

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2008-02-20 19:56 Unknown

Thanks!

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2008-02-20 19:54 Finnybobs

Hi Laura, I have done all the posters/envelopes. Wrote the addresses in really big writing so no way they wont be intrigued to open it. i attached a narrow note to each poster, just under sia's face, so it had the headlines, her face and then the note. basically saying please please show this poster to all your vets and nurses before you kindly display it on your notice board, thank you for your help in the search for sia. i think that really should do the trick. i love the poster, i think its really eyecatching. so all are ready to be posted tmrw : ) let me know when you need me to cover another county, but at least all vets in oxfordshire are now covered. take care, lucie

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2008-02-20 19:52 annelouie

I know the distance is a lot to north wales but just check this site out http://www.nantycorn.com/P1010308.JPG, Sukimax. xxx

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2008-02-20 19:17 Corbiere

Has anyone local delivered posters or leaflets to Whitney schools? in the bog boys' public school there, can't remember its name

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2008-02-20 19:17 Corbiere

Has anyone local delivered posters or leaflets to Whitney schools? in the big boys' public school there, can't remember its name

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2008-02-20 13:11 DogLostAngus

No problem - will let you know if I spot anything close and will alert you. s X

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2008-02-20 13:00 pixielilly

Thanks Angus, I will look in to it. If you spot any others on rescue sites PLEASE let me know...am so snowed under at work I need all the help I can get. Thank you....

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2008-02-20 12:54 garthy

dear Sia hurry safely home p.g.xxx

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2008-02-20 11:26 DogLostAngus

Just might be worth a call Chiltern Dog Rescue at Chesham have a 10 year old black spayed Lab Retriever called Tilly near the bottom of their list.
http://www.cdrs.btinternet.co.uk/
well done for all the media coverage that you have got - I really wish you well. S x

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2008-02-20 09:38 pixielilly

BRILLIANT! Thats great! Thanks for bumping Sia back up. x

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2008-02-20 08:57 Unknown

I am on Radio Oxford with you tomorrow Laura-sounds like a 1/2 hour slot they are doing on missing dogs and their behaviour-should be good and great for Sia.

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2008-02-20 08:56 Unknown

Hello! I am off to BBC Radio Oxford tomorrow to talk about Sia and the community help and of course DOGLOST! Would you be able to bump Sia back up tomorrow? Hoping that she is also in the Witney Gazette which comes out then as well. Thanks!

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2008-02-19 20:50 Filo

Carterton & Bampton now postered, vets, shops, notice bopards and local estate telegraph poles!! Our fantastic Posties are aware of Sia's plight and local office postered up too (they cover out to Burford and surrounding villages) they will spread the word. Will poster surrounding villages over the next few days. Word is begining to spread in the area, as a few people have mentioned seeing the posters around, including those posted in Charlbury (not posted by me), so we are gradually widening the search area. I hope she is still local to the area she went missing, but just in case, I will keep going. Something suggested to me today was approaching the Blue Cross, apparently they have a weekly slot on Radio Oxford (I think) doing 'rescue of the week' they may be willing to surender their slot to help search for Sia. Let me know if I can do more , I am on leave next week.

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2008-02-19 13:50 pixielilly

Thanks Batch! Am following up, lady not in today so will recheck tomorrow.. GREAT GREAT NEWS! Bonnie has been working her magic and has managed to get us a slot on BBC Oxford on Thursday afternoon. They (Phil Mercer - thank you!) are going to tie it in with a couple of other animal kind of things so thats GREEEEEEEEEAT! I'm so pleased, people are finally starting to listen! If the Witney Gazette also put Sia in this week that will be a real boost.....

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2008-02-18 21:46 shez

Sorry,it's spelt Hughes close

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2008-02-18 21:45 shez

Laura,just to say there is Huges close in Chalbury so it may have been close rather than road.

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2008-02-18 21:22 shez

Hi Laura,as you know i put posters up around Stonesfield this afternoon and spoke to the lady who said her parents saw a black Lab yesterday in Chalbury. Well the farm was Callow Farm and the shop is opposite,i have found the number and it is 01993 891967. I do hope you have found the name of the road and i'm keeping everything crossed.X

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2008-02-18 14:38 pixielilly

Bonnie my LOVELY LOVELY dog walker has been contacting "old media friends" - hopefully this means that we have secured a spot in Witney Gazette on Thurs......keep everything crossed! She has also been in touch with BBC Radio Oxford.....hopefully one of the presenters will pick up on the community involvement and run with it. My internet is down at home so I am only contactable by phone till the engineer comes out tomorrow. Sia didn't show last night. The gamekeepers are at the barn today shooting rats....(euuuuggghhh, apparently the rats eat the dead rats if they are left too long!) but the bone is still hanging and the sand is untouched. They are amazed that a fox didn't have a go at it at the very least.....but it was FREEZING last night. Should I carry on scenting the area that I lost her in????

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2008-02-17 21:35 shez

Hi Laura,well we did 4 hours this afternoon around the areas that we discussed and we only bumped into three fellow dog walkers. Idid see a jogger who saw my posters in the car and said that he came to the area every weekend and hadn't seen Sia but would keep an eye out. We then went to Stonesfield and i put some posters up but would like to go back hopefully tomorrow because i passed about four farms and i think it would be a good idea to target all the farms in the area.There are also alot of footpaths to put posters up by. Thanks so much for the lovely card and i am sorry we didn't have any good news for you this weekend but will start posting flyers through letter boxes this week. Shame about the barn,maybe she was so spooked and has just found somewhere else to lay low,there are lots of old barns around.You never know she may return at some point especially as there is a good food source there. Keep strong.X

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2008-02-17 18:49 pixielilly

Did a massive walk this morning and have just got in from another 3 hrs and I know that Batch did a massive walk today and yesterday (thank you SO much). Have taken to scenting with pilchards and james wellbeloved in hot water in 2 litre bottle with holes poked in top....it STINKS! Nothing - ZIP - this dog is nowhere to be seen and hasnt been seen since TUESDAY! Everyone (and it is very rural) in the area knows she is missing. She must be sleeping somewhere...its SOOOO cold, why is she not going back to the barn (its now the equivalent to Harrods food hall for dogs!)? The honking bone wasn't touched at all over night (I think its SO cold that it didnt even thaw out today!) and the straw in the barn was not slept in. ARGGGHHHH. What do I do now? ...... ..... What would a labrador be doing in this weather (probably snoring in front of someone elses fire!). Does scenting work when it is SOO cold? HELP!

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2008-02-17 11:44 shez

Morning Laura, I wouldn't dream of going near the barn as i know how important it is to seeing if it is Sia that has been useing it. We will be out there with you in an hour or so but will prob search around Ramsden today. See you later.

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2008-02-17 09:51 DogLostAngus

Good luck today Rhubarb (love that name !) willing you to find Sia soon.

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2008-02-17 09:38 pixielilly

Hi Batch, can you give me a call as we are off for another couple of hours and not sure which area we will have covered. If you find the barns, could I ask you not to take dogs in there. Sia is a little shy of dogs (not in a bad way, but she wasn't socialised much I don't think, she isn't very good at having her bottom sniffed - she goes all stiff and looks a bit odd!) and so we are hoping that because she LOVES Rhubarb if it is just Rhubarbs smell and wee around then it won't put her off at all. We have also hung a huge bone from a tree branch (prob not rat proof but the only thing that we could do!) and put sand underneath it so we don't want dogs jumping in the sand and making us think Sia has been there! As for shooting, she LOVES guns, but would make a rubbish gundog (the "lock on" she gets when hunting - she's done exactly what she wants for the first 6-7 years of her life when she was down in Kent), but likes the whole idea of it (probably something to do with the possibility of people having packets of crisps in their lunches!). I know Steve the gamekeeper has his eyes peeled and he is a full time game keeper so he is out ALL the time. If she is in those woods, he would see her. Speak to you later.

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2008-02-16 19:56 shez

Also i went to the farm and cottages but no sightings but everyone i spoke to knew she was missing so that is great. I also took some very smelly tripe sticks which dogs love!

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2008-02-16 19:46 shez

Hi Laura,sorry i only go on the net in the evening but i wondered where you worked. We did around both woods today and were out all morning till 1pm when alas my cousin was visiting from Wales so had to stop. I spoke to the lady of the Manor who said i should go and speak to the gamekeeper who wasn't in so i left a note because we felt we couldn't do a full search in the woods without permission. Steve rang later but said they were out shooting deer tomorrow so he doesn't want us in the woods. This might be a good thing as she may be gun shy so might come out of the woods if she is in them. The more we walked around the more i thought how easy it was for her to get to those woods from where she ran off.But also if she is gun shy we don't realy want her to run! I will continue to reach you at home and hope to meet you out there tomorrow. WE WILL FIND HER!!!!!!!! X

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2008-02-16 19:39 digbysowner

....just a quick suggestion. If you're having trouble creating a "story" around Sia to get in the papers, maybe Rhubarb you could do something to create a story (streak down Oxford high street in protest or something!) I'm sure Keelah has some good ideas....

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2008-02-16 16:59 labrador lil

Have printed out more posters and will distribute them. She has to be out there somewhere, dont give up the search, I only wish Ilived nearer, I would be out there helping you every day. I log on here first thing every morning hoping for good news.

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2008-02-16 16:17 pixielilly

As we speak, the boys are with Lady Cecil at Wilcote and she has given them full access to their land which includes lots of lovely copse's and a very nice gamekeeper called Steve (we met him before when we were hunting for a lab that turned out to be someone elses!). People couldn't be kinder and luckily the shooting season is over so tramping around isn't quite so bad .... I'm so frustrated sitting in the salon, I want to be out there! They bought pilchards and so on as we read on another profile that this may be good. If the Cecils have an area (they are about 3/4 mile from derelict barn) that we can make another nest for Sia, would that be a good idea. she DEFINITELY isn't going back to the barn to sleep as we fluff all the straw up every night (and toss a few rats around too!) and it isn't squashed at all. It would also make leaving food out easier as there is NO hope with the rats! Ideas please! Going to poster the area tomorrow with new bright coloured SIA SEEN posters!

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2008-02-16 15:07 Keelah

Laura, think of you and sia all the time, to confirm press release has been sent again with all kinds of grovels, creeps, kisses and pleads. we need to get her in the media but we also need to raise awareness of this dog. i am assuming any village she can reach from where the sighting was has been postered so if she trots in there peopel know who to call? Perhaps put some signs up on the tracks you know this sited dog has been seen on, so if someone is out walking or working and they see her in the same manner this man did, they can call you also? x

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2008-02-16 08:21 pixielilly

Thank you thank you thank you! Am printing loads out as we speak. Batch, I am at salon all day - its called Nicetouch - 4 West Street Chippy. Opposite the Old Mill Coffee shop - it used to be called "merchants". I am printing a load of these little posters off so please by and collect some if you need them.

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2008-02-16 00:00 Yasa

Thanks Jan. Smaller posters are now on the info centre left hand side just above Dolly's Directive logo. Please download and print. Use them for handouts and for posting through doors. Come on Sia ! x

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2008-02-15 23:39 DogLostMajorjet (Jan) - Area Co-ordinator - Liverpool/Merseyside, North West

Smallers posters for lovely Sia now done and emailed to Yasa for the Info Centre. Good luck and hope to see her in the blue soon. Jan x

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2008-02-15 23:21 Yasa

Some good ideas from Batch there. Laura I will ask Majorjet to make some small flyers up for you that you can print from the info centre.

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2008-02-15 20:30 sparkys owner

Hello sia owners. your commitment to locating sia reminds me of when i lost my labrador. don't give up as i was reunited 7 months later so please please keep going.

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2008-02-15 18:30 shez

Hi Laura, I definitly think you should carry on the search around Wilcote until you are sure it is or isn't Sia. I have a video camera we could set up in the barn if that would help but it hasn't got great night vision but we may get something? I went to the posal office in Chippy and asked about delivering flyers but alas we would have to go through Royal Mail and that would cost alot of money. If you could make a small flyer say 6x4 photo size with a good head shot of Sia and a heartfelt plea we can get copies and even if we don't do every door i realy do think if this dog isn't sia it is worth a try because it will get people talking. I will get some of my doggie friends to walk in the area over the weekend. I will get my pack together and go in the morning,they will enjoy a change as we have just been doing Cornbury alot since Sia went missing.I will try and find the farms aswell(maybe i will find a nice farmer while i'm there!) .When i said about Sia latching on to someone i didn't mean you should give up on the sightings. Happy to help and so glad your feeling more positive. Will be intouch.X

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2008-02-15 10:05 pixielilly

I am RENEWED! Didn't go to the pub, just had a massive sob about everything and now feeling exhausted but more positive. Am going to get Sia into the papers. Its what needs to happen. Anyone want to help me?! I think whilst I freeze my bum off bbquing, she is probably snoring her head off in front of someone elses fire.....But, till Sunday, Wilcote is my target have been studying map of area. If anyone wants to walk their dogs around the finstock/wilcote area over the weekend. I need people to walk in Topples Wood just up from the Plough in Finstock and also in Ladygrove (they are marked on os map). There are 3 disused quarries in that area.....may be a possibility. am making a triangle theory in my head back the the sighting of the labrador sitting on the grass verge.... if she walked directly across the road from there, she would have been on a footpath that would lead her into those woods and then on to the barn (eventually). Its worth a try. Also need to get to Bridewell Farm and Bridewell Farm Cottages as I have not managed to get there yet....Batch, if you have some friends who want to walk it would be really appreciated (i cant find your number). I have to work tomorrow (sat) so will only be able to do morning walk but Charlie and Tommy and Rhubarb can do a couple of hours in the afternoon. Am around all sunday and we will do a massive walk then.

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2008-02-14 20:34 pixielilly

Thank you for your messages everyone - batch and also your message on my home phone. I hardly ever listen for messages on the home phone, so please try my mobile! We had another BBQ at the barn tonight, stinky sausages accompanied by 30 or so rats! We have scented 4 walks within a 180 degrees view from the barn and will do the other 180degrees - probably another 3 walks tomorrow, then the whole area is done and there really is nothing more we can do. I share your thoughts exactly batch, she is more likely to be begging for crisps at the school gates than being this extraordinarily elusive dog. Quite apart from that, if you search all the labs on this site, more often than not they are returned/reunited/handed in or caught within the first couple of days. The "red" labradors on this site seem to be a bit of a mystery if any more than 2 weeks passes.....I think in my heart i feel she is being "cared for" by someone and without the press helping me out I won't be able to reach enough people for me to ever warrant getting her back. Thats why I feel so helpless. I think the ritual of me going and scenting and BBQing is more because I feel that I should rather than that I know it is her (i don't know its her - I have NO idea if it is!). I just wouldn't want to not do my best! It is so time consuming and I can't really be chasing after everything that gets reported as it detracts from my business and I am very needed there as well. I dont think that no Sia and no business would make 2008 a very good year! I think we will carry on with the barns at Wilcote till the weekend is over and then it will just have to be word of mouth and trying to get some press. I have done all I can - I'm not giving up, but I can't keep this pace up! Moan winge moan winge. I am going to the pub now as I need some time out and a bit of a giggle!

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2008-02-14 20:30 shez

I forgot to mention that at Foxbury Farm near Brize Norton they have had some lambs killed recently,it probably isn't connected but i thought you should know. More likely to be the big black cat.

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2008-02-14 19:57 shez

Hi Laura,today i had a spare hour or so and took a drive around Wilcote and the area surrounding hoping to have a sighting of Sia but nothing. I did spot afew farmers and showed them a poster and asked them to keep an eye out for her. One of them was a lady and she said that she had seen the poster and had been checking her old sheds. I have only ever known labs to be so friendly and wanting everybodies attention unless that is they have had a bad start in life so as you said Sia is a classic lab ie very friendly i am suprised she hasn't latched onto someone. You are the only one who know's Sia,do you think she would run from strangers? Is there anything from her past life that could affect what she is thinking? I thought if we made some little flyers we could post them through every letter box in the villages around Finstock and i am sure that if we asked the local postmen they would help with this.I am sure i can rally around some friends to help with this aswell if you think it's worth doing. We all wish there was more we could do to lift your spirits.Try to stay strong for Sia. X

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2008-02-14 16:02 Nic Jones

MEH!! I made my brain hurt thinking that one up too, oh well xx

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2008-02-14 15:57 Rushmoor Dog Warden

Debbie_Jayne, I dont mean to be a kill joy but that wont work. Rats can jump several feet and if they smell food they will have no problem jumping up to get it, even if they dont get in the bowl they will jump up enough unbalance it and make the food tip out.

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2008-02-14 11:11 Nic Jones

When I say PIECE of metal I mean as in POLE like, I really need to think before I post.

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2008-02-14 11:08 Nic Jones

Hi Rhubabrb, I can't be of any physical help, too far away but have been following Sia's story, with regards to keeping rats off the food I've been thinking, now this may sound a little strange but hear me out, it may just work...........could you get a piece of metal and either yourself or someone else bend it over and make a little hook type thing on the end, find a plastic dish, make some holes, attach some string or suchlike through the holes and hang it from the pole, stick it in the ground so its about Sia's head height and grease the pole so those damn rats can't get to it?, sounds silly I know but it may just work, good luck with whatever you do and I hope she's home soon. Deb xx

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2008-02-14 09:37 pixielilly

Hi Bruce - that would be GREAT! There is a laminated one ready to go at House and Carriage (on the industrial bit behind the station). The also have double sided sticky tape that doesn't hurt the paintwork! I will get them to call you and work out a good time. THANK YOU!

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2008-02-14 09:34 pixielilly

Having a really down day. Just got the Witney Gazette - NOTHING, not a mention. I was really hoping that they had picked up on the story. Especially Sia being rescued 1.5 yrs ago by the very vans that now have her photo plastered all over them....If I had kids I think it would be a different story! Can anyone lend me a couple of really miserable looking children for a photo opportunity?!! We did another BBQ at dusk yesterday, this time it was steak - it was a still night so I don't know how far the smell would have gone. Have now got hold of all the owners of the surrounding woods (everyone has been amazingly gracious about me tramping across their land dragging a pair of M&S opaque tights with the hoover contents dipped in wee....!) and have done scenting through all of them back to the barn.....The bowl of food had gone, but I really think it was the revolting rats as they were just EVERYWHERE when I got back there at 5.30pm last night (there were little crumbs in the bottom of the bowl as well and Sia likes to lick the bowl shiney!). Not sure how to get around the rats eating any food that we put out - it sort of defeats the point. I guess that the shed may have been a one off visit or part of a ritual that she does but sadly we don't know if it is her or even what the other parts of the ritual are and no one else has seen her (it is very rural, a hamlet). There are lots of footpaths so maybe someone will spot her at some point. Went out again this morning and knocked on more peoples doors....I have to admit that I do seem to have two estates (the land is on the edge of two large estates) who have really lovely gamekeepers who are very well respected in the community. Do Labradors stay away from people for this long? I don't know what to think. Must keep postive but its probably the hardest emotional challenge I have ever come up against. If a labrador has a routine, how long do you think I should keep BBQing or should I stop until we have another sighting? COME HOME SIA, I'M BEGINNING TO RUN OUT OF ENERGY!

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2008-02-13 19:53 shez

Hi Laura,gosh i do so hope it is Sia. I will give you a ring and see if you would like any company on your mission. Thinking of you. x

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2008-02-13 13:52 joleivesley

Rhubarb, if you can contact me on 07500105450 i would be willing to put an A3 poster on our van We live in Charlbury but i am driving around the oxfordshire and Gloucestershire district

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2008-02-13 10:22 UNKNOWN

Digby's owner, good idea to get footprints but you need wet sand for that. Plaster of paris is used wet for taking casts of footprints after they have been made. If you scatter it dry in the area, it may well either blow away or get damp and set hard before the animal arrives, also it is much more expensive then wet sand.

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2008-02-13 10:16 UNKNOWN

The triangle theory was put forward by one of our trap consultants, I think it was Martyn. He said that most dogs living rough stake out a triangular territory and move round its perimeter. We have found this to be mostly correct. If you can work out the triangle you can get ahead of the dog. It takes a while to map out the triangle though. I'm glad you have taken heart from the other accounts on here of catching dogs. It does take thought and a lot of patience, but you have the advantage that a lab is unlikely to travel a very big triangle.

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2008-02-13 09:28 digbysowner

A good idea when trying to determine if a dog was there is to put something around the food. I think plaster of paris is the right stuff (in powder form of course!) then you can analyse the footprints and see if it's a fox or a big dog. GOOD LUCK! Everything crossed.

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2008-02-13 08:05 rostro

just logged on to see how things went.sorry it was a no show. one thing the game keepers there seem to be helping you alot with access etc so lets be grateful for that as that helps alot. i really wish you all the luck in the world xx

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2008-02-13 07:31 pixielilly

Just got back from "dawn" patrol. NOTHING! NOTHING NOTHING! We left the disposible BBQ outside the barn (having extinguished it!) with 2 sausages and a piece of bacon on. Even the rats didn't eat it! (I will be taking ketchup tonight, my bread roll and sausage was dull as!)!!! Car still exactly how it was left and absolutely no squashed patches of straw elsewhere. ooooooohhhhhhh. Have left bowl of james wellbeloved topped with pedigree chum (more her thing possibly!) and will go back out with Rhubarb to do more scenting. Have been reading Bailey, Picalo and Holly's action packed thrillers so I know that now (if this dog is actually Sia!) its a game of wits and patience ..... I just wish I could glimpse the dog and make the positive sighting! Have no triangle (can someone explain the triangle theory) to go on. If it is Sia, she is only 1-1.5 miles by footpath (so probably less by Labrador route!) from Finstock where she went from. Am working today so can scent this morning and will get back to do BBQ (is this a good idea?) at dusk seeing as have no idea where else this dog could be. Lots of bits of woodland around so this dog could be anywhere! I SO hope its Sia. Thank you for your messages. Its great to read them. Sherlock Bones. I am looking in to two possible dog traps that the RSPCA have in Oxford. Otherwise, if it gets to the point that we need one, we may well call on you.....C'MON SIA.....where ever you are!!!!

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2008-02-13 05:49 DogLostAngus

hoping that this is Sia and that she has picked up on you scent and will be ready to be caught soon. Good luck

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2008-02-13 00:23 UNKNOWN

Good luck tonight! I don't envy you the rats, but if they keep Sia going back to the barn they are doing a good job in this case.

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2008-02-12 23:33 Goldenfrodo

Best of luck. Thinking of you xxx

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2008-02-12 22:41 penink

The very best wishes for an early result...

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2008-02-12 20:50 DogLostSherlock Bones Police Liaison Co-ordinator

Rhubarb... we have a trap in Surrey (leatherhead area) if you do need one. As for when to attend... well if she's ratting then she's out when the rats are - usually dawn and dusk. When people aren't around and food is, is the rule of thumb. Your alternative is to sleep there but your chances of seeing her when you're awake are remote and she's more likely to be there in the hours that you're sleepy! (and you'll have to face the rats!). My gut feeling is that what she needs is a dead rat in a trap - I don't go for all that stuff about getting dogs used to traps - they only need one chance in it and it's shut. However... she ain't gonna be hungry if there's too much food for her to catch. Keep scenting the area, that's important to get her to realise that you're there. IF you do see her, adopt dog behaviour - her mind will be saying that she's in trouble cos she's run away from mum - so light airy voice (remember puppy training classes!) - low movements - crouching is best. DO NOT look at her directly - avert your eyes and call her softly. No loud noises. If she is coming towards you WALK AWAY. This is the tough part - it goes against your instincts - but once she recognises you, she will come to you - if you go to her, her feral instincts will say to run. take a lead that's easy to throw over her - a rope sort is best, the kind that are collar and lead in one, choke style - then you won't be grabbing for her scruff or to collar her. you'll get there - but it'll take time and you need to be patient. If you're putting food down, establish a routine - same time morning and evening - usually dusk and dawn again are good times, less things going on to frighten her. SB xx

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2008-02-12 20:27 annelouie

Sounds really promising, Keeping everything crossed for you, love sukimax. xxxxxxxxxx

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2008-02-12 20:13 pixielilly

No trap being used tonight - they are all in use and the general consensus amongst the game keepers and me was to acertain whether she was bedding down in these barns or whether she had just been disturbed "ratting" this morning (he disturbed the dog about 9am and when it was trotting down the road it was covered in straw!). RATS. Oh about 70 (no joke!) of the vile creatures! There is a pheasant pen out the back all the wire is up as the season is over now but normally the rats hang out round the feeding machine there.....BUT they are all now in the barn! Hopping, Skipping, squeaking!!!!Sia is a CHAMPION ratter (probably from her past life!) but this would be Sia heaven. What we need to work out now is....is this the labrador's (still don't know for sure it is Sia) home or had it just discovered it.....I followed the direction that the gamekeeper had told me she went in (he has a walking stick so is not able to walk fast - which is why he didn't get to follow her far) for about 1/2 a mile and then scented back up to the barn. Took up a disposible BBQ and lit it at about 5.30 and cooked sausages and bacon on it. They unlocked the gates and let me reverse my car in to the barn (have gone to great lengths to block the boot off so no rats can get in the rest of my car!!!) so car is now in barn with her bed and tshirts and so on all arranged in a fashion that I would know if something larger than a rat was in there! (no food as the rats are just out of control). What can we do to work out whether it is her or the rats (the food would have been gone in 5 minutes)....any bright ideas?! Popped back about 10 minutes ago. Nothing. Will go back at 6.30 - or should i go between now and then? I keep thinking that I should just leave it be a little so that she is encouraged to go back and look without humans being around.....From a water perspective....there are two ponds one out the front, one out the back and until last week every saturday all the shoots dogs would meet there (beaters) and so there is a bucket of fresh water. SOOOO I dont think this dog has been there for long (did shooting season end last weekend or the weekend before) as they would have been disturbed by alot of dogs a few times a week.....head is about to explode. Any advice greatly received! Fingers crossed it is Sia. I showed the game keeper 3 colour photos of her and he told me that he really felt that it was her........

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2008-02-12 19:26 UNKNOWN

Come on Sia, traps are not nasty things ask Holly about them they are nice places where you will be re-united with your lovely and very tired owner. Don't get too frustrated, she will be home with you soon. Sorry I am too far away to help but my thoughts are with you.....

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2008-02-12 19:23 Meeka

I will keep EVERYTHING crossed for you - will wait for good news. Keep your spirits up but don't push your luck - everything sounds so promising that it is Sia - try to get some sleep tonight, sounds like you wont get much in the coming days

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2008-02-12 17:49 labrador lil

Am keeping my everything crossed that this is a positive sighting and Sia will be persuaded into the trap. Good luck Laura I will be thinking of you. Have PM'd you my number if you need some extra help

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2008-02-12 16:14 Unknown

Thanks. Owner has been to the area ,left her scent etc and is going back later with a BBQ-they are going to leave their car their overnight too.

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2008-02-12 14:32 carolmil

Hi there I noticed one of Sia's posters while i was out last night in Witney. It looked as if it's got a bit wet so i'll print one tonight and replace it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she's home with you soon x

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2008-02-12 13:50 UNKNOWN

Oops - my post should read "that kind of surface WHILE she eats".

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2008-02-12 13:33 UNKNOWN

Hi Rhubarb, the first rule for trapping is to get the dog used to going into the trap for food before you set it, so she feels safe there. To start off with, place some food outside the trap on a large piece of mesh so she gets used to standing on that kind of surface which she eats. Then move towards and into the trap in stages - softly, softly approach, don't rush things. I'm going to PM you my contact details so if you need any advice re scenting etc you can call me, I am usually around. We also have a couple of very experienced trappers who advise us.

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2008-02-12 13:31 garthy

be safe dear Sia and hurry home p.g.xxx

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2008-02-12 12:53 cosmicveggie

I do hope this is Sia for her sake as well as all of us biting our nails in anticipation!! GOOD LUCK AND MAY THE FAIRY DOGMOTHER BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!! XXX

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2008-02-12 12:27 Unknown

I will call you.

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2008-02-12 12:24 Unknown

Hi Jayne and Sian Just had a call from a game keeper in a place called Wilcote (about 2 miles from where she vanished) he thinks he disturbed a dog sleeping in some straw in a derelict barn. Black lab, not moving very well and scared. He called out to it and it took off (but not in a young lab way) down the lane and stuck to the tarmac (she may be doing this as its V frosty and her paws will be sore today). He is going to try and get us a fox trap for tonight. Have been to the barn, it has a massive area of loose straw (like a ski slope!) which would be very nice to sleep in and lots of dead cars and old freezers and bins and overgrown bushes and stuff. It is a little way up a track so off the road. We could ask him to unlock the gates and put the car in there or a fox trap (don?t even know if its Sia!) but he assures me it isn't any of the locals dogs and that that he knows all the dogs like Max the lab we chased last week (he is only about ? mile away) as they get into his pheasant pens! WHAT NOW!? I don?t want to stuff this up! Confused about scenting, trapping can I do everything, should I ? arggghhhh! Its 4 weeks today. COME ON SIA?.

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2008-02-11 23:40 jeepsmi

The only person who really knows where Sia is, is the Good Lord himself, and right now he aint telling! We need to get him to sign up as a helper at doglost! All those other people are just out to make money.

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2008-02-11 22:22 pixielilly

keelah and Julie (one of my clients at the salon) have done a sterling job on putting together some press releases.....will keep everything crossed. Been sent to Banbury Guardian, Chipping Norton News, Oxford Mail and Witney Gazette. A lovely lady from Leafield called up and is a sales rep and wants posters for the back of her car and to off as well. Another contact from Carterton area is getting posters so that she can poster the area down there. Bought a laminator (thanks Digby's mum for the suggestion) and am rather excited about my first "lamination" Its all gone terribly quiet. Maybe the chilly nights are keeping all the escape artist Labradors in at the moment.

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2008-02-11 12:33 Goldenfrodo

Try not to get too upset about these idiots who think they can tell you whats happened to Sia. Keep your chin up. Sending you love and positive thoughts from North Wales. xxx

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2008-02-11 08:34 pixielilly

Have had pictures taken of me standing by the vans with the Sia posters on and will retry this week to get into some papers - C'mon papers!!! Help me out here! No calls all weekend - well apart from a relayed message from some "beginner medium" based down in cornwall (a different one to the one I avoided) ....apparently Sia is dead in a snare. (NICE) Thanks for that, I really needed that and anyway, what are you doing practicing your pshcho babble on my dog when I didn't even ask you to!!!!! Cornbury have assured me that there are NO snares as they have deer all over the park which are there to breed and also for stalking and it would be detrimental for them to be setting snares. One gamekeeper also pointed out that if someone had snares, they are usually checking them frequently, so she would have been found by now. I am so confused. Am now trying to contact all farmers in 5 mile radius to ask them as well. If this draws a blank - the psychic bloke from Cornwall has alot to answer for! Any psychics reading - I DONT WANT TO KNOW YOU ALL SAY TOTALLY DIFFERENT THINGS ANYWAY!

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2008-02-08 22:33 pixielilly

Thank you garthy, ash and corbiere. No calls today. Am going to plod on with getting some press - I honestly think she is at someones house! Went to Witney today - poster up in library now and took poster in to police station and rechecked all handed in dogs (only 3 logged since NY). Have persuaded postal advertiser which is a free advert magazine to place Sia in any free slots they get for the March edition.....lots of people in oxfordshire read it.....

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2008-02-08 07:58 Flora-springer

Have sent posters to my Brother in law at Witney he belongs to a fishing club, drives a JCB, also has a boat on the Thames so covers quite a lot of countryside daily. Hoping & praying for you & your lovely dog. jan

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2008-02-07 23:07 garthy

hurry safely home dear Sia p.g.xxx

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2008-02-07 23:04 Corbiere

Sia added to Lost & Found section on Gundog Club website with link

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2008-02-07 22:07 wendykayla

Our labrador went missing on the 25th january in Hackney. Your search is encouraging us not to give up even when we don t know where else to turn. Our heart goes out to you

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2008-02-07 22:04 Millys Mum

I just wanted to say what a beautiful photo that is of your Sia - she's gorgeous. Hope tomorrow brings you the call that you've both been waiting for. Come on Sia, we need you to show your pretty face!

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2008-02-07 21:29 shez

Oh Rhubarb i am sorry it wasn't Sia and i was just going to hop in the car to drive over when i read your last message. Keep your chin up hunny i am sure she will be found soon.

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2008-02-07 20:53 jeepsmi

When I lost my Boxer, all the reported sightings of him took place in half light. It was either at six in the morning, when it was still pretty dark (it was February) or it was twighlight in the early evening. I came to the conclusion that he was hiding somewhere during the day and roaming around when it got dark. After we got him home, for about two weeks he would try and lie underneath the table, ot the airing racks with washing on. I'm sure thats what he did when he was lost, and he was only gone for a week. You are having so many sightings I don't think it will be too long before you are together again. Julie xx

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2008-02-07 19:11 Keelah

press release sent to chipping norton paper. oxford mail and also the banbury papers, which appear to cover chipping norton. we need a witney angle to convince them to run the story - can we get a pic of one of the vans with the signs on them take, perhaps with laura in front? We can then use that as an angle re roads of oxfordshire being taken over by fleet of vans, laura you have my number, i am so sorry today was a disappointment, but we will all keep goingx

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2008-02-07 18:28 annelouie

Oh God you must feel so dissapointed, Some people dont deserve to have these pets and cannot see what they are risking, My heart goes out to you, You must feel so helpless, But remember she IS out there, You WILL find her, Dont lose heart for one minute,,, I wish i was closer to help you, but my thoughts and prayers are with you, Sia will come back i am sure of it, Love Sukimax. xxxxx

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2008-02-07 17:48 Unknown

Maybe you could get owners to put a bright bandana around her neck so you can discount further mix ups?

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2008-02-07 17:33 pixielilly

It wasnt Sia. The dog in question gets out alot (WHY WHY WHY do people allow their dogs to get out of the garden as part of the daily routine!? Buy a bigger gate/fence or build it a run that is dog proof!). He was a lovely two year old black lab called Max. He is out and about most days and owners seem v relaxed about it. He was wearing a black collar and a massive medallion with his name and number on. The owners can account for the fact that he is missing at least once or twice a day (?!?!) I feel so sad. 1 because is wasn't my See Bee Monster and 2 because that dog won't live to be 3 if its out every day. So, back to the theory that she is being "looked after" = no story about her in the Witney Gazette (humph) and seem to have terrible powers at getting her into any other publication. I feel emotionally wrung out! Keelah has put together a great press release so will start again tomorrow. Thanks for all your encouraging messages. I hope that one day I can put some really good news up!

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2008-02-07 16:55 Keelah

it's not sia :(

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2008-02-07 16:45 Keelah

owner on her way back to another siting of the dog in the village

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2008-02-07 14:48 Matherick

Cosmicveggie i have pm'd you.

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2008-02-07 14:19 rostro

laura my heart goes out to you as you are trying so hard to find sia. i do hope you are successfull.only wish we were closer annd could help.xx

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2008-02-07 13:30 cosmicveggie

I wish I could help, but I'm miles away.... so sorry x

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2008-02-07 11:18 Matherick

Come on Sia show yourself again sweetheart. (if it's you) hope so.... Stay safe until your found poppet. x

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2008-02-07 10:13 Keelah

oh come on darling sia - Laura have all the info and press release on its way!

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2008-02-07 09:52 pixielilly

Just got back in from searching this morning. NOTHING. In daylight - it is lots of fields with thick hedges (where you could stay dry and shetler) and little bits of woodland dotted around and one HUGE manure heap. Have moved the A1 poster from Finstock to the area that we think she was seen (the lady last night couldnt remember exactly which part of the 1.5 miles of verge she had seen the dog on) have postered area with posters and put stickers on saying LABRADOR SEEN 5th and 6th JAN between Ramsden and Hailey (spelt it wrong before). Have been to the houses on outskirts of the villages, went to the pub last night and told the locals turns out that one of the guys who came on the big walk drinks there, so that was a bonus), and the couple of houses in between so they are all aware. Will call the dog warden and Witney police now in case she was handed in overnight. IS ANYONE AROUND who lives nearby? I have a full day at the salon.....can't let my clients down. If there is anyone in the area, please can you walk your dogs around that area.......if you see her GRAB her! Doesn't sound like this dog is jumpy (and nor is Sia) and she is VERY calm and not agressive. Maureen the psychic called me just now and I told her that I had changed my mind and didn't want to speak with her. She had this wierd voice and said "ohhh well then I guess I can't tell you what I know" I just put the phone down and her voice had doooooommmm in it. Horrid. Not going down that route again!

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2008-02-07 09:00 Yasa

Good Luck !!! Hope its Sia. Come on girl x

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2008-02-07 08:48 DogLostMajorjet (Jan) - Area Co-ordinator - Liverpool/Merseyside, North West

Good Luck and hope to see lovely Sia in the blue soon. Jan x

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2008-02-07 08:42 cosmicveggie

Wishing you all the luck you need!!!! You're doing fantastically well, I'm sure you're nearly there and she'll be home very soon!! x

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2008-02-07 08:06 Unknown

Fingers crossed for you Sia.

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2008-02-07 07:30 annelouie

God this sounds exciting, Please let is be Sia, Keeping fingers and paws crossed for you, Love Sukimax. xxxx

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2008-02-06 22:31 pixielilly

ANOTHER sighting of this dog that was seen last night in Ramsden. If you head past the pub (pub on left) out of Ramsden as if heading towards Hayley it was seen "somewhere" along there on the right hand side. Possibly near the staggered cross roads about 1/2 mile out. Lady stopped car, dog approached, she tried saying Sia but couldn't really remember the name - the dog hung around and had a greying muzzle and a collar on (didn't see what colour). It wandered off. She drove a bit further up the road. Stopped again, got out of car, approached dog. Could have grabbed her, but said she felt "silly" in case it was someone elses....ARGGGHHHHHHH. By the time i got there 15 mins later, NOTHING. Back out tomorrow at 6.45. We drove around for 45 mins first time and then came back out and drove about again for about 20 mins......If it was (and I can't be excited) she is about 3 miles from where we lost her and still would not have crossed a river.....

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2008-02-06 20:28 shez

Hi Rhubarb,i am so glad you have asked people to put posters in the back of cars as it realy does get alot of attention.I was sorry about dear Grace and feel for the owners aswell as you having to go through that. I am sure you will be able to stop the cheque that you have sent to that psychic.I did think that you could get intouch with the celeb psychic sally Morgan,i googled her and i think she would be the one to get intouch with.i think she is on a sky channel tonight if you want to check her out.I wouldn't go for anyone but she realy is amazeing! I think getting intouch with Ben is great but sorry he is away,he has hosted crufts the last few years so hope he will be back for that and then we could collar him! If not i have a contact that knows his dad so i will see what i can do. Have you had any luck with the television channels or the Paul o Grady show? Today i drove around the area but also went towards Burford and Leafield. I will continue to search and the thinking cap is always on for new ideas? Take Care

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2008-02-06 17:41 pixielilly

Ooooohhhhh Ben Fogle is away for a month. Arggh. Ideas anyone?!

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2008-02-06 17:35 pixielilly

Its been a quiet day today. Only one call, a woman in Ramsden saw a labrador wandering down a lane at about 11pm last night. She remembered my ad in Witney Gazette and called this morning. She is going to go back and look again today (I am car less today as its being serviced). Had some excellent posters made - A3 Landscape with a new photo (check out her new doglost one, its the same!) to go an another 5 vans.....Also emailed Ben Fogle's (he loves labradors) agent and asked if he would ever do some doglost PR using Sia as a case study....I guess at some point someone may take pity on me! Keelah (press officer @ doglost) had some cracking ideas. Just now got to make them work! Does ANYONE out there have PR or PRESS contacts or is anyone any good at writing cracking press releases (mine are too emotional!!)? I can offer you treatments or products (we do LOVELY ones!) in return (PM me and I can give you my website details)......

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2008-02-05 22:16 labrador lil

Laura. I have had Sias poster in my car since we spoke. She has "travelled"with me to Wales and back and every time I park anywhee I try to park so passers by can read the poster. Lots of people have seen the poster, Iknow, and they all ask me about her. I keep spreading the word and I check here every day for possible good news. Keep your chin up...she has to be out there somewhere.

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2008-02-05 19:32 Keelah

rhubarb - who at the oxford mail did you speak to? Ask for Jason Collie head of news and tell him it is doglost.co.uk and Sian said to ring and ask for help. In terms of the business, can you kill two birds there as well, in terms of getting customers on board? I am so far away in south wales but do know this area a little as used to work there. please feel free to contact me on 07843 681980 if you need a hand

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2008-02-05 19:14 pixielilly

Oh gawwwd. I just read digby's story and whilst it made me even more determined that Sia has had a similar "vanishing" story....the bit about the psychic has made me go cold....I sent her the photos and cheque yesterday. I dont want to speak to her. oh nooooooooooooo I think maybe my normal pretty pragmatic approach is seriously stunted at the moment as normally I would not entertain the idea. I need to get the word spread as far as possible are there more people that can help ??? I am trying as much as I can, but what with owning my own business and having to actually be at the salon in person and trying to do this at night, I am really starting to feel like I am getting left behind! Can people put the poster in the back of their cars - PLEASE! She could be ANYWHERE and the more the sightings come in and are wrong, the more I think that she is in someones house..... I walked and walked in the pissing rain this morning, nothing. Rhubarb was going crazy - the fields were full of bunnies and so she darted about all over the shop and finished it of by doing a huge belly flop in the river.....there is NO way Sia would go over the river, its really swollen. Also the fields around that area are waterlogged and really muddy - she has terribly arthritic front paws (someone slammed them in a door when she was younger, well thats what the vet thinks as they xrayed them, broke all the little bones and did nothing to get them sorted.....- that was before I had her...) and so even when we are on walks, she absolutely always avoids muddy, watery places. Went back out this afternoon on the other side of the river to look back at where she may have been. there are really only hedgerows for her to shelter in and it has been diabolical weather.... I KNOW it isn't Sia. I think he saw a muntjack and when the light is fading, they can look deceptively like a labrador (from afar!). Feeling blue so going to stuff my face with pancakes!

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2008-02-05 17:31 Mandiemoo

My black lab Cleo & I are keeping our paws & fingers crossed for you, that you will soon have your beautiful dog home. I can only imagine what you are going through & I really hope that you have some good news really soon. In our prayers...... xx

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2008-02-05 15:19 digbysowner

I am responding to your note below about the so called "psychic" you mention below. My dog Digby was stolen last year and I didn't get him back for 10 weeks. In the meantime I too was called by the woman with Bush recommending the woman you have contacted. This woman is not to be trusted. She told me Digby was dead, and spun a load of rubbish about where he was. SHE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG. I was very distressed when she called me and said with absolute confidence that he was dead. PLEASE DO NOT TRUST HER. She sounds like a lovely little old lady, but she is after the money. If you are interested, please read Digby's thread (border Terrier). I wasted days following up her stupid, rubbish about where he was etc. If I had believed her, I wouldn't have Digby back now.

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2008-02-05 11:42 labrador lil

Come on Sia, stay safe and let your mum find you

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2008-02-05 11:19 Unknown

Fingers crossed its Sia.

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2008-02-05 09:35 annelouie

Come on Sia, you need to be home, Sukimax. xxxxxxxxx

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2008-02-04 21:38 pixielilly

Hi Batch, Smarties Mum, Barney and Ozzies mum, jeepsmi, judith b - thank you for all your messages and help. Have contacted all the places you recommended. They have posters as well. Spoke to the Oxford Mail today - they may or may not be able to do something for Witney Gazette and Oxford Mail - seems like a bit of a lottery.... Had a bloke called John call me (just as it was getting dark - its ALWAYS the way!). He saw a labrador (quite big) black....it was the other side of the river and 2 fields away......so he couldnt get it and anyway he was driving a tractor at the time. It was not hunting, just walking fairly slowly by a hedgerow. It is in a place where there are NO houses for about 1/4-1/2 mile. If it is Sia, then she is still on the same side of the river that we lost her (and considering her loathing of water, that may be a positive sighting) whats not so good is that where she is now she is pretty much surrounded by train track and river and the B4437 Charlbury to Burford road, but she is only about 15 minutes slow wander to the Storage hanger on the industrial estate (think country, small industrial estate with nice grassy bits everywhere!) where she spends her daytimes lounging around in the office.....Do you think that the scent of Rhubarbs, my other labs wee (she pees on the grass there everyday) would be something that Sia could pick up on? I really dont want to try and tempt her to try and cross that B road which she needs to do to get to the site....ANYWAY its a long shot as it may not even be her. Spent two hours this evening freaking myself out in the middle of nowhere (thanks to the very sympathetic farmer who is happy for me to wander all over his land) knee high in mud and with Rhubarb bouncing about like Tigger on a secret outing! Its amazing what rustles in the dark and JUST how good my imagination is! We are back out tomorrow at 6.30am. I just hope that whoevers dog it is bedded down for the night and that we can get a positive sighting tomorrow......any thoughts on whether to lay a scent....and if so, where to in the middle of nowhere? (one lady suggested pitching a tent with the door panels pinned right back and her bed and some nice food in there.....)....

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2008-02-04 12:03 Nick Devereux

Hi Rhubarb - my thoughts are with you.

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2008-02-03 22:58 Judith_Bww

Ive finally managed to get on again (Admin-please note). The kennels that Witney Police use for strays is Bampton Kennels (at Bampton). Hope you have good luck and find Sia very soon.

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2008-02-03 22:52 jeepsmi

How awful for you, not only to have found the dead dog, but to have to tell the owner too. I do feel for you. I was lucky and got my lost Boxer back after only a week, but I woulld honestly have preferred to know that he had died rather than go on for ages looking and hoping and always expecting to see him just round the next bend.

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2008-02-03 20:40 pixielilly

A bit of a mixed day. Had a call from someone who had lost their dog last year - a staffie called Bush, she was rescued in a high drama boat/helicopter saga off a cliff edge where she had been for a couple of weeks having got lost on a walk close to, but not right beside the cliffs....anyway her owner found a dog psychic (I know, but to be honest, I am willing to give anything a go and if it works, who am I to question it) who kept her going through the ordeal, but was telling her that Bush was near water and in danger........have sent her pictures of Sia, the location of where I lost her and we will see what happens..... On a sadder note we were called by a nice gentleman who was out cycling today and happened to go past a dog about 6 miles away (where we were searching yesterday) which was dead and lying on the verge. We went and found it. IT WASNT SIA. It was Grace, the other missing lab. She was about 100 metres from home. SOOO sad. I have never seen a dead dog before. I had the owners number, so we stayed where we found her and called him. Just so terrible. She had won the Midlands Field Trials last year........................................

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2008-02-03 19:07 UNKNOWN

The email I sent to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue has bounced back to me. Do you want to try ringing them? The phone no is 01494 482695.

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2008-02-03 18:29 UNKNOWN

Hi Rhubarb. I don't really know your neck of the woods, but I've emailed Sia's poster to Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, Banbury Animal Rescue and the Blue Cross. Hope you get some good news soon xx

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2008-02-03 17:53 Nick Devereux

Hi Rhubarb - am taking a leaf out of your book and getting in touch with the forums you mention. Smartie is also on facebook.

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2008-02-03 12:14 jeepsmi

Rhubarb have sent you a pm

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2008-02-03 10:45 DogLostGlynafon

I wonder if you have spoken to the Petsearch representative for the area, he/she may know if a Labrador has been picked up. The number for the Chipping Norton volunteer is 01993 831279. I do hope you find Sia very soon

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2008-02-03 09:52 Unknown

Good luck with the possible sightings!

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2008-02-02 19:32 pixielilly

I spent the afternoon running around on and off the A44 between Enstone and Kiddington as two seperate people called telling me that they had nearly run over a black labrador.....the second person tried to catch the dog, but it was "very determined" - it doesn't sound like Sia and apparently it looked young. There is another dog in the area which has mysteriously vanished on wednesday - a black lab called Grace. I got hold of her owners and they have gone to continue looking. Sia is now on More magazine forum, country living - I just don't know how to get the word spread to as many people as possible. Will start calling journalists on Monday.

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2008-02-01 22:48 pixielilly

just popped her on The Daily Mail forum as well for good measure. Will continue tomorrow.

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2008-02-01 22:04 pixielilly

Sia now on the GMTV lifestyle forum (!), on The Mirror Forum (had some really great suggestions from people there) and The Sun. Will keep adding her to forums as its a great place to get ideas and hopefully someone who reads it may come across her! Thanks Batch for your suggestions and your help today. Many hands make lighter work! Also thank you labrador lil - it was great to speak on the telephone.

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2008-02-01 21:15 shez

Another idea is that you could go to the Witney postal sorting office and give them a poster to show all there drivers so they can keep an eye out as they visit alot of houses and may notice if someone who hasn't had a dog before suddenly requires one. I did ask our local postman if he could put a poster in the van but alas they arn't allowed. I will take one to the sorting office in Chippy on monday. If you can i would also try and get intouch with the Paul O Grady show on channel 4 and ask them to do a feature on lost dogs as he loves dogs and always has dogs looking for new homes on his show. I am sure he would help or atleast show a picture of Sia. Also i did get intouch with Network Rail just to check the line and nothing has been reported so thats good news.

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2008-02-01 19:40 shez

Hi Laura,today i put posters in all three pet shops in Witney,garages and popular walks,i also managed to put a poster outside sainsburys but that took abit of doing and they said it may not last the weekend as the manager may take it down! Thanks sainsburys!!!! I think getting intouch with the bigger radio stations is a great idea and widening the search can only be a good thing. Another thought is the television,you could put out an appeal on GMTV or BBC 1? You realy can't have enough publicity and you have nothing to loose. If you need help with anything please just ask.

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2008-01-31 22:49 pixielilly

Thank you batch and Labrador Lil. I started to take the Searching for Sia campaign further today....I have emailed Chris Evans, Radio 2 and BBC Oxford and Jo Wiley Radio1 (for her changing tracks section). I have a hunch that she may not be close to Charlbury any more.....I am trying to keep positive and really appreciate your messages, they mean an awful lot. I just wish that I could wave a wand and someone would tell me where she is! Will be back on the case in the morning.....

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2008-01-31 22:21 shez

Hello Laura,just to let you know i have put posters up in some garages and around shipton and where i know people walk there dogs. I also put one up near Dean Tip where alot of people go. I have seen alot of people slowing down and looking at the posters i have in the rear window of my car so if you could get all your friends to do that i think it would be a real help. I look after a border terrier called Alfie and got abit muddled when i said i had also put up posters of Alfie,i meant Archie from Hook Norton. I am going to Witney in the morning so will take some more posters as the more posters we put up the more people will see them and hopefully spot Sia. Thinking of you!

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2008-01-31 13:18 labrador lil

Laura I have put some posters around Headington in pet shops and vets. Did you contact Fox FM and Radio Oxford like Batch suggested. I think you are right and someone may have picked her up. When people do find dogs, and if they report it to the police, then the police are usually more than happy for the finder to hold onto the dog if they can. It saves having to get the dog warden to go and collect the dog and take it to kennels. It is actually better for the dog too, it means they dont have to go into kennels where they may get a bit stressed. I know just how you feel, I lost my 15 year old labbie boy for three hours once and it was the worst three hours of my life. He was almost blind and very deaf and he had just wandered off through the front door which had been left open whilst my husband was bringing stuff in out of the car. We searched frantically everywhere. His mobility was not too good so we were convinced he could not have gone far. He had a collar with a tag on and was tattooed in his ear. Nobody was more relieved than me when after 3 hours lady appeared with him on a lead. He had walked along a very busy dual carriageway, got himself totally disorientated and stood outside her back door and barked to be let in. Fortunately she was a doggy person so she gave him a drink and he dozed off on her carpet after his big adventure. She didnt like to wake him up, so when he eventually woke up she brought him home. I know Sia is out there somewhere so keep your chin up, she will be found I am sure.

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2008-01-30 21:18 shez

Hi Rhubarb,i am so sorry it was you i spoke to the other sunday,i am the lady from Churchill. Ah,Sia sounds adorable,and i thought that if she was your typical lab she wouldn't be far from food! I think you are doing brilliantly and it must be very hard for you. You could go onto www.vetsgetscanning.co.uk and you could put an ad in the Charlbury & Wychwood advertiser but its prob to late for the Feb issue.Have you been intouch with fox fm or radio Oxford? It is so sad about the lab you went to see but alas if knowone claims the dog within seven days it can be rehomed. It probably didn't have a chip. I am printing some more posters and will do some local garages and schools and pet shops tomorrow.I have also printed posters of dear Smartie and Alfie who are local to me too. Keep positive as she is out there somewhere.

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2008-01-30 16:18 Unknown

Featured in this weeks issue of The Countrymans weekly.

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2008-01-29 22:50 pixielilly

Hello Labrador Lil and Batch Thank you so much for your messages. Much appreciated. I am actually called Laura! I am still trying so hard to come up with novel ideas about how to get her back. Scenting the area again tomorrow, but I think that she has been picked up and moved from the area or has been taken in not far from where we lost her. Reasons for this: 1. She LOVES her food! She would do anything for any sort of food, even a satsuma segment! She really is a dustbin. So there is no way she wouldn't have been seen "dustbinning" or begging at a local pub or somewhere where there is more than just wildlife 2. She has to be the most loving, gentle dog and adores and is very trusting of people. She often would go off in the pub and "adopt" herself to another family (usually with children). She would definitely get into a car with someone..... 3. She is 8 so she isn't likely to be charging around still. She would have puffed herself out and she isn't an excitable dog. 4. She hates the rain, in fact she hates water full stop! That rain the week we lost her would have driven her to seek shelter somewhere. I eventually got through to Witney Police station, they were not very helpful, but did tell me that someone had found a lab bitch last week on Penn Close in Witney and that the finders had kept the dog (I was absolutely stunned that this was allowed) - anyway, they had the number in the "lost property" book and I called them and it wasn't Sia, they had postered the area and found the dogs owner......they were very genuine. Another call this afternoon from a lady from Hailey (nr Witney) called today and is SURE she saw Sia having a widdle on a grass verge LAST tuesday! Oh god. Am going to try and poster the area tomorrow. I am still calling the dog wardens once a week and Paws With Inn and Blue Cross. Any other ideas of dog borstals? is there a list of places in the home counties I can get hold of? I have called all vets in oxon and glos and bedfordshire and half of wilts! Maybe I should poster cars in Witney at Waitrose and Sainsbury....its just there are not enough hours in the day to run my own business and find a totally vanished member of the family!!

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2008-01-29 21:36 shez

Hi Rhubarb,i spoke to your wife on the Sunday you had the meet at the Crown.As i couldn't make it i went in the afternoon for a few hours which i also did this Sunday. I do feel for you i can only imagine what you are going through and what i would do if it was one of my boys. Lab lil has said what i was going to suggest and that police stations are named as acceptance ponts for strays as Dog Wardens are not open 24hrs.The local authority is obligated to keep you informed as to where strays are taken so it may be worth ringing west Oxfordshire District Council.That is what is says in Dogs today magazine which has a big spread on lost dogs. The Lab rescue will scan for a microchip but you can reach June on ..01865 769769 or a lady in Woodstock on..01993 812171. I no that if Paws with Inn are full dogs are taken to Banbury kennels. I have to say that you are doing the right thing with all the posters and i have got one in the back of my car and i thought i would put some in the local garages as everyone has to get petrol.The giant one is FAB! Is Sia a nervous dog or do you think she would go upto strangers? I know my dogs love to say hello to everyone! As it is such i popular walk you would have thought ther would have been more sightings of her in the earlier stages. I would just keep ringing all the vets in the area,dog wardens,police stations and as has already been said if they remember you it can be to your advantage. I don't know if you have put up posters on the local buses but that may be a good idea as alot of people don't have cars.Pleas let me know if i can help with this.Also local schools may be an idea My thoughts are with you and i will continue to help look for dear Sia until she is home safely!

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2008-01-29 16:30 labrador lil

Rhubarb you really have to ring (and keep ringing) all the dog wardens for Oxfordshire. Witney IS, as you say, on the edge of all the different areas and depending on what day she may have been picked up and depending on who may have been on duty will influence where she may have been taken. Here are numbers for all Oxon Dog wardens West Oxfordshire 01993 861060 Cherwell 01295 221621 Oxford 01865 252845 Vale of the White Horse 01235 520202 South Oxfordshire 01491 823211 It is also worth ringing the Animal Sanctuary in Oxford as lots of police strays get taken there. Oxford Animal Sanctuary 01865 890 239 I know someone who lost a dog in Wantage on a Saturday, the dog was actually picked up and handed into the police, but they didnt get around to entering it on their books until the following Tuesday. It was only because the owner kept on ringing the police and the local kennels where the police strays go, that he eventually found his dog. Just keep ringing as many kennels as you can, I know it sounds silly but if you speak to them on a regular basis its likely they will remember you and be aware if Sia is or has been handed in. She might be rehomed through Labrador Rescue but in Oxfordshire it is more likely she will go to the Oxford Sanctuary or other kennels. If you ring the sanctuary hopefully they will be able to tell you which other kennels you could try. Keep your chin up. She is out there somewhere.

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2008-01-28 22:46 pixielilly

can anyone out there tell me where they take dogs if they are handed in to witney police station? A man called me today to say he lost his dog in Cornbury about 3 years ago and it was found headed towards Witney and handed in to Witney police station and that he had a real merry go round trying to locate it - he can't remember what the place was called but it wasnt blue cross, wasn't paws within in Chipping Norton. He said that Finstock/Witney was on all sorts of cusps of areas with regards to where the dogs go. I called them and they told me they would call the dog warden from the council....but maybe this isn't the case. The woman I spoke to couldn't help me with where the dogs go from the station.....eeeek if she was picked up and her chip didnt work......would she have been rehomed by now? Would she go to a special labrador place or would she go to a general dogs home?

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2008-01-28 22:34 pixielilly

Massive laminated poster now up on the roadside, just where we lost her. Two sightings of a black lab in Kingham. That is about 7 miles from where we lost her. Spent the afternoon charging around the Kingham village looking for this dog as people said "yes, it went that way" and never saw it! I know for sure it wasn't Sia as the last person who had spotted it on the green said that he had tried to catch it and it "bounced around" sounds like a young lab - I don't think any of Sias moves would ever be described as "bouncing"! We made a story up about Sia, the lovely labrador and have faxed it to 20 primary schools in the area - we spoke to all the schools and they all said that if they didn't talk about it in assembly, they would talk about it in individual classes.....hopefully if someone local has Sia, then a child will spot a new dog in the neighbourhood. ....

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2008-01-26 21:51 Yasa

Rhubarb, the A1 poster is a brilliant idea, and should grab a load of attention. From what you have said, its very possible indeed that Sia is still enjoying a little adventure, and not quite ready to come home. Especially if she has found a food source, and somewhere cosy to shelter. Just keep the postering up. Do all the local pubs, chip shops, newsagents, supermarkets, animal food stores etc. Basically anywhere loads of people go. You cannot have too much publicity, and eventually you will get some sightings. Visit any local stables, or riding schools, and farms. These are the places dogs hang out. Good idea to keep scenting and walking the area. She will know that you have been there, and check out the industrial site for any signs of torn bin bags, and rubbish strewn about. Also think about where she could find water. Good Luck for tomorrow x

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2008-01-26 16:08 pixielilly

Massive poster went up so that cars can see it on the road near Finstock station. People keep telling me that it is quite possible she is nearby and just doing things in her own time. Before we rescued her she was fairly "free range" so am hoping that she has reverted to type and is having a two week break from us! We scoured the area that the lab had been spotted in our village and came away with some hope that she would be able to get to the industrial site at the back of Charlbury (where she hangs out a little bit) fairly easily if that is where she was heading (if the dog spotted was her!)....

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2008-01-25 10:36 pixielilly

The girl at Witney Gazette mucked up (GRRR) so our ad didnt get in this week. Had some stern words with her manager and managed to get another slot in Oxford mail on Saturday, slot on the website and slot in Witney gazette next week (all for FREE!). HAve had an A1 size poster made and am going to put it up today on the road where the lady said she thought she saw SIA about 2 hrs after she went missing. The Cotswold Journal threw up a couple of calls about a black lab in Evesham at a garden centre but when we got hold of the dog warden, it turned out that "she" was in fact "he"! Postered all of Church Enstone and no more sightings of the labrador that was seen by the lady playing tennis, but have found out that apart from a 3 month old lab, the only lab in that area is chocolate.... Another person thought they saw a lone black labrador in the fields on Tuesday at the bottom of Charlbury. Unfortunately they didn't tell me till Thursday....so will have to see if anyone else spots a lone Lab..... Feeling rather deflated and assume that someone has her or she is dead as surely she would have been properly spotted by now if she was around this area.....

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2008-01-23 23:32 pixielilly

We had an ad for Sia in Oxford Mail today. Two calls, one from an old lady who felt sorry for me (ahhh) and one from someone who saw s labrador near Mill View Garden Centre in between Wheatley and Cuddesdon (its the other side of Oxford from us). I don't think it was Sia and I called a couple of the shops and they told me that the garden centre have an old lab...will check when they reopen tomorrow. Someone came into the salon today (have posters of Sia on the front desk) and she is CONVINCED that whilst she was playing tennis yesterday she saw Sia chasing a muntjack - Church Enstone is about 6 miles from where we lost her. Just got back from postering the area and called the local farmer as apparently there has been a labrador worrying sheep but this one has a red collar on so phew for Sia but not so phew for the dog with the red collar on.....

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2008-01-23 16:01 Nick Devereux

My thoughts are with you Rhubarb. We've had no sightings of Smartie now since he went missing on 12th January. He will be in the Banbury Guardian this week. We are continuing our daily searches, but it feels like we are looking for a needle in a haystack. My husband says it feels as if Smartie has been taken by aliens!

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2008-01-22 10:33 Unknown

Thanks for update.

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2008-01-22 09:38 pixielilly

A lady called on Sunday night to say she had just seen a poster....she was driving from Charlbury towards Witney and saw a black labrador between 10.30 and 11.30am on Tuesday 15th. She was standing at the side of the road on the B4022 just between the Finstock train station and where the village starts on the grass verge where you can turn down to the Cornbury Fisheries and the Southill Business park at Cornbury. I think maybe she was picked up by a passing motorist....We are having a "for sale" type/size banner made today and will put it up there tomorrow to jog peoples minds.....

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2008-01-22 09:04 Unknown

Owner has had a call of a possible sighting via the posters of a dog fitting Sia's description sitting near a B road on the evening she went missing-can owner update us to which road and whereabouts please?

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2008-01-21 22:30 pixielilly

No one called today with any more possible sightings of Sia. I took my younger lab out this morning for a couple of hours and we walked back across the fields where she may have been "spotted" and then crossed over the road and walked for about 2 miles up the fields on the other side of the road. Knocked on some doors....the only glimmer that it could have been Sia was when a man said that although he had not seen a dog, his cat had shot through the cat flap an extrodinary speed at about 10.45 last night.....as if being chased. Sia HATES cats .... but maybe I am grabbing at straws. In fact I feel like I am - I see wood stumps with ears on now and am scared that I am passing my strange mood on to my other lab who is squeaky and won't even go out into the back garden for a wee unless accompanied.... I have the Charlbury milkman delivering 1000 postcards with the milk over the next 2 days and am negotiating with Dairy Crest in Witney about the milkman that covers a couple of other villages.... Ads are going in Oxford mail. Oxfordshire Times, Cotswold Journal, Witney gazette (next week).......I have someone on the case calling ALL vets in the surrounding counties....I WISH her ear was tatooed as well....hindsight is a great thing.

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2008-01-21 19:31 Corbiere

oops sorry, had a phone call....

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2008-01-21 19:23 Corbiere

Why not try a scent trail from this field to your house if it's possible - so close! - must be worth a try... and drag some smelly clothes along etc etc - it costs nothing LOL. Dogs go into 'wild mode' when they have been out for so long, and it takes them making a proper 're-connection' to people before the 'switch' flicks down again in my experience. We do forget that almost all dogs have two personas - the domesticated and the wild or instinctual, and working breeds esp can pass from one to the other as if a switch has been flicked on and off! Good luck, hope it is Sia, tempt her back gradually

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2008-01-21 17:48 Millie's Mum

Poster emaild to Labrador Rescue Kent.

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2008-01-20 19:53 labrador lil

Come on Sia. You are out there somewhere I just know it. Come home safely.

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2008-01-20 19:17 pixielilly

We had 50 people out searching for Sia today. Was totally blown away by the generosity and genuine sense of urgency everyone feels. We split into 5 groups and combed the woods in lines (bit like beating) and there was NOTHING....so I think that maybe she didnt dead from a heart attack as surely this would have happened shortly after (within 1/2 mile) of her taking off....and we would have stumbled across her.... Anyway, we got back this afternoon as it got dark and received a call saying that someone had seen a black labrador. They were approaching Charlbury from Witney went past Finstock station and just before they got to the electicity sub station in the field on the left hand side (over the train line is Cornbury Park) we shot out there and searched and searched (about 30 mins had passed between the sighting and the phone call) NOTHING. If it was her then she is about 1/2 a mile from home, but she has navigated a railway (about 2 trains an hour and a diesel line) a river (she is the only labrador I know that will paddle and NEVER swim) unless she managed to get over the bridge that the cars use....I just don't understand why if it was her she won't come to us. Anyway, we have left the contents of the hoover bag dampened in a sheltered part of the driveway in case it is her and she is in the area (this is probably the totally wrong thing to do?) not going to scent anything until I have a postive sighting...... ARGGGHHHH this is just insane.

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2008-01-20 09:46 Unknown

Sorry it was not Sia. Better luck today. But it shows the posters are working.

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2008-01-19 23:32 pixielilly

It wasnt Sia. Gutted. We went back and leafletted the area and did a house to house and met an elderly lady whose labrador bitch had gone missing yesterday and had been found on the same piece of road. Totally gutted. We are getting as many people together tomorrow (sunday) at 11am at The Crown Finstock to do a massive walk through the woods at Cornbury to flush her out if she is still there.....if anyone wants to come, please do. bring waterproofs and a bottle of water....

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2008-01-19 16:24 Matherick

Come on Sia please come home, you darling girl. Hope to see you in the blue today!!! Stay safe until your back in the arms of your owners. xx

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2008-01-19 14:29 Unknown

hanks Labrador lil!

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2008-01-19 14:21 labrador lil

I keep checking this post every day in the hope Sia has been found. If you need any help looking for her I can come over with my two labs and we can help you look. I am in Oxford. I have sent posters to everyone I can think of so there should be plenty out there who know about her.

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2008-01-19 10:33 Unknown

Great news-how far away is this from where she went missing? If you need any advice on scenting please call now we have an area.

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2008-01-19 10:25 pixielilly

I got a call at 7.20pm Firday 18th by someone who was diving back to Finstock via Bridewell and saw a Labrador by the walled gardens (it is out the back of Finstock, heading towrds North Leigh). By the time he had pulled over his car, the dog had vanished. We looked for about 2 hrs but couldn't find her. Had a drink at the Plough in Finstock when a man said that he had JUST seen a labrador at the gates of Wilcote House (just up the lane from The Plough) and he had tried to coax it over and it had run up the drive. We went up the drive, caught a dogs eyes in headlights (definitely a lab) and it scarpered before we could see if it was Sia or not. ... not getting too excited because the owner of Wilcote House has a labrador.... Also knocked on a couple of doors and another lady had seen a labrador on a road that leads up to Fawler yesterday....so we are going to poster the area in the morning.....we met Steve one of the game keepers who works over that side and he was amazingly helpful and is keeping an eye open until we get back tomorrow! At least the posters are working...people definitely have Sia on their minds!

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2008-01-18 16:46 Millie's Mum

Poster emailed to Lab Rehoming Co-ordination Service.

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2008-01-18 13:28 Keelah

owner - not sure on geography of this one but try your local paper - wantage herald? speak to reporter and ask them to run an appeal for you. call me on 07843 681980 if you need a hand

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2008-01-18 09:55 pixielilly

Thank you! Still no sightings or news. We are feeling rather deflated now. We are speaking to Cornbury Estate Office today to ask them if we can vere off the footpaths and start trawling to woods for her....they are SO big. If anyone is interested in helping us, just shout and I will let you know when we get the go ahead (they are stalking and shooting there today, so maybe they will spot her....)we have hundreds of posters up in the villages that surround the woods. Starting to think that maybe she had a heart attack whilst she was chasing the muntjac.....

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2008-01-17 19:46 Millie's Mum

Poster emailed to Lab Rescue Sth West. Lab Welfare. Lab lifeline Trust. Lab Rescue Sth East. Wild water Labs. Stay safe Sia, until we can get you home. xxx

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2008-01-16 19:39 garthy

dear Sia hurry safely home p.g.xxx

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2008-01-16 17:18 Claire

Stay positive - she's out there somewhere! We've just been through the same thing with our Lab Henry.

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2008-01-16 13:52 Matherick

What a lovely name, hope Sia is home soon, stay safe poppet until your found and reunited. xx

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2008-01-16 11:15 Unknown

Poster has been e mailed out to local helpers and organizations.

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2008-01-16 10:14 Unknown

Owner can be contacted on 07778 933133

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