Reunited: Light Brown Labrador Cross Female

Sightings and Information

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2013-07-18 21:14 Didofido

Here is how the lovely lady Joyce got Maria last Thursday night. I have sent Debs a photo if her in her new home but hope to get one with Joyce as owners are going to take Maria to see her on the weekend hopefully.
After first seeing Maria on Wednesday 26th June, Joyce who lives backing on to St Laurence park put food out every night! She wasn't sure if Maria was getting any as there are so many foxes. Then we didn't have any sightings for just over a week until tues 8th when Joyce actually saw Maria again and she was eating the food. She came back Wednesday night and Joyce held the bowl and Maria didn't seem to want to go. Debs saw her too as we all sat in our cars waiting to see which way she was coming from. By the thurs night Maria was back by 10pm and this time eating out if Joyce's hand! We suggested she leave her side gate open and the shed she had out a bed and more food in. Maria took such a shine to her that she followed her into the garden and into the shed! She didn't like being shut in the shed but as it was dark we didn't want to go in and scare her. But it got even better as when she chewed her way out of the shed, Joyce went out and she was so pleased to see her she followed her into the house! It was a very tired and thin Maria, with scars on her leg and no collar. But it was her and she spent the night farting on Joyce's couch! She had eaten so much! So after 18 days and we still don't know if she left the park and returned, we were so lucky to have the very first person to see her actually get her safe. Thanks to everyone who helped and became 'team Maria'! For all the advice and printing and picnics and support. We will have to combine forces again! Picture to follow.

2013-07-15 19:07 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

your prayers were answered! tx for praying!

2013-07-15 19:04 sparkyS

BRILLIANT!!!!!!
I said last week when I went away that I prayed I'd come back to see Maria in blue.
Well done everyone. I'm so happy for you and her and everything!
I saw a few posters so will take them down on my walks tomorrow.
Well done again :)

2013-07-14 10:08 JJ

got it . thank you.try to stay put Maria you have a comfy home now.

2013-07-14 00:23 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

JJ, just reload or refresh your browser. You are not doing anything wrong, the screen just shows the photo you last viewed. If you refresh (right click) it should change and you get the new photo. Have a go. x

2013-07-13 23:18 JJ

i cannot get the reunited photo what am i doing wrong. would love to see how she looks now she is home

2013-07-13 20:58 Unknown

Ive been constantly looking out for Maria. So so happy to see she has been found.

2013-07-13 20:48 DogLostMillypod (Chris) - Administrative Volunteer

Lovely reunited photo, a well earned rest now :))

2013-07-13 20:05 Unknown

Brilliant reunited photo: love it. Stay safe now Maria:-)xxx

2013-07-13 19:57 Gino

Refresh page to view Maria reunited....

2013-07-13 19:53 Hanna B

The photo we have all been waiting for :-) if anyone gets goes to pets at home @ Southend before I go again, , I put a poster on the board too.

2013-07-13 15:24 Tan

Aww I am so happy to see this lovely outcome, I have been following and hoping she would be caught soon. Wow what an amazing bunch you all are on doglost, the way you all pull together for these lovely furbabies is just so heartwarming :-)

2013-07-13 12:56 Scragtag1

Just phoned the Cock Inn as they let us put loads behind the bar, Rayleigh Essex FB page readers are aware and are now taking them down,.....done so far from there are hockley woods x20, some at gusted hall, exford ave westcliff x1, jubilee way cherry orchard x1, Rayleigh local park done, eastwood road done, hullbridge (not sure where) x1, priory park today if not already down, more at cherry orchard,Rayleigh dog walkers fb page sending out to dog walkers to remove what they see,bull lane near kirbys down.

2013-07-13 11:33 Paula Griffin's Mum

still grinning to see Maria in the blue :) - on way home from work last night I've removed posters from, Edwards Hall park x3, Southend Borough football notice board x1, Cherry Orchard, Jubiliee park think it's called x1, Spencers Park hawkwell x1, Clements Hall x2, there's still more but those are the ones removed so far :)

2013-07-13 09:49 JJ

no peace for the wicked ! good luck but at least if Maria gets out again you will know where to look straightaway.
do hope you have quicker luck with this little one. too far away to be of help superfolk.

2013-07-13 09:42 Scragtag1

Sorry i couldn't take your call yesterday jayne....i was working and can't drive at the mo and dad didn't know which roads he had to go down.

2013-07-13 07:56 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Good morning team Maria...alerts just sent to those of you who have ticked the receive poster box for a missing Westies in SS7....no rest for you guys...

2013-07-13 00:49 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

I am over the moon! Absolutely well done every single one of you! Well done to the lady who feed Maria and gained her trust, to Diane for never giving up, to owners for trying so hard, and everyone single one of you who were all willing Maria safely home. It worked! All of you got her to this point. What a fab team you are out there! Absolutely well done! We can all sleep easier tonight :-) God bless you sweetheart, you are safe now. x God bless all of you lovely people, too. x

2013-07-12 21:13 Unknown

Have a long, and wonderful life Maria: you deserve it.

2013-07-12 20:29 DogLostMillypod (Chris) - Administrative Volunteer

Well done Team Maria amazing work and great result. Have a great life in your new home lovely girl.xx

2013-07-12 19:46 Sunshine

either that or we will have to learn Greek in our 'spare time' lol

Last edited: 2013-07-12 19:46:41 by Sunshine

2013-07-12 19:37 Scragtag1

This film........will it have Greek subtitles?

2013-07-12 19:33 Sunshine

Yes Ann that's it with all of us singing "How'd you solve a problem like Maria, how'd catch a dog and pin it down. How'd you find the dog that is Maria, a bit of a lab, in a pink collar that's gone to ground" Getting carried away now lol. Who would have thought when we were all on the obo the other night there would be a result this quick? Large glass of wine now I think, to celebrate Maria's homecoming CHEERS MARIA The Wonder Dog! Oh no here I go again another film tittle :)

2013-07-12 18:27 Shereen

WEL DONE!!!! YEY...!!!NEED TO READ THROUGH ON HOW NOW BUT WELLLLLL DONE.XXX

2013-07-12 18:22 Ann

Nice idea Sunshine. Howabout a remake of 'The Sound of Music' with our own 4 legged Maria running through a wheat field into the arms of Di.
Cant concentrate on work today-just keep smiling :) :) :) :)

2013-07-12 17:37 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Hope you do...Have been really impressed with you Essex crew! And result! Well done...Now when are we going to get the reunited photos? Everybody is waiting...TX

2013-07-12 17:34 Sunshine

Scragtag1 - Maybe a block buster eh - "Maria Come Home" staring Maria the New Lassie :)

2013-07-12 17:31 Sunshine

Well the last couple of days have been one brilliant thing after another concerning Maria, building up to the main event of this morning! I have come in from work and sat here for ages just looking at MARIA finally in BLUE. Through Maria I have met some truly amassing people. Joyce deserves a medal but you Di deserve to be made a Saint. It was an honour to be part of Team Maria - International Rescue, even if like Ann my part was a small one. I hope Maria knows she is loved and settles down to a much calmer happy life. Well done to everyone who played any part in this truly amazing story with such a happy ending. I would love to meet her one day and maybe I will as she does not live far from me. Well done one and all.

2013-07-12 17:11 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Okay one step at a time ladies....But think you can do it....IE world peace..but on a grounded level...sure there will be a missing dog again from your area...so get some rest...well deserved girls!

2013-07-12 17:06 Ann

World peace?

2013-07-12 16:45 Scragtag1

Ann I've been trying to write something similar...but im at work and do not have the time until i get home tonight.....im still on a high and your post just made me cry lol....Di is also at work.....i can't wait to see her and give her a massive hug...........girls....between us all WE DID IT!!!!!..........What's next?

2013-07-12 16:25 Ann

It was a pleasure and a privilige to work with this team of amazing volunteers. My part was tiny but a particularly huge thank you must go to Didofido and Scragtag who have been unrelenting in their search for Maria. I never met the amazing Joyce but her reputation goes before her and without her we would still be sitting in cars at midnight fending off the local youth and Maria's future would be far less certain. Although I obviously hope we dont need to rally again to search for another missing dog, I guess we may well need to and I look forward to working with you again.
If you've been following this story but didn't leap into action I can guarantee that all volunteers are welcome and much appreciated and the satisfaction from an outcome such as this is IMMENSE.
Maria - OK, you've had a chance to run off all your old frustrations, so have a long and happy future. Never met you, but still love you to bits.

2013-07-12 15:08 Unknown

Fab. news. Well done to Joyce the lady she learned to trust, and all those who helped in Maria being reunited. You are all*******`s Stay safe now Maria:-)xxx

2013-07-12 14:26 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

So proud of you all in Team Maria...well done!

2013-07-12 13:53 CopperM

BRILLIANT! So pleased Maria has been caught and is safe! I've been reading but not commenting as I live too far to help. I'll ask my Westborough Road friend to help taking the Prittle Brook posters down - saw a number when I visited earlier this week.
Well done everyone!

2013-07-12 13:35 BigGSDPatlucky

PS.
Everyone who worked you are all great .
Nice to see people working together for animals.
There are some posters around this area .
So will take them down.

2013-07-12 13:32 BigGSDPatlucky

After meeting Joyce with food and water bowls I knew if anyone could gain trust she would.
Then after meeting her again with 2 of her beautiful GSDs I just hoped she would keep going.
What a lovely weekend it will be now.
Joyce you must be so proud.

2013-07-12 13:11 DogLostOwl

You are all stars for working together so well to catch her.

2013-07-12 12:59 DogLostCJ - Police Liaison & SE Regional Coordinator

BRILLIANT NEWS and terrific team work well thought out and planned.
Joyce however you are you are one special lady to have gained her trust.
WELL DONE ALL and a nice reunited photo would be the icing on the cake.

2013-07-12 12:20 silver

Have been following this nail-biting story and WOW you have all done such a good job down there in Essex, including the amazing Joyce. So plesaed for Maria and hope she will soon settle in her new home. Had a funny feeling might see her in the "blue" this morning.

2013-07-12 10:57 Paula Griffin's Mum

Great news & again slowly slowy does it in her new home, I think I'd read that Maria didn't even get a chance to get used to it, bless her heart & yes will certainly take down any posters I see, I will be out & about at the weekend (with an extra spring in my step & huge soppy grin on my face) :) - is Di her new owner? Maybe once Maria is settled Joyce & Maria's new owner can meet up & walk together, or have tea & biccies at Joyce's house ;-) - maybe we could all descend on her & have a little mini reunion tea party & celebrate ;-)

2013-07-12 10:51 Unknown

What an amazing nail biting story from start to finish. what fantastic dedication shown by all of you on team Maria. Well done all, and what an amazing lady to gain Maria's trust. Stay safe Maria :) x

2013-07-12 10:43 Scragtag1

Im still in shock here and cant stop crying!......just look at this|! the little princess is in the BLUE!!!!.......Ive just spoken to Di, Maria is fine, a little dopey as she needed a slight sedation to get her safely from the ladies house and into the car.....wounds on her legs are not bad and will be ok............Now we need your help again! lol If anyone sees any posters up on their travels could they please take them down? that would be a huge help as sooooo many have gone up x........i look forward to seeing Dianes post on here when she gets a chance!

2013-07-12 10:30 Jenny

Great news - wouldn't it be lovely if she could stay with this wonderful lady

2013-07-12 10:22 BigGSDPatlucky

Well done to everyone.
So glad she has got back safe.
Joyce you are a Star.

2013-07-12 10:18 Paula Griffin's Mum

thanks Kinsally, we would have loved to have rescued them all, Luca (Hippy) was in the right place at the right time, after we'd got him to trust us, as dog lovers, we just couldn't have turned our back on him x

2013-07-12 09:55 Suzie

BRILLIANT NEWS!! Well done to EVERYBODY who played their part in getting Maria back safe and well!

2013-07-12 09:42 Buzz and Amber

Omg just heard the news. fantastic. well done all. joyce, what a woman x

2013-07-12 09:41 JJ

a pity she cant stay with the lady who she now trusts. do hope she doesnt scarper again after everybody's wonderful, hard,long, painstaking work! good girl Maria.

2013-07-12 09:39 ClaireC

Wonderful news. Stay safe Maria and enjoy xx

2013-07-12 09:34 Paula Griffin's Mum

Actually, omg, omg, omg - I'm hyperventilating ;-) lol - need more coffee!!

2013-07-12 09:29 Paula Griffin's Mum

WHOOP WHOOP - SHHHHH I SHOULD BE WORKING, BUT HAD TO LOG ON TO FIND OUT HOW THINGS WENT OVERNIGHT, WOW WOW WOW, FANTASTIC :) GRINNING LIKE A CHESHIRE CAT HERE :) - WELL DONE TEAM MARIA XX

2013-07-12 09:23 Kinsally

This is such wonderful news!!!! I am so so happy to hear that Maria is caught & is safe & sound. There are tears of joy here as it is the best result that anyone could of wished for. My friend rang me this morning to tell me as we have been updating each other on Maria's progress saying 'They've got her!!!' that was a such lovely news to receive & i think the neighbours must of heard me wooping with joy!! Thank you so much to all that have helped to make this happen & the dedication & care shown by all & especially this wonderful lady who Maria trusted & must of sensed was there to help her a massive thank you & well done you are all stars. Maria i wish i could give you a huge hug stay safe now sweetheart & enjoy your wonderful life bless you xxx

Paula Griffin's Mum what a wonderful story too that was tears yesterday as well! well done x

2013-07-12 09:19 Hanna B

This news has made my day. And the best part of it is, Maria wanted to be in a home with love, she could have stayed on the run. She has a wonderful future ahead with her new family.

2013-07-12 09:10 Spindle

Wonderful news, lucky dog with people not giving up on her. Welcome home.

2013-07-12 08:55 Buffi

Well done to all concerned helping catch Maria, I have been following closely but havent commented as I felt I'd be in the way & I am too far to help. One of my dogs came from the same rescue as Maria so my heart went out to the owners. Where would we be without you fantastic people. Brilliant stuff :)

2013-07-12 08:45 jobadger

Brilliant news to check-in to.......Well done!! So pleased you're safe and well gorgeous! xx

2013-07-12 08:32 Debs D

I'm so happy, got tears in my eyes. Well done everybody. Looking forward to seeing some pictures. .
I'll start taking down some posters :-D

2013-07-12 08:21 Scragtag1

SHES SAFE! SHES CAUGHT!.......my heart seriously can take no more dramas like what has happened over night! shes spent the night on the ladies sofa being pampered while farting! lol.......ill let Diane explain more once shes calmed down LOL

2013-07-12 07:12 Paula Griffin's Mum

& one more thing before I have to log off & get ready for work;
GO TEAM MARIA, YOU'RE DOING BRILLIANLY :) :) :)

2013-07-12 07:09 Paula Griffin's Mum

oh wow, fab news to read all the positive progress with Maria :) - and yes Didofido, I couldn't remember their names, but that was it Yanna a Dutch lady & Vangelis, the Pilipino lady in the stack bars name was Ireni & she was married to Vangelis' brother, Ireni used to take all the scrap food from the snack bar home in a bag on her moped to the rescue dogs :) - I have a couple of photo's of Luca that we took before he was rescued & we ofen look at them & think about him & when I read Nora's comment, yes I do think that he had & maybe still has a happy life with his German family :) - so come on Maria, we're all rooting for you little girl x

2013-07-12 00:50 Hanna B

Omg, I am so happy to read Maria is safe has found a place to sleep and person she trusts. God bless the woman. Slowly slowly she will be home soon.

2013-07-12 00:28 Tan

This is such fantastic news. I will be checking back in the morning in the hope that she will have moved to reunited.....

2013-07-12 00:22 Sunshine

Go Joyce you are wonderful - hopefully Maria will be coming home soon, paws, claws and fingers crossed. Hope she has a good nights sleep in her shed bed :)

2013-07-11 23:38 Scragtag1

Update on Maria......Di is there now with lady who Maria trusts.......Maria is in the ladies garden in her shed laying on a bed!!!!!OMFG this elderly lady needs a medal!!!!!"""

2013-07-11 22:13 Buzz and Amber

Didofido - good luck. completly understand the need to keep it lowkey. joyce is brilliant and to adjust her own life to accomodate maria, this is what happened with 'snow' the runaway romainian foster dog earlier in the year that bellasangels helped and who was also eventually caught by a resident who also fed and staked out and made a safe area. citizen award nomination for joyce??? My husband makes us drive past st laurence everyday to & from our dog walks. Good luck

2013-07-11 21:26 Didofido

Paula Griffins mum! was it the shelter run by Jaana and Vangelis? Lucky little pup. They do tremendous work and sounds like they did! Just keeping stakeout to me and Rowena as its basically only to make sure Joyce is safe! We have to trust Joyce not to rush it. She is leaving her shed open with bed and food in case she comes in her garden again. May take days, weeks we don't know. Only Joyce has to win her trust and so far its been very encouraging that she licked her hand and got a little tail wag. She is putting her dogs in the front bedroom because she only left the garden beacuse one barked through the door. But she wont shut the gate or try anything unless Maria stays there as she cant leave gate open all night too many dodgy people about. We can only play it by what Maria does and at what pace.

2013-07-11 18:28 Buzz and Amber

Is anyone on stakeout tonight? Do u need help or is it better to only keep to a minimum?

2013-07-11 15:04 Nora

I feel very proud to be a helper on Doglost, there are such amazing people on here.

2013-07-11 14:28 Nora

What a lovely story, I have met many really nice german people and their dogs travelling around France in our motor home, and they all loved their dogs to bits, so Luca is probably enjoying a very cosy happy life.
I have been following Maria's story and It sounds very hopeful she will be home very soon, and i expect she will settle in happily once back home again, Merlin the Lurcher went feral for 15 months, and settled back in almost immediately as if he had never been away.
Good luck, fingers and paws crossed for you xx

2013-07-11 13:32 Paula Griffin's Mum

Again, this is such good news… that it’s made me reminisce – a little story for you all, 10 years ago we were travelling & spent about 4-5 weeks on the Island of Kos, while there I saw a little dog running about the apartments, it seemed like this little fella had to fend for himself, over a number of days I kept watching him, he was about 6 months old, hungry and nervous. I’d made friends with the Pilipino lady who ran the snack bar there & she turned a blind eye as I took ham, burgers & cheese from the fridge to feed him :) - it took about 6 days but he kept returning to the back of the snack bar & I kept feeding him, at first throwing food quite a distance then finally he came close enough to eat out of my hand & as I was cross legged on the floor he promptly plonked himself next to me so I could fuss him, I shed a tear, called him Hippy, this little fella was flea ridden, so off I went to get some frontline, he let me apply it, time was getting close for us to leave the island, we couldn’t take him with us, so we contacted a rescue centre, when we dropped him off there, the rescue lady scooped him up in her arms & as there were other dogs running about the centre, some a little boisterous, our little man wet himself with fear, we were in bits, the lady made us a drink & she let Hippy down, he ran off & played with a dog with 3 legs, we may as well not have existed anymore, but of course we were pleased for him, we paid to get him chipped, neutered & got him a one way ticket out of there, once they found him a home they sent us an email update, he was sent to Germany & re-homed, no need for long quarantine there, we received a photo of him, he looked so clean, he was white with black flecks/patches & brown eye brows! in his new home they named him Luca, so he would be 10 coming up 11 now, I hope he’s still around & that he’s had a good life…

Last edited: 2013-07-11 13:33:40 by Paula Griffin's Mum

2013-07-11 10:10 Kinsally

Well done to all who were out there last night & especially the very kind lady who is gaining Maria's trust feeding her this really is a breakthrough. It must of been a wonderful moment to of actually seen her last night with your own eyes. I hope she will return again tonight & is there any chance in time a very loose looped lead could be on hand? Maria is probably a very strong dog so that would only have to be attempted if felt could restrain her with it. I'm just wondering if it could be very gently placed over her head without frightening her in time as another option to the trap method but obviously this is something that would have to be thought through & that this lady would have to be comfortable & confident with to do so. Thinking of Maria constantly & praying for her safe capture & very happy future with her family x

2013-07-11 10:08 Sunshine

It was the original lady that reported her over in the St L. area, it was brilliant the lady held the bowl and Maria eat out of it and licked her hand with a little wag of her tail. She wenr right by Di's car Di could see her really clearly. Maria may have a little foxy friend as when she first arrived there she seemed to have a little fox with her. We don't think that she has her collar on anymore though. A fantastic night :)

2013-07-11 09:24 BigGSDPatlucky

So glad she is still around.
Thank you that lady that feed her by hand.
It will take until she 100% trusts the lady.
Things looking good for you Maria .

2013-07-11 08:33 Buzz and Amber

Tinksbaby has my mobile number as well so can text. happy to help tonight

2013-07-11 08:31 Buzz and Amber

Wow. hand feeding. fantastic. this lady deserves an award for sticking with maria for all these days. where is it that shes picking up food, is it st laurence again??? Def seems to like that area as must be her near coop area without collar. brilliant. im on.fb (tina collis) please message me if u need help later. at work all day but will pick up any messages x

2013-07-11 07:49 Paula Griffin's Mum

Fantastic news, well done everyone :)

2013-07-11 02:44 Scragtag1

All back home now after an eventful night......good outcome......slowly....each day at a time :-)

2013-07-11 00:37 Scragtag1

She's just eaten out of the ladies hand who has been putting food out for her......even wagged her tail!

2013-07-10 23:43 Tinksbaby

so pleased shes been sighted paws crossed for some good news soon well done eveyone x

2013-07-10 23:11 Debs

Will update more in full later but for those that are following Maria progress on tonight's stakeout SHE'S DEFINITELY HERE!!! :-D

2013-07-10 22:45 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

I want to emphasise what Scragtag1 has said - just sit quietly and watch. Do not think about trying to be the one to get her, this is because we must not risk it - her life is what's important. Good luck out there, you are fantastic! x

2013-07-10 17:26 magicpoogle

Sorry can't help - too late for me I have to be at work at 7am tomorrow - Good Luck

2013-07-10 16:25 Scragtag1

Ok guys and girls, we are organizing look out points tonight and dont have enough people yet.......if you have a car, a mobile, patience of a saint and are available between 9.30 and 2am please call me ASAP on 07534512063 if you feel you can help us. Its LOOK OUT ONLY...NO CALLING HER, NO FEEDING HER (food will already be placed in certain points) NO OPENING CAR DOORS OR WINDOWS as she runs when spoken to....we are trying to trace her movements within the area and need reliable calm people at certain points....If you feel you can help please call asap as im in the process of mapping the points covered now and these need to be printed asap so we all have one........cheers all xx

2013-07-10 15:05 magicpoogle

I had a little look around this afternoon (on way to & from hospital)- stopped at St Laurence park, both ends and North & South crescent, Feeches road etc. spoke to a couple of people walking dogs who despite all the posters were unaware of her, they both took the phone number from the poster and said they would look out for her

2013-07-10 13:48 Scragtag1

Kinsally can you call me on 07534512063 please?

2013-07-10 13:21 Kinsally

No i'm not on facebook sorry!

2013-07-10 12:46 Sunshine

Yes Helene Leader (friends with Di)

2013-07-10 11:56 Scragtag1

Sunshine and Kinsally are you on facebook?

2013-07-10 09:48 Sunshine

This is gr8 news I'm jumping for joy was sooo worried that she hadn't been sighted for such a long time! I'm around later today and most of tomorrow if any help needed. Come on Maria it's time to come home!!!!

2013-07-10 09:09 Kinsally

Scragtag1 this is just the best news!! Yes totally agree with you definatley don't want to scare her off now & thats fantastic the lady is willing to help feed her & lots of lovely strong smelly food to tempt her there! Pilchards are supposed to be good! I am willing to supply some food if needed. She is a little star bless her & well done to all for keeping this search going. Please don't hesitate to ask for any help in any way i will do whatever i can if needed. Hoping & praying for Maria to keep safe & good luck to you all that Maria can be safely captured & reunited with her family x

2013-07-10 08:42 Scragtag1

Hi all....just spoke to Di...who was just as excited as me as she also got a call this morning from the lady who very first reported seeing her there and she saw her AND fed her last night at midnight!! Collar has come off!.....Di is picking me up in a mo as i can't drive for 2 weeks as i had foot op yesterday....were going to check out ladies garden and the lady is more than willing to help by feeding her.....no search team needed as we had plans in place if she returned and the last thing we need now is too many people around her as this could spook her again......this really does need to be done calmly......slowly ........and methodically she's obviously got the A127 as part of her route.....but between the calls last night and this morning i know now a safe part of her route so we need to keep her there.........seems our little star has returned!! Whoooooop whooooop!!!

2013-07-10 08:16 sparkyS

So pleased to hear things are looking up in the search. I'm away til next Tuesday so sadly can't offer to help, but I'm rooting for you all and praying that she's in the blue and safe when I get back.
Just a thought, maybe that collar is dirty and not so pink now, so people may not be seeing it clearly if at all!
Good Luck xx

2013-07-10 08:04 Kinsally

Thats really good to read about the latest sightings & such a relief as i think we were all getting rather concerned for Maria's wellbeing. The posters are working wonderfully by the phone call to Scragtag1 so It does seem that Maria is thankfully keeping to the area so she may have a base somewhere where she returns to & like you say Didofido there are plenty of hiding places! I think food will be very tempting for her so it may be worth setting up a couple of feeding stations near to those areas she was spotted as long as they are well away from the roads. I am able to help this evening with my friend from 7.30pm if i can help with this search & bring along some food for her I have some small plastic containers as well if that will help. I will try to print off some maps today & the recent sightings can then be pinpointed & perhaps her triangle can be worked out from there. Fingers crossed that this lovely girl can be safely found very soon & then be able to start her new life as there are so many people that want that to happen are are all rooting for her, come on Maria!

2013-07-10 01:57 Scragtag1

I've just had a call 12.40 am weds morning from a young man saying he had seen the 2 pic poster of Maria by co-op and said 'i think I've just seen your dog!'.......was a few metres away from her while she was sniffing pink bin bags at the junction of denton ave and hornby ave.....she saw him.....wasnt startled....just calmly walked off up hornby heading towards co-op........he didn't notice a collar but can't say there wasn't one....however he did say its the exact same dog as on the poster ....looks in good health and not ill...just hungry as showing alot of interest in the pink sacks.....All his details taken......looks like MARIA IS BACK!!!

2013-07-09 23:44 Didofido

Owners got two calls today. One was only a message from a lady who said she saw her thurs eve st Laurence park and pink collar. We can't check as she didn't leave a number! The second we checked out and the woman said she thinks she saw her wed night about 11.45pm by the small park next to Shalynn cattery just over A127! She didn't see collar. But could possibly be her! So still in the area? Debs co-ordinator what donunthink to a search? Would have to be on twos as she may get scared out of area if all turn up? Owners daughter and I postered Somerset estate and called and left leaflets on houses on A127 on the southend bound side of 127. Then we looked at field on the left just before tesco roundabout. Then if you do a left at roundabout you can look into wheatfield with a pill box in the middle! There is a small field where there used to be two Shetland ponies. We had a walk round there an loads of hiding places! Also down snakes lane there is a bustop on the right opposite sports ground entrance and you can get into a small park and the brook runs right behind David lloyds! These places are all good hiding places. But don't want to scare her off so yes in twos. I'm off thurs if we can arrange anything. So to cap it all, sightings from last definate which was Monday last week have been at night maybe crossing A127!

2013-07-09 23:28 Spangles

My contact at Highways has confirmed she will circulate the email I sent with Maria's photo and details on, I have asked that it is sent to the street cleansing crews as well....I have asked her to clarify the policy on scanning dogs etc and who is responsible, ie District Councils for residential roads and Highways for major ones, will update when I have an answer x I will email the cleansing team at Rochford to make sure they are aware x

2013-07-09 23:21 Sunshine

I'm more than happy to join in a search if that's what's decided. Village Green a brilliant idea as there will be thousands of people there.

2013-07-09 20:24 Kinsally

Yes i think the search would be a great idea, i would be available to help either wednesday or thursday evening if that would be suitable. Teams of two is good thinking & we could check outer surrounding areas where Maria was last seen perhaps working inwards towards Lawrence Park. If we could all meet at a base on the chosen day to start with before setting off & have perhaps some maps highlighted what areas we will cover?

2013-07-09 19:59 Tinksbaby

evening ive walked prittlewell brook today from chalkwell to priory park seen nothing. priory park some posters have gone so need a few more up there if a search is done im happy to help as it is now a week and no more news on her was out with diane sunday postering western approaches and the roads at the back there near morrisons praying she show herself soon

2013-07-09 19:47 Buzz and Amber

Kinsally an organised search to check for an injured or hurt maria sounds a good idea. maybe someone can log all the areas she has or poss has been seen and 2 people do an area each so noone is alone but also she not scared off by a crowd. what do u think?

2013-07-09 19:44 Buzz and Amber

Didofido we do all areas of cherry orchard and gusted every day sometimes 6.30am.and others at lunch and like tonight we will be there from around 8-8.30pm. no sign at all of maria and loads of walkers, joggers, bikers and dogs all the time so im sure she would be reported if seen. I even went to a wedding at st laurence on saturday and told the vicar!

2013-07-09 19:41 Kinsally

I hope to goodness this hasn't happened to Maria, please can we know is there a search party planned just incase she is injured somewhere. I have not stopped thinking about her & feel so sad she has not been spotted for over a week now & reading the comment about cats being shot this is really worrying something awful has happened to her. If there was a search party organised to cover certain areas i am more than willing to help with this & perhaps groups can be designated areas to cover. Perhaps an evening may be better for some people & quiter & not so hot. She may well be hid up somewhere because of this hot weather & only coming out during the night, is anyone still out searching for her still at the moment?

2013-07-09 19:37 Buzz and Amber

My hubby went to the fishing lake at eastwood rise early this morning. no sighting but he checked and there are posters up on the carpark gates as well as back towards the fields. he also checked cherry orchard and gustard and posters all still up. v odd that no sightings which could mean shes moved her triangle. can someone do an update or bump on the Your Southend fb site and the This is Rayleigh one as well. also any hockley community sites? I am on my mobile till later and cant update easily. what about contacting the organisors of The Village Green which is on this saturday at chalkwell park (metal - the culture group may assist)

2013-07-09 16:23 BigGSDPatlucky

I have spent two days trying to avoid posting this.
We go to a lot of classic car shows so I know a lot of people.
I met a lady on Sunday who lives near to the airport.
The lady was telling me about one of her cats.
It was behind her settee looking poorly.
Took it to the vet it had been shot.
The cat was put to sleep.
I hate to think about this but feel I should post.
SORRY.
I think the lady told me there was also another cat shot.

2013-07-09 08:38 Didofido

Thanks Spangles Its worth getting in touch with highways again after reading that story on the site Debs said to look at. vetsgetscanning.co.uk They dont always report they have picked up a dog. Can you find out what their polocy is and where they do take bodies? Dog in Salisbury, I would say isnt Maria that far but get a picture. If this dog is stolen could you check the picture against all missing dog sites? Is the dog wareden helpful your way?

2013-07-08 23:27 Lostdog.UK.com

My friend is currently out looking around salisbury to see if she can get a photo of the dog, so we can compare! It's a long shot, but worth checking out!

2013-07-08 23:12 Lostdog.UK.com

Could maria possibly be in Salisbury? There has been sightings of a tramp with a labrador type breed (who is known for stealing dogs). He recently stole a friend's dog and traumatised him terribly. The dog he has at the moment has a rope tied around it's neck and is looking very unhappy! People are frightened to approach this man as he has been known to be violent due to being a drug addict! Any suggestions please? Even if this is not Maria, I would bet my life on the fact this dog has been stolen!

2013-07-08 21:07 Spangles

I emailed all the local Councils on the 27th of June (post much further down) I will send another email tonight to alert them that she is still missing, I also have a contact at Essex County Council Highways so will email them as well x

2013-07-08 18:52 Didofido

As Debs said tell anybody! Thanks Hanna B we have informed security who have a poster and said they will look out as CCTV on 24/7 but always worth checking and telling them again.
Debs also made a realy good point about vets and the scanning of dogs bought in. Have a look on vetsgetscanning at the stories of stolen dogs and also missing and kiled on roads. Petitions worth signing and Michelle is off for a few days and is going to mail a picture/poster to all vets in South Essex as we know she could have travelled now. Debs said get the word out as much as possible to anyone connected with picking up dogs. Anyone got any contacts at council or highways?

2013-07-08 17:33 Hanna B

Worrying she has'nt been seen for a week now. I do have connections with the airport, would it be an idea for me to get some posters for the staff there? I can print them off and drop them in. I know she can't get onto the land but she might wander over there?

2013-07-08 08:24 Didofido

Thank you Ann for all the posters you are doing. Thank you dog warden Basildon for handing them out at Ashingdon fun day. Also one of Ann's friends handed them out at Southend show at Garons park. Does anyone have any connections to Essex radio. Ann has mentioned Sadie Nine and how dog friendly she is. When I rand radio they just said @we have covered the story, can't do it again but good luck!'. Would e good to get her mentioned again? I will email BBC online again.

2013-07-08 08:15 Didofido

Michelle (Sgragtag1) has eliminated the sighting thurs night in Bull lane. She showed the guy a picture of Kirbys dog and he said it was him! So saturday night 29th could have been him in the empty house garden at bull lane as kirbys said their dog goes down there! I put a picture of Maria through the door of the lady in Rayleigh ave and asked her to call me but she hasn't! I want her to tll me if she is the dog she saw on sun 30th! Down the industrial estate on Comet way where medivet is and the brook runs along through Eastwood over Western approach there is a chinese takeaway. Weird place to have one but you can really smell it. She could easily be going into cherry orchard behind Toomeys on Cherry orchard. But then again she could have gone the other way along the brook behind Anne Boleyn pub and out to shoplands and Barling? Still nothing at St Laurence but we and the people who are feeding foxes are still putting food out. That was the last place we definately saw her a week ago today! Owners are hopefully going t poster up the roads off Main road past Gusted Hall Lane as these houses back onto the fields towards Hockley woods. Tonight after work I would like to walk behind Toomeys and the back of the houses that is to the left of Cherry Orchard car park going towards Blatchets. Debs has a picture that I will email her to put on poster that clearly shows the pink collar asnd how tightly it was on. She may have lost the bow as it was detachable. But hope she hasnt lost the collar. She would have to really pull backwards to get it off. The lady who thinks she saw her in empty house garden took some posters and staple gun and was going to do more entrances to grove wood and some of the schools. But she hasnt called to say if she did. I have wrtitten down and marked on my map where is done but cant mark these off yet. When you stand out at Gusted or the bottom og grove wood or Hockley woods its very daunting!

2013-07-07 14:17 Debs

The kirby's have now changed the colour collar of their dog so hopefully if there are any future sightings in that area It can be eliminated or confirmed obviously in the hope Maria still has her collar intact.

2013-07-06 07:16 Jenny

Just seen KIRBY'S dog in Bull Lane loose. I can see why this is being mistaken for Maria, it is very similar in size and colour. Dog had brown collar and was on opposite side of Bull Lane to Kirby's. The poor thing will end up getting run over. If anyone needs a visit from dog warden to remind them of their responsibility to dog and persons these idiots do!

2013-07-06 01:08 Scragtag1

We've not had any 100% positive sightings now since Monday.......she really needs to show herself asap......its confusing the hell out of us.....we can't say 100% that hockley woods carpark was her but i think at the moment we should treat it as a definite as the young boy told medi vets it had a pink collar.......if only we had the number for the lad....just hope it was a genuine sighting........she's not at Laurence :-( she soooo needs to get back to Laurence so i can then put the plan into action to keep her there and catch her

2013-07-05 21:47 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Excellent, Angel Tina! That is just what I needed to know. Okay everyone, this triangle will remain Maria's route, over and over - unless - something spooks her to move her away a bit, but basically this triangle is now her home stopping ground. Maria, please come to Martha, now! x

2013-07-05 15:36 sparkyS

Walked up Bull Lane to Steven's farm and then did some of the footpath round a field (Broad beans I think!)with one of my client's dogs, around 1pm. Unfortunately its the wrong area for the other dogs I walked today. Though I guess she'd not be moving around much in the middle of a hot day anyway. I may be able to persuade hubby to come out later in the evening. N.B She was featured in the Evening Echo on Wednesday.

2013-07-05 12:01 Buzz and Amber

Kimmybear - triangle appears to be bull lane/rayleigh ave/st laurence park. stream and woods/fields also link all 3. My hubby is a member of the private fishing club at top of eastwood rise and she will poss have to go through that at some point. i will get him to email the chairman to send an alert out to all members and see if they can also poster. Seems most of the area is now postered and saw them in southend town centre today. Going with my dog to cherry orchard in a mo so will keep lookout again. we there 2-3 times a day and go past st laurence so we should see her soon

Last edited: 2013-07-05 12:02:25 by Buzz and Amber

2013-07-05 10:44 Paula Griffin's Mum

how annoying, sounds like they want their dog to be run over, I nearly hit him when I was driving back from Rayleigh 2 or 3 weeks ago, irresponsible dog owners!!

2013-07-05 10:32 Didofido

Right Owners came here last night and the people here said they had asked kirbys son if their dog was out. The answer was no. Well I just spoke to the mother and she said be my was out at 11.30! We have just changed his collar to a black one as his was a red/pink! So is it him??? He does go down as far as empty house where the neighbours called on Saturday night! But he wouldn't have gone as far as Rayleigh ave! Also yesterday at 8.30am at bull lane/Albert road we don't have a number or the people to contact to ask if it was a bright pink collar! So frustrating! I think we will have more calls about kirbys dog! At least now he has a black collar!

2013-07-05 08:51 Didofido

If people poster an area or hand out leaflets can they post on here so that Claire knows an area is covered. If people arent on here who I give posters to I will give them my number and pass info on to Claire.

2013-07-05 08:05 Didofido

Another sighting midnight Bull lane. Kirby dog was definately not out. Its her! Is anyone going to the Southend show? All about dogs there so could give out A5 leaflets to people? The sighting in Hockley woods car park said she had pink collar on! its only straight over fields to Bull lane. Been to Fisher and Stevens twice. All stables and riders aware. We have Loads more posters A4and A5 that Ann is doing if anyone can walk there or go to show? Karen is going to walk from Gusted end tomorrow morning putting up more posters and handing out A5. I will go up off Bull lane with Martha. But doesnt look like she will come to her!

2013-07-05 07:41 Jo - Area Co-ordinator, Essex

Ah yes, they were the setters didofido, cute little pup! Great there's another sighting.....was she right by car park area? Only a bit surprised as when I ran past, guessing it was about 7.30 by then the car park was pretty full still and as it was a nice evening would think it was still quite bust around 6.30 too....maybe she's getting braver! As Hockley woods well used area hopefully they'll be more sightings. I'll be over there Saturday morning so will look out and take posters. Has anyone been down to Fishers Farm with posters (beyond Stevens farm), they have a livery yard so plenty of the liveries will be out and about in this area. X

2013-07-05 01:09 Scragtag1

Another need will be flour/corn flour.....please check your cupboards for any that's out of date you don't want as i will be needing a fair bit once she's settled at her next point again......I've got a gut feeling she's going to turn up back at Laurence park in the near future and ill definitely need alot of it there if she does....im Michelle 'smudger' Collier on Facebook.....not sure if i can be found in a search.....if not contact me via smudgers pets in pencil page also on Facebook.......internet is down at the mo but i can still view it from my phone

2013-07-05 00:41 Ann

Basildon dog warden etc - I have printed a5 leaflets to hand out and will also be at Ashingdon fun day doing a stand for Boxes farm in the farmers market area. Can We meet up and I will pass over the leaflets to you?

2013-07-05 00:30 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Bumping for sighting. Keep the food going out at St Laurence as if she's been that way before, she will return unless you get her first. Have you got a triangle forming now with he sightings? Even a weird looking one? This will be her route - however long it takes to go round it. Yes, do post on here what you have done so others can check, but by all means do again - you can never have enough posters! If it doesn't get posted on here, it doesn't matter too much, just getting them out is a grand job. Schools are a great idea, yes, Didofido. Good plan. Well done. Come on Maria - make all these lovely ladies happy bunnies and come home now! x

2013-07-05 00:00 Didofido

Those two setters are from Greece. The pup is deaf and had been dumped. No sign of food eaten at st Laurence last two days. Sighting Hockley woods car park 6.30pm. Said pink collar. Has to be her. She is doing across fields from Bull lane. Can anyone poster near the schools in Eastwood or even go in and ask if they would photocopy and put in kids book bags? They did it at Prince Ave school. Claire any chance you could co-ordinate this postering like I did last week? Lady in bull lane took loads posters and staple gun to do grove wood and said she would let me know where she does. Should they post on here where they have done? I know a lot of it is done but keep thinking about schools.

2013-07-05 00:00 Didofido

Those two setters are from Greece. The pup is deaf and had been dumped. No sign of food eaten at st Laurence last two days. Sighting Hockley woods car park 6.30pm. Said pink collar. Has to be her. She is doing across fields from Bull lane. Can anyone poster near the schools in Eastwood or even go in and ask if they would photocopy and put in kids book bags? They did it at Prince Ave school. Claire any chance you could co-ordinate this postering like I did last week? Lady in bull lane took loads posters and staple gun to do grove wood and said she would let me know where she does. Should they post on here where they have done? I know a lot of it is done but keep thinking about schools.

2013-07-04 22:04 Jo - Area Co-ordinator, Essex

Did a run tonight from Eastwood area, through Cherry Orchard, up to Gusted then all the way round Hockley Woods, back down alongside Fishers Farm and then along the stream back into Cherry Orchard to the far east of the park.....no sightings I'm afraid but kept an eye out whole way round. Posters up in Cherry Orchard and good amount round Hockley Woods. Maybe the west side could do with some more if poss. Saw a lady walking with setters who was spreading the word (anyone on here??)....so all very positive. Lets hope there is a good confirmed sighting of Maria soon. I wouldn't be surprised at if she's still holed up in Laurence Park area. X

2013-07-04 21:53 Paula Griffin's Mum

All About Dogs is on in Southend this weekend, I don't plan to go as I've other plans but if that changes I'll take some along, if anyone else is going could they please take some?

2013-07-04 21:51 Paula Griffin's Mum

Someone had already done quite a bit of Rayleigh Road as far as I could see, I put another up at Clements Hall, as the one that was already there was torn, 1 up at Spencers Park in Hawkwell, one up by Ashingdon boys football club that's by the Cherry Orchard Cottages, then I drove the Rayleigh Road, quite a few up so I didn't do anymore, I drove Rayleigh Avenue as someone had mentioned that, but again quite a few up here, I did put a couple more up though, I then turned into York Road off the Rayleigh Road & put one up on a lamp post, then another at the junction of Warwick Road, then another at the end of Grove Road, by the chippie, Grove Park by the school already has some up, I then put another up in Bull Lane, by Albert Road, there were some already, but I was going that way, I think that's all I did, best laid plans I didn't get to Fairways School, but again I'll keep some in my car & will keep & eye on here to see if there are anymore sightings, Edwards Hall Park was also already done, just trying to save anyone the time of re-visiting these areas, kept my eye out for her but all I saw was a fox, Hockley still has lots of posters up, so no one is pulling them down :)

2013-07-04 17:56 Scragtag1

...Ive not really had chance to get on here much due to spending time on site searching and having a lousy phone thats internet is on the blink! However, with Martha, Diane's experience in her field, mine in catching injured wildlife,the DW, and others with huge amounts of experience with greek rescue dogs, heads are together to come up with the best possible way to find and catch Maria. Diane, Martha and myself spent all day there yesterday til dark but no definite sightings of Maria. Met some wonderful people while there also helping by putting up posters... More posters have now been designed for cars with easy-to-see basic details for passing motorists and also some designed for outside of the area she went missing from, as we're worried people outside of the 'lost area' and last 'definite sighted' area seeing the fab poster this site has made for Maria, you wonderful guys and gals who are dishing out the posters are great....BUT people outside of the areas COULD look at the poster and think 'ahhhh she couldnt have travelled this far'.......OH YES SHE COULD! lol..but were not getting definite sightings outside st laurence at the mo however we do need to keep the 'possible sightings' in mind and poster them....this girl seems to be on a mission of her own and really doesn't want to get caught, basically she's in whats called 'survival mode' the same mode as wild animals have and will run if approached or feel threatened in any way shape or form...Thats what we really don't want.....we need to keep her in one area and let her feel safe in that area....at the moment we have a limited pattern of her movements....We have a plan of action for when we have a regular pattern this could take weeks/months but until then PLEASE only 'look' from the carpark of St Laurence Park and don't go wandering into the crops or throwing food in as we need to keep the owner happy so Di, myself etc can do what needs to be done to keep her in the area if shes still there, we need more sightings so please please still look and let us know of definite sightings..Ive scaled the area she was last seen in and she has PLENTY of hidey holes to bed down on, water, and we are monitoring food being put down....hopefully we will get another 'positive' soon.......Things we need the most at the moment are more sightings.....donations of plastic wallet thingy's to keep the rain off the posters, teams of people willing to work together doing posters.....someone with a huge street map of the area who can note on a map where posters are(i mean as in mark the map with points of each poster if possible) to help organize postering as lots of areas have been missed or posters have been ripped down, check posters are still up, print more posters, a local base and donations of food where food can be dropped off for collection by us, schools in surrounding areas willing to run off posters and drop them into the kids book bags etc.

2013-07-04 16:13 BigGSDPatlucky

Is there more than one Pat here.?
As I am also Pat.

2013-07-04 15:47 Jenny

I will do circuit of Bull Lane - back Hockley Woods - Gusted Hall tomorrow early morning 6ish - Chap last house on left in Bull Lane before lane to Stevens farm is very dog friendly will try to speak to him

2013-07-04 14:47 Didofido

Thanks dog warden Basildon I did Ashingdon and Clements hall Ashingdon heights kennels etc. if the sight this morn in Clements hall fields which is postered was any good which isn't far from gusted cherry orchard etc., it will reach more people? Be good if she went to a farm and got fed regular if she doesn't go back to st Laurence! Just got to get her fed by someone willing to help if she stays put long enough. Empty house on bull lane where possible sighting was on say night might be a place she is going to sleep too. Wish kirbys would keep their dog in although they said he only goes up and down their lane. Going to talk to woman next to derelict house to ask to keep an eye open.

2013-07-04 13:42 Dog WardenBasildon DW

Myself, Southend DW and Acresway will be at the Ashingdon Fun Day on Saturday, large crowds are expected and we will hand out loads of posters for Maria. I know its not too near to where she had been sighted but lots of people from surrounding areas should be attending.

2013-07-04 13:28 Paula Griffin's Mum

I don't have much time at the moment, I'm sorry, by the time I get in from work tonight - 6pm, I have to be somewhere this evening for 7:15 (Fairway school in Eastwood (Belfairs/Leigh side), I’ll do what I can as I’ll be driving from Hockley/Hawkwell/Cherry Orchard along the Eastwood end of the Rayleigh Road to get to Fairways school. So I’ll concentrate on the Eastwood end of Rayleigh Road, I’ll then head to Edwards Hall Park & put one on the notice board there, I’ll hand posters out to those I meet with at the school. I’ll post on here later where I’ve managed to poster…

2013-07-04 11:58 Didofido

Pat would you be able to do any if ur in Rayleigh road? I will get more plastic wallets and spare staple gun if u don't have one.

2013-07-04 11:56 Didofido

Possibles again bull lane near the end towards Stevens farm of dog bloke was driving so didn't stop but people were there so got up there but saw no-one went and asked kirbys they said their dog doesn't go down that far! That was at 8.30. Didn't mention collar so I wanted to ask the people but like I say no-one around. Spoke to dog walkers and farms again. Also possible at 7ish in morn fields at back of Clements hall. That isn't that far either if the guy spooked her. He was too far away to see collar but was walking towards a dog on its own that walked further away so he wouldn't have seen. Is she going back and forth if we are to believe the ones sat night in bull lane an Sunday mid-day Rayleigh ave! Just want someone to say bright pink collar. The lady in Rayleigh ave said pink not red which would be kirby dog but Rayleigh ave is definitely too far for kirby dog! So if that was her she definitely went back to st Laurence Monday cos I saw her. The empty house in bull lane which was where she may have been seen sat night has sheds and greenhouses at back she could be going to for shelter. Hope to get more posters after six. Can anyone help by doing north of Rayleigh road around schools?

2013-07-04 07:48 Jo - Area Co-ordinator, Essex

I've just changed the poster. Although I've not posted here before (work so busy!) I've been following Maria's page, looking out etc as I'm also local to this area. If I was you I'd leave the poster photo as it is, the second pic isn't great although appreciate it shows her collar. If there is another pic we can always update/change. X

2013-07-04 07:31 Didofido

Could poster be changed to say 'possible sighting in this area'? Maybe change pic to one that shows fluorescent pink collar?

2013-07-04 07:13 Didofido

The possible sighting was Rayleigh avenue that leads up to the fields and was Sunday mid-day which means the possible sighting in bull lane sat night may have been her but may have been Kirkby dog. But we thought its worth postering more from Rayleigh road above up to the roads that lead off the fields. Some have been done but there are a few primary schools that would be worth giving A5 leaflets to put in school bags to take home. Someone did this at Prince ave school. We have Ann doing us loads of A4 and A5 if anyone can poster or go to schools. There is the brook that goes through from cherry orchard all the way to behind Flemings and on. But of you look on a map there is one that runs from comet way through the housing area of Eastwood. Could anyone walk the cherry orchard one later and put more posters up as like debs said, if people are walking in there they won't have to wait until they got to a car park to get the number. Also we thought about putting 'possible sighting in this area' on the posters so as not to get people thinking 'oh that dog went from westcliff' so it won't be her! I also don't have time to find out where to get a big ordinance survey map of the area. Maybe south Essex to put on wall and start putting pins in of sighting and possibles. Does anyone have time to get on or order and I will re-imburse?

2013-07-03 21:36 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

No, never drug! It can hit them suddenly and if drinking in a stream they could drown; if negotiating a road....... or, if they are dazed they could fall down a cliff or enter the sea etc. So many dangerous possibilities. You are all trying your best and thinking of everything - you are so fab out there, truly. You will do this! x

2013-07-03 19:13 BigGSDPatlucky

Just read all of the post.
It seems it is Eastwood Rayleigh road sorry

2013-07-03 19:04 BigGSDPatlucky

I live in Rayleigh Road.
However I think you mean the one near eastwood?
I live Rayleigh road Thundersley.
Can someone please tell me which one please
Thanks

2013-07-03 18:52 Debs

possible sighting of Maria in the Rayleigh road area. Maria has not been seen in the Laurence park area so this could be a credible sighting, has she moved on? Could anyone poster the Rayleigh Road and north of please. Is there anyone that is able to print of loads of a5 posters so that we could give to the Eastwood schools so they can give them out to the children to bring home?

2013-07-03 14:39 Hanna B

Ohh, just passed the park and seen at least 10 woman gathering in car park. I hope this means there is a plan today and maybe just maybe she can be caught. Thought of her this morning when the rain woke me up :(

Good luck ladies, I click on this link always preying it says "reunited"

2013-07-03 09:01 Buzz and Amber

There will be food and water source at the allotments as well as shelter in open or damaged sheds. make sure allotment committee are aware.

2013-07-03 05:08 Didofido

Lady who rents field said guy may be coming to spray soon!!!! Hope that doesn't spook her.

2013-07-03 05:07 Didofido

Debs sorry didn't read this till now. Will speak today call when ur free? No drugging. No trap till we know where exactly she is feeding. No sighting yesterday but its raining and Friday when it was raining we didn't see her. Claire did u get a map or can we get you one and start putting times and which area of field she was in? It's usually up right side of wheat field or actually in it. She from acres way is coming this morning to see area. There is possibility she goes into north crescent and eats in someone's front garden she definitely did a week ago. That is the only sighting of her eating we have motion sensor camera that can be out there and wouldn't it be great if she was eating there as we may have a chance of moving bowl slowly through her back gate! Lady is willing to help. Then if she went through gate a few times we can work out how to try and shut it behind her! Only a possibility though. We are putting food along her route and trying to make the route smaller. When she goes back down the field we don't know where she goes. Only Monday did she trot round the allotments. If we saw her a few times there that would be a good place to get someone to feed. There are two overgrown fields that come down to allotments from the houses on eastwoodbury lane they are really overgrown. But can't think she can be sleeping in there as there is a badger sett. Paul is going to have a look at the area to maybe put another camera down there somewhere.

2013-07-02 23:40 Sunshine

Just to say you're all doing a wonderful job in very difficult circumstances. Hope Maria is caught soon, I'm going away for a few days but will keep up to date with progress. I was thinking today what will happen with Maria once you have her? Will she go back to the man that adopted her, would hate for her to escape again?

2013-07-02 23:12 Spangles

Please think very long and hard before drugging any food.....if she takes the bait and then runs you could lose sight of her, you have no way of knowing how she will react, if she is disorientated she could run to another area, she could lose senses very quickly and there are busy roads around this area, also she could take to ground else where and could vomit and choke, you have no way of knowing how she will react to any drug and she will not be in a vet environment to monitor her........if she has to be caught slowly has to be the way forward, establishing a feeding routine and feeding area, she feels safe where she is otherwise she wouldn't be staying there so hopefully time will see her gain trust in those around her.....

2013-07-02 21:46 magicpoogle

How was she caught in Athens ??

2013-07-02 21:19 BigGSDPatlucky

I have been told today that harvest will take place in August.
So little time yet.
At least the dog seems happy in that area.

2013-07-02 20:51 Buzz and Amber

Wow so much info every day. checking harvesting is good idea. is anyone able to plot where the sightings have been ie if you face airport while standing in carpark is it to right or left???? I did left last night towards playground. so much shrubbery everywhere. also have the smallholdings seen her?

2013-07-02 19:57 Ann

Crikey, I check this page before I get out of bed every morning! Just a thought - have you checked when the wheat field is due to be harvested? It could be any time soon and poor Maria will be terrified with the loud machinery and her cover blown. It may mean acting sooner rather than later. Another thought, (and I cant believe I'm suggesting it) -would it be kinder to put out food thats been drugged so she is not traumatised by being caught in a trap and can wake up in a nice cosy home? Obviously it would need to be placed in an area away from other dogs and wildlife so I appreciate its not an easy option but I wonder if it would stress her less than a trap. I pass this site twice a day but dont want to disturb her so just scan the field with my binoculars from the car park. Somewhat frustrating for my dogs but they're my alibi in case I get arrested! Keeping my head down in case she gets spooked but if there's anything I can do to help....

2013-07-02 18:14 sparkyS

Patience is definitely the way forward.
Any sightings today? I believe we're in for rain tonight and early hours...poor girl.
Happy to help in any way, but staying away for now, so there's not a problem with too many people, which may spook her.

2013-07-02 17:01 Debs

Have just spoken to dog warden, reason she has been hard to contact is because she's been on annual leave. Anyway! Have finalised with her that the trap is there ready for use if that's what you want to do. Didofido please ring me if that's what option you choose so we can arrange set up ect but at the moment I think slowly slowly catchy monkey is probably the better option as we know she's safe and staying in that area at least!

2013-07-02 17:00 Paula Griffin's Mum

Have put a poster up at work (Brentwood) - but lots of people live Southend way, also put one up at Clements Hall, the Park Gardens end/entrance, again will keep posters on me in the car & will pin up where there isn't one. It sounds really positive that she's staying in one place, that's such good news, well done Team Maria :)

2013-07-02 16:49 BigGSDPatlucky

Yes that was me there.
Was going passed so stopped .
Will give you a ring later.

2013-07-02 12:04 Didofido

Patlucky was that you this morning over there? Didn't realise. Give me a call 07709340940 I'm at work till 6. Just to let you know we aren't going to use the trap the very same day its up. Have been talking to people who have wxperience trapping dogs in uk and greece and am getting calls from people thinking we are going to do it straigjt away. If its going to be a possibility it will be when we have established feeding her in one spot. She may very well eventually go up to someone but that could be days or weeks or months. We had one fed for three months before she eventually let the woman touch her. We just don't know. We certainly are not rushing into just putting a trap down an expecting her to stroll on it for a bit of food. Call after 6 if you can. Thanks.

2013-07-02 10:06 Hanna B

Well done for keeping her on trail.

Last edited: 2013-07-02 13:03:39 by Hanna B

2013-07-02 09:32 BigGSDPatlucky

Is there not another option than a cage at this point.
Maria be has a street dog is happy in that field.
Gain the dogs trust maybe. but might take a little while.
Where as if she sees a fox or badger get caught she will run .
Happy also to help

2013-07-02 09:18 magicpoogle

I can help if you need to set up some sort of rota for trap or spotting - I live in Rochford, so quite close but I do work part time, so would have to fit with that - let me know if you need me x

2013-07-02 07:50 Didofido

Time of sightings. I saw her popping her head up in wheat at 10am. Allotments saw her about 1pm. Martha saw her jus after 1pm on side of wheat. Since Wednesday they have been from 7.30am to early eve. We also talked to a lady who saw her ear the foxes food ties night. She then went away until Saturday and called us then. Isn't she getting brave walking past people. Maybe just maybe she will get close enough to someone!!! But could be weeks.

2013-07-02 07:46 Didofido

By the way we still haven't got a trap! Waiting for acres way to call back. Someone mentioned would it help to put one at both spots? I don't know. By the advice we got is if she has plenty of food it will be harder and to set trap and her to go in it. They also said out it up closed and covered with stuff garden rubbish etc so she gets used to seeing it there and move the food bowl nearer!!!!

2013-07-02 07:44 Didofido

Some posters keep getting taken down at st Laurence we replaced some Sunday we were there all day and I got my first glimpse if her she is definitely staying around wheatfield and bottom of allotments. She even walked round allotments. Waiting for trap thanks debs. We have gone from worrying she wasn't feeding to now knowing she is getting food from people throwing food over fence for foxes. Have two really good spots for trap we know she goes through the wheat but uses the right side a lot. Lady who rents field is fine for us to walk down it and a man backing onto it will let us put it there. Also got permission to put in back of allotments. Yesterday she walked through there and everyone saw her. She walked right past them not looking just trotted past! We have been advised to ask people not to throw food over fence so we have to knock on all the doors and have a leaflet to put thru ones that aren't in! Everyone has been so helpful and willing to do it. We want to try and leave food source in on place and gradually move nearer trap. But asked man who sees her where we may leave trap to carry on so we don't cut it out too much. But we know her route up the side. Going to be a long process. But she looks well and apart from not approaching she is coming out during the day a hell of a lot. Which means we can feed her and set trap during the day and not at night as there are a lot of foxes and badgers. Thanks Claire NBC news called and we spoke to them and tony cruse from southend radio talk show has called and wants to come and see where she is to advise. Just hard discussion as both spots for traps are really good. Sorry didn't update last night. Went straight to bed.

2013-07-01 22:46 Scragtag1

Is anyone there tonight? I've just finished work and willing to have a look about

2013-07-01 22:32 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-23129035 Bumped Maria up for press release!

2013-07-01 20:45 Buzz and Amber

Just got back from st laurence park. there are no posters near the shingle path leading beyween kids play area down to the houses and i spoke to 2 dog walkers to see if they were aware of maria and neither were but walk there every day! I gave details but can someone put posters there as will catch residents from feeches road etc who may walk up that way. loads of posters in carpark. lots of potential hidey holes but maybe too light for her to come out.

Last edited: 2013-07-01 20:45:55 by Buzz and Amber

2013-07-01 17:24 Paula Griffin's Mum

I've just noticed this whilst looking on line for local traffic information, some good publicity :) - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-23129035

2013-07-01 14:22 BigGSDPatlucky

Fingers crossed for Maria.
I think now maybe the trap cage should be the last resort.
Only need her to be scared once and she may bolt further.
That we do not want as she is very very safe there.
It is so nice so many care so much.
Pat

2013-07-01 14:16 Spangles

Out and about today so on route drove through Hockley, Rochford out to Sutton Road area, back around airport and St Laurence Park, up past Cherry Orchard, then back through Hawkwell, Hockley and Rawreth no sign of her but hopefully this heat is encouraging her to stay put and any sightings will come in the evenings, early hours, definitely think BBQ waft will help, lots of garlic smells as the scent carries further, also cheese seems to do the same.....come on Maria lets get you home x

2013-07-01 12:46 Buzz and Amber

Was at cherry orchard just before 7am today and met several dog owners who knew about maria and posters still there. i wasnt sure she wouldve strayed right over to rayleigh so glad she still feels safe enough to be in st laurence park. we will be going out with our dog in that area again tonight (once its cooled down) so will see if we catch a glimpse of her - fingers crossed.

2013-07-01 11:19 Scragtag1

If you guys need any help with the cage trap let me know.....I've got 15 years experience with them with foxes.......is it a foot plate trap? If so it can easily be converted to a much more reliable trap x ......lets hope it doesn't come to that as cage trapping really should be the last resort on an already terrified dog.

2013-07-01 10:06 Paula Griffin's Mum

Good news that she's staying in this one area :) & great news about the trap, I've no experience of them, but everything crossed that it works, wishing you the very best of luck x

2013-07-01 08:03 Claire and Daisy

Important Update re Maria - She is definitely in St Laurence Park. The team have a trap and permission to use it on adjacent land - so fingers crossed this girlie will be safe soon. Huge thanks to all who helped.

2013-06-30 22:30 Paula Griffin's Mum

Well done team Maria, I've only just caught up with how it's all going, I was the one who saw the Kirby dog a couple of weeks ago, it sounds like he could be left to roam away from Kirby yard, I think they hope he won't, like their other dogs but he's young, anyway he's a very similar colouring to Maria, but a much slighter build, he's obviously a boy too & he has a red collar, so could be mistaken for Maria at a quick glance, I walked from Belchamps scout camp, up private road to the back of Hockley woods & then through to the top & back, was out for a good hour but no sightings, I pinned a poster on a way marker right by a dog poo bin near Belchamps, I have posters in my car & I can do Clements hall & Spencer's park Monday evening, good luck with Laurence park, it sounds like she's staying close to here, fingers, toes & paws crossed, stay safe Maria, come on girl...

2013-06-30 21:04 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Okay, not sure if confirmed sighting at Bulls Lane was unconfirmed now, but it seems there was a CONFIRMED SIGHTING at Laurence Park. She will hopefully go to Martha before you need a trap. That is the best thing to hope for. I will now leave this with Debs and Acreways, but if anyone needs to, you may contact me.

Last edited: 2013-06-30 21:05:35 by Kimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

2013-06-30 18:58 BigGSDPatlucky

Oops forgot the web site sorry.
http://www.mdcexports.co.uk/fox-trap.php
It says fox and Dog and you can see a dog inside.
Gives an idea how big it is.
Measurements are on the site.
Pat

2013-06-30 18:55 BigGSDPatlucky

I have just done a search and found one that can be purchased.
Also was reading how it should be placed and covered with branches.
Also on the dogs route preferably.
Plus dogs do not like walking on the metal bottom so best put something inside.
I think they also said not to rush it.
Hope that is of some help.
Making sure the trap is on nice even ground so they feel safe.
Pat

2013-06-30 18:22 BigGSDPatlucky

I have spoken to John at biggsd and he tells me the cage he had went out on loan.
The problem is it went missing.
So that brilliant cage I thought was brilliant is no longer.
Sorry but I tried

2013-06-30 18:16 Didofido

Right! Owners have said the sighting this morning DIDN'T see pink collar on the dog they saw at Bulls lane. But still look out just in case but He said she was seen again at aout 1am at Laurence park so Yaaay lets hope she is staying there. Will still call Kirbys to check if their dog was out....God I hope she is staying at Laurence going over with another bbq.

2013-06-30 18:07 Didofido

SparkyS my number is 07709340940 please call thanks

2013-06-30 17:57 Didofido

Refer dog in Kirbys we went there to ask if their dog was out last night and they said would check with husband but sighting this morning was bright pink collar. Last night the woman said she coldnt see collar in dark but didnt think it was Kirbys dog. Guy over the road had a call at his door from a neighbour to ask if his dog was out as they saw a dog in road. So definate this morning and two possibles last night will go to kirbys now and ask them again if they are in. Or could SparkyS go? Thanks.

2013-06-30 17:52 Didofido

Debs I will call you at 7.30 She was seen south of Hockley woods in the fields behind Buls lane. This morning and after 11ish last night everywhere is postered north of Hockley up to Hawkwell, Cenewdon Clements hall nurserys Someone should have done the lawns the Keddies are big dog lovers I have been talking to Sheena she drives an Acres way van does Rayleigh atweekends all farms covered Stevens Flemmings Cherry Orchard Gusted. We did it all trying to get in front of her wed, thurs and fri. Glad we did. I have been at work but now going out again my mobile is 07709340940. I havent heard from owners so I presume no sightings after this morning. Speak later

2013-06-30 17:48 sparkyS

I live just up the road from Bull Lane and walk dogs, mine and others, in the area, so will keep an eye open. Am happy to do what I can when it comes to observation etc. Just let me know what needs to be done when you're ready.

2013-06-30 17:16 Sunshine

Been to the RSPCA fete gave out over 100 posters. One man took a load as he runs a taxi company and will ask the drivers to put them in the cars. Went to Hockley Woods walked through putting posters on trees inside the woods (I saw loads in car park) and giving them out to dog walkers. Thought Hanna's suggestion was good to have an organised search. Has Martha calmed down now?

2013-06-30 16:51 Debs

Didofido, you can contact me on 07863 253627 although I'm working today until 19.30 so I may not be able to answer your call. Not sure who you've been talking to as there is no Rayleigh dog warden other than Acresway which is Sue and Val is the Southend warden. The farmers fields are owned by either Mr Rankin who is in Stambridge or Squires which are in canewdon. There is a public right of way that runs through The Lawn (Keddies place) has clear views all over Cherry orchard. I'm fairly confident Maria has come up cherry orchard through the fields and gone through gusted hall to Hockley woods. Plenty of food source and water! She can also access to Eastwood from there too depending on if she gets spooked by walkers. Has Eastwood been covered with posters yet? Hall road in Hockley could do with some, clements hall as well as the garden centres if anyone can get there

2013-06-30 16:14 Debs D

Yes Jenny I was about to suggest the same. See reunited ID 53803.

2013-06-30 15:59 Jenny

Friend who lives in Bull Lane has told me she thinks dog seen in Bull Lane could be one that is often loose from Kirby's coaches - has red collar on - could the sighting here be false lead?

2013-06-30 15:10 Claire and Daisy

Update: Confirmation of sighting at Bull Lane.

2013-06-30 14:28 Jenny

This is my area, ran along Bull Lane 6am with my dogs this morning - over to Gusted Hall and back to Grove Road - am doing same tomorrow - will forward to friends living in Bull Lane. Yesterday bad day for nervous dog to be in Rayleigh as Army event in King Georges Park with Spitfire and other airplanes flying overhead!! Maria must be exausted which could help catch her.

2013-06-30 13:43 Didofido

Debs area coordinates how can I contact you personally?

2013-06-30 13:39 Didofido

Sue at acres way isn't there today so I will try her tomorrow but heard Basildon DW may have trap willing to lend? Will call her tomorrow.

2013-06-30 13:31 Didofido

Rayleigh dog warden is calling due at acres way for me cos she doesn't know me from Adam why would she lend me a trap! But she doesn't think sue has one? The one in Surrey is it Vigil or biggsd cos I know John and he will lend me one. But will need help in this area if and when we know where we can put it. Everyone I know experienced with traps is in Surrey and sussex

2013-06-30 13:20 Didofido

We know she was at at Laurence yesterday an eve. Pretty sure she moved to bull lane late last night but definitely this morning. Two calls and one person we spoke to. Trouble with combing the area is its massive!!! Have a look on a map from bills lane (Stevens farm) to st Laurence park surrounded by fields and Hockley woods to the north. If we know tonight she goes back to Laurence we have a chance she is only going back an forth. Maybe a triangle an we haven't found the other side of it yet? Trap has to be big. She is big Labrador size!!!! Been trying Rayleigh dog warden as she is to do with acres way. But have her home number not mobile, she doesn't do email but is really good. Everyone is tired and down but daughter and I think its positive that we have had so many sightings. But Martha is down saying she may go back early as Maria did t come to her. Tried explaining she will be so off the wall she may not realise its her for a while and it may just click with her. Put a to shirt down! But she is very reluctant to wee! Keeps looking at me like I'm mad! What more can I do?

2013-06-30 12:40 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Confirmed sightings in Bull Lane. Carefully does it. x

2013-06-30 12:32 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

You are all doing so well out there. Remember to keep calm, cool and take a deep breath if you get stressed. Carefully does it and remember each one of you is a link in Team Maria. I am getting stressed just thinking about this and you are out there on the ground, so to speak. So calm, cool and collected, okay? It's quite hot today so Maria may well stay in the cool until sundown. But who knows? There are a couple of good rescues Southend way, so if Debs says they will help trap, that is great news. Once the trap is set, we can't have people milling round too much but we really, really would like it monitored from a distance 24/7. See what we are told by Martha and the trapper (rescue lady) or Debs. As advised, if there are any problems with the trap, we can get a large, automatic one to you, but you should keep it in your sights, always. It should also be hidden so no one can run off with it and so that Maria feels safe going to it.
Regarding private lane. You can go on the land if you have permission from landowner. Sometimes they are very kind and will allow assistance for a lost dog; sometimes you will find one who is not so helpful. Be kind, ask nicely, explain the situation and avoid damaging crops etc. It might be best if only a couple of you do this as landowner will not want loads of people traipsing all over, even if you stick to the paths, the thought of lots of people will make farmer hesitant.
As always, thank you - all of you - for caring about and working for this precious girl, Maria. xxx

2013-06-30 12:15 Sunshine

I am leaving in a bit to go over to the RSPCA fete (my friend is picking up a rescue there) not sure if anyone has thought about it but I'll take posters just in case.

2013-06-30 12:08 Tinksbaby

SORRY ITS BULL LANE MY MISTAKE X IN RAYLEIGH

2013-06-30 12:03 BigGSDPatlucky

The idea is ok Hanna but you cant just go on private land.
Where crops are growing.
Plus they are now saying she maybe in different area now.

2013-06-30 12:00 BigGSDPatlucky

Not sure I would use the RSPCA.
On two different occasions when people have found dogs.
They have simple been told just let the dogs go.
They are not interested.
They are only interested in abused dogs etc.
How could they say that.

2013-06-30 11:51 Hanna B

This may be a daft idea and I know zero about catching runaway dogs. But seeing as Martha is only here a short time. Would it bit be an idea to get all of us that are local to meet up over there and join forces, comb the area and try to in find her location so Martha can the try again by herself? Just an idea of which if needed I would be happy to participate.

2013-06-30 11:46 BigGSDPatlucky

Unless someone has scared her off I think she will stay put.
I have posted on a German Shepherd site as I know they have altered a cage for a bigger dog.
So the dog has to go further in before door shuts down.
As said here most cages are made for fox or badger.
The only trouble with this brilliant cage , I think it is in Surrey.
Will post here when I get in touch with one of them.
They are nit answering their phones this morning.

2013-06-30 11:45 Kizandtango

When people say new sightings have been spotted, PLEASE make sure you spell the place names correctly. Laurence park was being spelt with a W until I pointed it out, and Bull Road doesn't exist (But Bull Lane does) . Makes searching maps a lot easier :-)

2013-06-30 11:30 Tinksbaby

morning all been out since 7 with diane to st laurence no sightings went into allopments at back off field big gap she could go to gor water and veg. but had a call last night about 12 a possible in bull rd raylegh in a empty house garden. seen then walking along bull rd lady knocked think it was neighbours dog. but then owners got call this morning to say a dog lab with bright flouresant pink collar was seen again in bull rd . so she could be heading towards hockley woods and around that area, she may go back to st laurence if her safe place but this was 2 definates in this rd last night about 11 and this morning. me and di martha rowena are going out again later but if anyone sees her i dont drive but happy to go along to help im in westcliff on sea x so please keep eyes peeled in this area ta x

2013-06-30 10:47 Sunshine

It was just on Southend Radio they seemed to treat it as a bloody joke!! I have emailed them and asked that they tell people not to come down there (Hope they do announce it) and that Martha is not just any old Greek speaker.

Last edited: 2013-06-30 10:48:01 by Sunshine

2013-06-30 09:46 Carmel

Bumping this earlier post from Debs, Area Co-ordinator Essex - Southend dog warden isn't the most helpful your right, your also correct that she is soon to be relieved of duties due to council cuts but! She has a shared job with Acresway kennels who do the best to there ability. I have spoken to Sue the owner there and she is happy to supply and set a trap up. Can owner or Martha please contact them on 01268 770402 to arrange. This would be good if we could arrange it to be maned 24/7 due to fact it's so heavily populated there with foxes it's quite possible we would catch one of them instead of Maria. Come on Maria, everyone is working so hard to see you start a new chapter of your life in safety

2013-06-30 09:21 Sunshine

I have Bumped this re the trap: 2013-06-26 12:53 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator Essex and Herts If you can find Maria's route and know for definite where she goes, I can get you a "state of the art" trap. You must NOT allow any accidents, as Shereen said, or she will never go in one again and that's it. Patience and monitoring. Once you know exactly where she goes, we can do this together. We will help you. Also, there is a good rescue kennel that I think can trap in that side of Essex. Debs might know. Maybe try RSPCA as sometimes, you may find a good inspector who will help trap with you. Sometimes not, but might be worth a try. I am too far to help daily, but will try to come over if we need to trap. x

2013-06-30 09:06 Sunshine

Not sure if radio has been done yet but you could say an undisclosed area so you don't get all the volunteer dog catchers coming over.

2013-06-30 08:58 Sunshine

Di, Sorry computer died last night and as you texted me didn't sorted it out! Do you want the binoculars? I have tried to do A5 but cannot seem to do it on my printer got A4 though?

2013-06-30 06:31 Didofido

Have got an email from productions manager they are going to try and do an interview o adrian fox this morning about Maria. We are pretty sure she will stay where she is will try rayleigh warden and see if she knows a rescue who has a trap. Didnt someone on here say one had experienced people and a state of the art trap? She may know. I shouldnt think southend warden has trapped a mouse let alone a dog!What should we say on radio that she is there but we don't want loads of people going there?

2013-06-30 05:48 Debs

Southend dog warden isn't the most helpful your right, your also correct that she is soon to be relieved of duties due to council cuts but! She has a shared job with Acresway kennels who do the best to there ability. I have spoken to Sue the owner there and she is happy to supply and set a trap up. Can owner or Martha please contact them on 01268 770402 to arrange. This would be good if we could arrange it to be maned 24/7 due to fact it's so heavily populated there with foxes it's quite possible we would catch one of them instead of Maria. Come on Maria, everyone is working so hard to see you start a new chapter of your life in safety

2013-06-30 00:06 Didofido

Where did I read that someone knew a sour Essex rescue that could lend a trap? I will get Rayleigh/ Basildon dog warden to get in touch with them.
I have heard southend dog warden won't exist soon! Will we notice? I very much doubt it!

2013-06-29 23:53 Didofido

Sunshine that should have been can u print any A5? Bloody iPhone.

2013-06-29 23:52 Didofido

Sunshine can I print A5 size posters that we can put thru doors? Then I wa going to write on them that she has been seen behind thir house and to call if sighted. There is lovely lady called Joyner who back onto here in fact she wa the one that called warden and medivet Wednesday. She will let is keep a trap in her garden and put it out at night. If we can borrow one. Will call Rayleigh warden as she comes under Basildon and is really good. No use calling southend. They have clearly said their job description is to pick up strays once they have been caught. Not to go out and look for them!

2013-06-29 23:44 Didofido

Didn't see her all evening until we were just about to leave so it was dark but definitely her we were walking back to the car and she turned the corner in front of Martha and Rowena and just tailed it back to the wheatfield. Martha tried calmly talking and calling but no sight. If she was right over other side of field she wouldn't have heard. Think we may need to borrow that state of the art trap that someone mentioned a south Essex rescue could help with? Will have another BBQ tomorrow. Will put poster through all the doors backing on to field in N Crescent and eastwoodbury. There are allotment over back of one side so they should have water butts?

2013-06-29 22:51 jackanory

Oops...only trying to say.......Di don't forget to get Martha to spend a penny or two there !!!!

Last edited: 2013-06-29 22:55:32 by jackanory

2013-06-29 22:50 jackanory

2013-06-29 22:50 jackanory

2013-06-29 22:49 jackanory

2013-06-29 20:14 BigGSDPatlucky

Everything crossed here.
Good luck
Pat

2013-06-29 19:41 Sunshine

I've got binoculars if any use? Is there a point to observe from that won't upset anything?

Last edited: 2013-06-29 19:45:12 by Sunshine

2013-06-29 19:16 Kizandtango

What you need is a spotter. Someone with binoculars on a high point that over looks the park she was last seen at. Then that person calls sightings into Martha, who goes to that spot.

2013-06-29 18:56 Buzz and Amber

Fingers crossed maria likes a barbi. so desperatly want her to feel safe to come to martha. been round that area every day looking so it would be a brilliant end to the weekend for her to get reunited

2013-06-29 18:50 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Go team Maria...sending lots of positive thoughts..

2013-06-29 17:14 Didofido

Going to take just Martha over and have a disposable BBQ if she pops up I will leave then wait in car I hope she hasn't been scared away. If we don't see her we will leave some of Martha's clothes. Have took inboard all suggestions. Thanks. Definitely needs to be there alone and hope she stays calm. She is very emotional!

2013-06-29 16:21 DogLostMax - Area Co-ordinator - Cornwall & Area Volunteer - Durham & Ireland

fingers crossed she can be caught safely xx

2013-06-29 15:53 Sunshine

Me 2 shame we can't ask people to stay away from the area where Martha is, this is one day when I wished the sun was not out.

2013-06-29 15:33 Hanna B

OMG, I'm on tenderhoooks!! Hope Maria calms enough to go to Martha. Preying for this. Does sound like Martha needs to be there alone, maybe when its quieter. Its a lovely day here and bound to be too many people around there.

2013-06-29 14:30 Suzie

It might help if Martha lays down and makes a whimpering sound. Dogs often respond to this and come closer to investigate, especially if the noise is coming from someone that they know. Good luck, I am willing her to be caught today!!

2013-06-29 14:24 Didofido

Yes they have left and told Martha to keep calm even if we don't get her today to not rush it and sit in the grass talking to her how she did at shelter. She is very emotional. But told her she has to stay calm. Owners have backed off and said the minute she goes to run away from her to sit down but throw her food. Smelly sardines! Hope stay calm. She is freaked cos she obviously recognised Martha's voice and wanted to come up to her but they must have all been with her. Have made it clear to leave. Any other things u can think of? Thanks all

2013-06-29 14:18 JJ

good luck. i hope those very keen folk will stand way back and leave it to Martha. i do know how they feel tho., but Maria is the most important.

2013-06-29 13:58 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Okay just read about Martha. We need to keep people back except Martha if she is seen. This is great news as once Maria has had time to process all this, she could well go to Martha. Keep praying for this sweet girl. Well done Martha for coming over for Maria. x

2013-06-29 13:55 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Bumped for Hockley sighting.
I have no idea what criteria Southend DW works to? Maybe the council is fobbing callers off for some reason. Personally, I do not think this is an acceptable service if owner has reported to DW that Maria is missing and there are sightings. This is such a shame as a chat with a good DW can help an owner so much.

2013-06-29 13:33 magicpoogle

I have been following Maria's story and have crossposted and put posters up - If there is anything I can do (i know you have had lots of offers) please give me a shout - I'm fairly local in Rochford - Good Luck x

2013-06-29 13:13 Sunshine

Ok this is great news fingers and everything else crossed. Come On Maria come to Martha!!!!!!! Give us a shout if I can do anything to help you have my number

2013-06-29 13:09 Didofido

She is confused and won't come right up to her so she is waiting and trying to stay calm and calmly calling her. She will be scared of the other people that were there so Martha is staying there on her own. She has run off to hide but at least she is there! Please don't anyone go as she may run further. At least we know we can feed her there.

2013-06-29 13:00 Sunshine

Excellent maybe we could be ready to surround the area if needed (with phones)just to give sightings to you and Martha if she goes off in another direction and you loss sight of her?

2013-06-29 12:54 Didofido

Martha from Greece has just seen her at Laurence park she won't come right up
To her but keeps coming close she has backed off as she was running towards road but we know she is staying there our best chance is Martha as if everyone goes there she will run off please god let her come to Martha

2013-06-29 11:48 Claire and Daisy

We need people to poster Hadleigh and South Benfleet please? Updates on my posts here http://www.facebook.com/claire.bartlett.10
yes Martha is here.

2013-06-29 11:17 Sunshine

Has Martha arrived from Greece?

2013-06-29 09:13 BigGSDPatlucky

I saw your lost dog poster in my local woods.
Hope she is found soon.
Two things really have you been to where you last saw her and called her name.?
If she is scared she might have gone to ground near by.
Also she is in a new area, have you been back to your last address as they are well known for going home.
Good luck will keep an eye open.

2013-06-29 08:25 Claire and Daisy

Because the search is so large now I am trying to keep track of which areas are postered. Please post here or email me : claire@southendyoutharts.co.uk if you have done another are. I have also put a list of areas done on FB - my page is Claire Bartlett, but am copying to Diane and Karen`s pages.

2013-06-29 03:34 karen

West cliff still on poster don't think it that important most people with any sense would know a dog can walk three miles unless you work for medivets

2013-06-28 21:23 Kizandtango

Oh what little shits ! If you see them again, let me know what they are wearing, il keep an eye out for them

2013-06-28 21:12 Sunshine

Just got back put posters up on the brook between Westbourne Grove and Highfields Cres Westcliff. As we were walking back saw 2 young boys in front of us ripping them down, my partner shouted at them and they ran for their lives, replaced all the ones they had destroyed!!! Although didn't have plastic for all of them so the rain may ruin those ones!! Also forgot that I drove around Sutton Road Cemetery this afternoon though didn't think appropriate to poster.

2013-06-28 20:29 Debs D

Been in Hockley woods this evening and saw nothing. Put posters up at a smaller entrance of the woods and on the High Road.

Last edited: 2013-06-28 20:31:19 by Debs D

2013-06-28 19:53 Sunshine

Went to Pets at Home at Airport asked if they still had a poster up, girl found it on the board but showed me it was underneath a cat re-homing event asked if it could be put where it can be seen so she moved it! Put posters down one side of Priory Park and on the entrance, but staple gun broke just went a brought another but come home to put some plastic on the posters due to it raining. (I have got a laminator but haven't got any sheets)Going to go and do some of the brook in a bit. I have put one up in Oldhams Chip shop (Westcliff) and the Miss Celicious hairdressers in Rochford

2013-06-28 18:50 Kizandtango

Ok, IF she is doing what someone said on Facebook:

"..From what I can gather she is moving against the wind that is coming from the North West so she is probably headed in that direction! Read it in an article about the survival mode dogs go into that Titch told us about.."

Then she will be heading towards Rettendon. Ive also calculated how many miles she seems to do before stopping, and its 2.5 miles average

Her home to seafront is 1.5, then seafront to RBS is 2.5, then RBS to Hockley woods IF that was her, is also 2.5 miles.

Using that as an average distance she travels, and assuming she keeps going North West, then she will end up in The Rayleigh club, and possibly Hullbridge.

2013-06-28 13:19 Debs D

I'll be walking Hockley woods late afternoon, I'll keep an eye out.

2013-06-28 12:28 jackanory

Thankyou sunshine, every bit of help helps !!! and we can never have enough posters......thankyou !!
dog warden has returned ( finally!!!!!) call to owners and has said they will pass on any possible sightings fron now on to them... lets hope so ! turns out there was a possible sighting called in to dog warden yesterday in hockley woods . this is not a confirmed sighting so please dont assume its her and stop looking in other areas.. thankyou so much to everybody who is helping to find poor maria...x

2013-06-28 12:28 Sunshine

I have asked South East Essex Animal Trust to share the link

2013-06-28 12:11 Sunshine

One of my fb friends has been sharing over the last couple of days he has over 2000 followers I am going to ask him to do it again once we get another sighting, I also have another that has over 4000 followers and I will also ask him to start sharing fingers crossed he will. I am available later on today to help and tomorrow? Are more posters needed as I can print some?

2013-06-28 11:19 Didofido

just asked the owners to contact dog warden again as when I did they told me the warden desnt contact the owners about a sighting until they have got the dog! which is no good asked him to call them and leave a message because she has still not called them at all and tell her to contact them with any sighting so Martha can get there to look. Has any dogslost co-ordinator able to call them to to explain this? Idont think they realise that its no good just going along to the place they have had a call about. Really worried they get a call from someone who has seen her but they arent going to let owners know. If Martha comes all the way here she is the one Maria will come to.

2013-06-28 11:08 jackanory

Diane i have contacted, all 4 papers that sunshine gave me. echo, southend standard, yellow ad and leigh times. i have given them all marias story and that martha is travelling all the way from athens to help the search...have given them info also on not approaching if seen etc..could now be anywhere and added photos... lets hope they run the story , ( i have begged....). i have also asked martha to bring some old items of clothes that she has worn with her smell on it, just incase maria is seen again and you can leave something in the area with her smell on.
come on girl pls show yourself to someone....

2013-06-28 09:35 Sunshine

Has anyone asked South East Essex Animal Trust to share?

2013-06-28 08:36 Carmel

Martha from Athens is arriving tonight, based at Jack's for a week. She knows Maria very well, and we are hoping that Martha's scent & voice might draw Maria out. Jack & family are at a do on Sunday, can Martha tag-along with someone for a search please?

2013-06-28 08:15 Spangles

jackanory......Echo cover a whole area out as far as Rayleigh, Canvey etc http://www.echo-news.co.uk/ also Standard Recorder http://www.southendstandard.co.uk/ if you ask for the news desk covering Rochford District and Southend District you should find they cover from Southend out as far as Rayleigh....hope this helps x

2013-06-28 07:54 Didofido

Sarah just say southend and around I dont know if there is a local paper for Canewdon? Karenwe took Westcliff off because the vets in rochford didnt call owners wednesday morning as they presumed it couldnt be a lost dog from westcliff near them! Wrong!!! so if it doesnt say an area people will call and not presume.

2013-06-28 01:40 karen

Any chance of putting on the poster missing from west cliff but could be anywhere so people don't think it can't be the same dog as its out of the area it was first lost in maybe before l print of the posters tomorrow . They are working somebody at work to night was telling me that she had noticed them everywhere

2013-06-28 01:08 jackanory

Thanlyou sunshine....Diane i Will do all the papers today..fingers crossed they Will run the story...please can someone let me know what area these local papers cover so that i know who im asking for....am i just asking for westcliffe on sea area. Would that do it ?

2013-06-27 22:29 Didofido

Well nothing today so do we assume the second sighting is the end of the triangle and she could go either way now? Eastwood then back in to Westcliff? Or rochford/Barling maybe and back into westcliff? I have someone doing Eastwood tomorrow and Barling. Sara can you contact the papers? I know Jack has put advert in Echo but not story. Can u speak to him.

2013-06-27 22:01 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Sorry, bit more from me, after reading backwards! Maria will find herself a new "home" in that the triangle will be it. Once she forms the triangle (ish) she will keep to it, round and round. How long it will take from one point to the next we don't know - that's up to Maria. They panic at first and run all over or hide, then they start to form a pattern. She will try find access to food, water and a secure place to bed down. Unless someone or something frightens her, she will keep to this route. x

2013-06-27 21:53 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Triangle is three points, not necessarily even distances. Use the sightings to predict the third point and poster! You are all so fab out there! xxx

2013-06-27 21:51 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

As Maeia is from Greece, this could make a story for the local papers. Sometimes they don't help with missing dogs unless a story is attached, and this is certainly one, so let's go for it! x

2013-06-27 21:10 Sunshine

I've not been around since yesterday but am back now and have been keeping up to date with the search, I should able to help for a couple of hours tomorrow but deffo on Saturday. Local papers are Evening Echo, Standard Recorder, Leigh Times and Yellow Advertiser.

2013-06-27 20:36 jackanory

Come on baby girl please help us to help you...xx

Diane. If papers havnt been contacted pls let me know the names of all the locals inc the freebies and i Will ring them tomorrow ...I think they may be interested in a story where Martha is coming all the way over from Greece to help the search..and if she has moved on it might help with sightings ?

Last edited: 2013-06-27 20:37:37 by jackanory

2013-06-27 18:37 Debs D

Managed to get a couple of posters up in Battlesbridge.

2013-06-27 17:26 Didofido

Is anyone free to come out with me soon to do Rochford? It's easier with two as you can pull up and the passenger jumps out with poster and staple gun.

2013-06-27 17:23 Didofido

Oh and Ashingdon heights boarding kennels were really helpful and took some. Will put up where they walk if they don't see any.

2013-06-27 17:22 Didofido

Thanks everyone I am trying to poster a circle round her. Have done Hockley, Gusted,Ashingdon, canewdon, doing Rochford in next hour and Karen is doing pagelsham, creek sea, barling and wakering tomorrow. Friends are starting to do Rayleigh. Did all the farms and stables and put they letter boxes of rural homes out Ashingdon an stambridge too. As the crow flies across those fields its not that far. Martha from shelter will be here tomorrow and Maria knows her really well. Lady backing onto Laurence park is out looking all day just in case she is still there. Thanks for doing Rochford council etc. owners contacted Basildon dog warden to ask her if she can contact southend dog warden. She was very helpful. Did a golf club near the cherry tree out towards stambridge? Did outside schools. Farms all really helpful they back onto the fields towards airport. Can anyone think of anywhere else I may have missed. Did shops and all parks I came across and public footpaths.

2013-06-27 15:59 Jenny

Hockley Woods / Gusted Hall my area - walk and run over there with my dogs every day - will put the word to people I meet etc. This should be safer and calmer area for her to be so could be a plus - lots of dog walkers/horseriders around.

2013-06-27 14:13 Kizandtango

This is a map of a 5 mile radius around where she was last seen: http://www.freemaptools.com/radius-around-point.htm?clat=51.56132959997&clng=0.6805515289306641&r=9.66&lc=0000FF&lw=1&fc=FF0000&fs=true Obviously huge area, but if she continues in the direction she was going before, it would put her in Rochford or Hawkwell, But to get there she would have to go round or through the airport, which may put her off. Id be postering Rochford/Hawkwell/Rayleigh/Wickford now, BEFORE she gets there if she is still moving on

2013-06-27 13:42 Paula Griffin's Mum

Thanks Didofido, you're right, she could head anywhere, I'll print a good batch of a4 posters when I get home from work later, I'm always out with Griffin, mornings & evenings so I'll pin up the a4 posters where I can around the dog walking places of Hockley, Hawkwell, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hullbridge, Ashingdon, I have a busy weekend with friends & family coming up, but I'll do what I can between now & then, each time I take Griffin out I'll have posters on me & will display one in my car too, also have family in Wakering so I will alert them, will also share again on FB with the recent locations of where Maria has been sighted. Thank you for your kind offer of getting some a5 posters to me, I'll keep a close eye on here & when I have more time maybe I'll arrange to get some from you then, you're all doing a fab job, well done :)

2013-06-27 12:51 Spangles

Have emailed Rochford District Council, Ashingdon, Barling, Rettendon, Canewdon, Rochford, Hockley, Hawkwell, Foulness, Wakering, Hullbridge and Stambridge Parish Councils and asked them to share Maria's details x

2013-06-27 12:07 CopperM

I've posted on Southend freecycle and waiting for moderators to OK it...

2013-06-27 12:07 Spangles

Rspca Essex South and Southend Dogs Needing Homes are sharing, they have over 1600 followers. Rochford 100 Golf Club is very nearby so worth some posters going in the Members bar there. I have also contacted Rochford District Council with a poster of Maria and asked them to make sure all their parks and open spaces staff are aware, they cover Cherry Orchard, Hockley Woods etc, they don't have a dog warden, they use Acres Way but have contacted RDC's animal welfare officer to make her aware. I will also contact local Parish/Town Councils to make them aware just in case they are called rather than the District Council x

2013-06-27 11:50 Scragtag1

Ive now sent messages to the 3 facebook groups i mentioned below........lets find this girl ASAP

2013-06-27 11:12 Scragtag1

If Maria is on the move then contact every local town community site on facebook like 'Your southend', 'Hockley Essex', 'Rayleigh Essex', if you send a private message then they should post it and it will reach all the people who 'like' the page and then go further via people sharing, if you post it on these sites yourself people dont see it!....the trick is to contact the site by private message and let them post it......my cat recently went missing and Rayleigh Essex site alone reached over 7,000 people via shares....the majority of these people who see the posts are local which is what i think this situ needs.........also may be worth mentioning to ask people to store the contact number in their phones as they can then phone the owners directly.

Last edited: 2013-06-27 11:17:15 by Scragtag1

2013-06-27 10:46 Didofido

Four sightings over Laurence poark were all yesterday morning met two of them there this morning at 7.30am and showed me where but no sign this morning. Because the posters werent up till the afternoon only because one of them saw on in Westcliff we didnt get calls till later yesterday but one woman who backs onto the fields called dog warden and said she would wait to show them where she saw Maria was told not to worry and they would come and have a look! they didnt call the owners! The owners havent even had a call back from Warden he has rung and spoke to a bloke there who said dont worry she will get the message and call you and we have your details!!!! Why didnt they call him. She also called medivet who have a poster and didnt call owners. I went in there and asked them if they still had the poster and that they were told the dog had a bright pink collar on but couldnt have read poster as it clearly says it. They said they didnt ring number on poster as they didnt think it was the same dog. Two missed opportunities... Now going to poster Hockley, Gusted,Rochford and poss Wakering and Barling? Jackanory suggested drawing a circle on a map in five mile radius to start with. We seem to be one step behind her and need to get one in front by postering further afield as thats whats getting the calls the posters.

2013-06-27 10:34 Debs

Went to Laurence park around 5pm last night, posters up :-) myself and children went on a hack with our horses all over the perimeter of cherry orchard of which we do most days. Have spread the word on the yard to others hacking out

2013-06-27 10:05 Carmel

Just had a great suggestion on Facebook - apologies if it's already been done! "When I had to organise a search for a dog, again new in the country one of the best things we did was ask the local newsagents to give posters to all the paper boys, also milkmen and dustbin men. These are the people who are about early in the day and it was through a paperboy at 5.30 in the morning that we eventually caught our dog. Hope this helps. x"

2013-06-27 09:35 Carmel

Great news that there have been more sightings. As Diane says, Maria is more likely to keep moving on as she has no ties, familiarity, nothing. She did not have a blanket or bed, nothing that could be used to scent. She wasn't in the house long enough to establish her presence, and there are two resident dogs so too many confusing scents. Martha from the shelter in Athens is coming over this weekend, will stay for a week, and will be more likely to draw Maria out if we can get near enought to a sighting. Sorry I can't be of more use, I live too far away......

2013-06-27 09:21 Buzz and Amber

Re the tracking issue. a few of us take our dogs to tracking classes so we could help with a scent track but dont want her scared by dogs chasing towards her SAFE areas. if another bellasangels member is following maria can u please update site as im on phone and about to go to work. Jenny may have some advice (Tiga N Sane) re tracking x

2013-06-27 09:10 Buzz and Amber

Sorry, meant to add that posters are def up at parks and cherry orchard right by carpark so no missing.her info

2013-06-27 09:09 Buzz and Amber

We went to cherry orchard & gusted last night and will be there around 6.30pm today. i have work mates who live right near lawrence park so going.in now to ask they help search. also various members of our dog club do cherry orchard and gusted all times of day and have a friend who works at rbs so maria we gonna see u. fantastic story of yiftaki and brilliant to the lady who is gonna feed near rbs x

Last edited: 2013-06-27 09:22:31 by Buzz and Amber

2013-06-27 08:06 Didofido

Thank you Hinckley woods, belfairs, gusted she coul go anyway. Pets at home at airport done bit anywhere you can give them out I can drop some a5 flyers to you? Thanks so much.

2013-06-27 07:49 Paula Griffin's Mum

I've not been around much these last few days, I'm in Hockley, I may not get a chance this evening but will certainly start to poster Cherry Orchard & Gusted will also drop in to pets at home nr the airport & give them a poster for their notice board, if someone beats me too it with posters I will find somewhere to pin them up, I'll be able to do this Friday evening after work/Saturday, I'm also at Pets in Partnership tomorrow morning the outskirts of Rayleigh/Hullbridge - lots of dog people attend here so I will hand them a dozen or so to give out to clients, I agree, softly softly - she needs to know where she can get food, hopefully she'll stay close, stay safe Maria

2013-06-27 07:37 Didofido

Now four sightings yesterday from 7.30 to 9am. Over Laurence park in the long grass and bushes behind RBS. None this morning. Lady left food last night where she had seen her in the morning but didn't see her again. If she got the food there may be a chance she will stay. But if she didn't there is chance she has moved on? Gusted isn't far as the crow flies. Anyone poster there or Rochford? I just put one at cherry orchard way entrance. But am running out.

2013-06-26 23:27 Didofido

Just like to tell you all the story of Yiftaki as it starts very similar. He ran out of his new home the day he arrived in june 2007. He had had no ties to the eare, didnt know it or the people at all. Dogslost got involved and we met Sarah (Jackanory). She and volunteers postered and shared hundreds of comments and tracked him, always one step behind as he made his way across south London/Surrey. For two months they got sightings and postered the area always to be behindhim but never see him. It went on and the nothing for months. On new years eve they got a call he was found 50 miles away. An old man saw him in his garden and fed him. He came back every day for food and eventually came in the house. Still the old man put him out every day and every night he came back for food and came in for the night. It was only when a neighbour saw the dog and told the man someone may be looking for him that he called the RSPCA and Yiftaki was scanned and came up registered lost!He came back every day because he knew he would get fed. I hope we can get a result like this with Maria and I hope it doesnt take six months to get her feeding somewhere every day. He travelled in a straight line and never went back as he had no ties to go back to.

2013-06-26 23:22 Debs

Laurence park is on the new road between A127 at tesco and the airport runway (behind RBS building).

2013-06-26 22:56 Sunshine

Where is Laurence Park?

2013-06-26 22:13 Didofido

Another positive sighting man saw her Laurence park so she has moved will go back in morning been over there tonight an put more posters up. No sign of her tho. Put food down but if she gets any? Have the guys number. Not answering Will keep trying and get him to meet me.

2013-06-26 21:52 Kizandtango

I know everyone is saying don't approach her, which is obviously the right thing to do. But its worth at least trying to show her that you mean absolutely no harm to her at all, and at least give her the opportunity to approach you, with the promise of food.

It wont harm her to know that people can be friendly and good sources of what she wants, and who knows, she MAY pluck up the courage to have a sniff of you, giving opportunity to grab her collar (But obviously only if she appears to take interest in you, absolutely no moving after her, even slightly, and only if you are sure you can keep her there if the chance arose.

Basic ways you can show this are, as soon as you see her/she sees you, you sit down, sideways on to her (Or even with your back to her) and don't give any eye contact. Lick your lips and yawn, never looking at her. Have any food you have for her on the floor near by for her to approach at her own pace.

All of these things will show her you don't mean her any harm (Sniffing the ground is also another one, but kind of hard to do)

Like I say, it certainly wont hurt her to see these signals coming from humans, and it has at least a small chance of getting results

2013-06-26 21:09 Hanna B

Absolutely not out to try and approach her, just to report / confirm sighting to owner and help spread the word.

2013-06-26 20:47 jackanory

debs (area co ord) .. just wandering about a tracker dog... i know one of the co ordinators has a dog called wispa (??), is this a possibility? although i assume we would need something with marias smell on it to offer the dog? diane do you know if a blanket or anything came with maria? or a blanket that they used for the car journey?

Last edited: 2013-06-26 20:48:31 by jackanory

2013-06-26 20:41 jackanory

diane, is the woman whos garden backs on to the wasteland by rbs willing to put food/ water down over her back fence??? and regularly ?? i would be more than willing to pay for the food.....
also dont forget yiftaki .... same situation as maria, had only been in the house 5 minutes before he did a runner, so no bond, no connection to area, so it is perfectly possible she has travelled...he travelled huge distances...
please please anyone reading this, as diane says please if you see her do not approach her.... if she is scared she could just keep on travelling. we just need her to feel safe and secure in one place so a trap can be set.. i asked martha if maria knew milo, i thought if she did it would be worth me bringing him up so that he could at least scent the area in the hope that it might encourage her to stay... sadly she was not kept anywhere near milo so no use....good luck peeps wish i lived near...xxx

2013-06-26 20:05 Sunshine

Has anyone thought about contacting the Evening Echo? Could be a story with her coming from Greece (and her sad life before arriving here) and Martha coming over and everything!!!

2013-06-26 19:59 Sunshine

I have put posters in my car so at least people can see whilst I'm travelling around

2013-06-26 19:28 Hanna B

I live in Leigh. I have been out the last two nights opposite the casino trying to find this girl, gave out poster to all dog walkers I came across ( the area had already been well posted). Also went to RBS today after reported sighting, met up with another couple looking for her and there was another lady looking. I have also given posters to all my neighbours in Leigh with dogs who walk everyday a along seafront. Anything else I can do in Leigh.......just ask. Would love to see this girl safety returned.

2013-06-26 19:15 Buzz and Amber

Went out late last night on dog walks in westcliff and also for over an hour around cherry orchard. no sightings but if she doing the triangle thing then ss4 too far away. hubby on nightshift tonight in SS0 right accross southend and central is one of his patrols so their.nightshift will be looking out for maria tonight & tomoz and have the numbers.

2013-06-26 18:26 Didofido

Thanks Kimmybear trap only an option as you say if we have established feeding which we haven't at all yet!!! If she comes out to the sound of Martha's voice that would be great.

2013-06-26 16:47 Kizandtango

Id just like to point out, I DID get the owners permission to use a manually triggered trap, so I wasn't just doing it off my own back, nor was I doing it without permission :-)

2013-06-26 16:22 Didofido

We did airport security and RBS security who bothe said try would look out and have poster. The houses that back onto the field and around the roads off by the bell. Just in case it's her. Can't harm can it!

2013-06-26 15:53 Didofido

Spoke to a woman in her garden that backs on to the land at back of RBS she said she saw a dog in her road at 1.30 am just running with no owner. Does this make it more likely to be a positive sighting? Going to poster round here just in case.

2013-06-26 15:17 Didofido

We are used to using traps in Greece to trap dogs to sterilise. I do realise that it has to work first time. Is your trap big enough? The best hope we have is Martha coming who is the only one she knows well.

2013-06-26 15:07 Didofido

Can anyone poster around the roads each side of A127. Think its a positive sighting she was alone bright pink collar and saw the woman with her dogs and shot back in the undergrowth. We have done St Lawrence park and the airport and shops an houses to immediate left and right of the park that is immediately behind RBS car park. RBS security going to keep an eye on cameras manned 24 hours. Please we need posters up around here now. Tesco, the pub etc done.

2013-06-26 14:05 Kizandtango

She has just been spotted in the rough area behind the car park of the RBS in Southend next to the Large Tesco on the A127.

Last edited: 2013-06-26 14:15:58 by Kizandtango

2013-06-26 13:21 Debs

Thanks Kimmybear, I've just spoken in length to the owners on what's the next plan of action. We all seem to be fairly confident that Maria beds down in one particular part of the cliffs so I have advised owners to fire up a BBQ tonight and on what to do if she does venture near. He also expressed joint concerns over the use of traps by the volunteers, although every helper is fully appreciated unless someone has expert knowledge/use of trapping we think its best left as this could cause more harm than good. I'm currently in negotiations with local pound over helping with a trap.

2013-06-26 12:53 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

If you can find Maria's route and know for definite where she goes, I can get you a "state of the art" trap. You must NOT allow any accidents, as Shereen said, or she will never go in one again and that's it. Patience and monitoring. Once you know exactly where she goes, we can do this together. We will help you. Also, there is a good rescue kennel that I think can trap in that side of Essex. Debs might know. Maybe try RSPCA as sometimes, you may find a good inspector who will help trap with you. Sometimes not, but might be worth a try. I am too far to help daily, but will try to come over if we need to trap. x

2013-06-26 12:47 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Well done the fire brigade! Maria may be off on a little jaunt looking for food or a secure place to bed down further along but she should come back as this will most probably be her triangle starting point. If its safe, she will be back. Well done everyone. x Basildon DW is extremely helpful; I am sure she will speak to Southend if you need her to. Once we know Maria's exact location we can set up a trap, but not until, although leaving food & water is a good way to get her to stay in the area, so well done on that. Thank you Kizandtango, I am sure they will need you if a trap is set. I will help you with what to do, but you will need a rota so you can take a break. Let's see if we can locate Maria first. Come on girly, where are you? x

2013-06-26 12:20 Debs

Myself and b/f covered the seafront again last night from about 8.30 - 10.30 and this morning from 9-10, from the arches to pier hill seafront end, the cliffs and the upper road, around the bowling green and little park to westcliff hotel. No sightings. Most people I spoke to were aware of Maria being a missing dog in the area so posters are working but as people are being asked to not approach Maria if sighted but to call one of the numbers on the poster I would like to see more posters if possible. There are a fair few still up though. The area that is fenced off opposite the casino was checked by the fire brigade yesterday who bought their thermal imaging equipment with them, sadly nothing detected.

2013-06-26 11:51 JJ

wonder if the D/W has any suggestions about disappearing posters. maybe she Might unite the 2 bands of people.

2013-06-26 11:45 Kizandtango

Well if someone can source a spring loaded trap, then il watch it for as long as its needed (To keep things legal).
The DW has proper traps obviously, but its Basildon who let Southend borrow those traps, so WHEN someone finally gets through to the DW, beg them to set a trap up on the cliff top somewhere

2013-06-26 10:16 Sunshine

Went out at 11pm last night for a couple of hours, then went back at 4.30am and met Diane and Karen, stayed out until just gone 9am on the seafront near casino, thought she might make a morning appearance, sadly not. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack :( Hopefully there will be fresh leads today and the DW might decide to help - shame she is not a scratch on the Basildon one.

2013-06-26 07:31 Suzie

Shereen is right, a makeshift dog trap could do more harm than good. A proper spring loaded trap will do the trick with no dramas! What a shame your dog warden is being so unhelpful! I have everything crossed that you will be able to catch her soon.

2013-06-26 06:22 Didofido

Thanks for your help this morning. Owners were up there all night too.

2013-06-26 06:20 Didofido

no sightings this morning or last night the only sightings have been during the day. I am fostering a pup for ten days from this morning so will be busier but still active. some posters along cliff top had been pulled off trees put some more up. I think our best hope is Martha coming over. Wonder if the poster can be changed to take off she arrived from Greece a lot of people are against it and may be why they pulled posters down? There was one right next to where ours had been pulled off with a missing cat. So cant be because it was on a tree. Can it just say she arrived at new home? So doesn't know area? Any thoughts?

2013-06-26 05:01 Kizandtango

Been out with a few others (Mentioned below) no sightings, and someone is taking down the posters, but leaving cat ones up which is just odd !

Gonna pop back down to the seafront around 8.30am as she was seen in that area at around 9am last time, so hopefully she will repeat that.

2013-06-26 02:49 Didofido

With reference to dog warden she has never called me or anyone back when you leave a message! She isnt very pro-active unlike some! We can get a new trap with spring plate our old one is too old now. The only place to put one up tho would be in the wild unkept bitofthe cliffs we thinks she goes in. But we havent established that yet. We have a device which sends a text when trap is triggered. Do you have a trap if needed? Really hoping she stays in the same area and Martha or Sophia who know her come and she recognises a voice. Whether she will come out tho?????

2013-06-26 02:42 Didofido

sighting at 5pm Camebridge road, bowling green. People have been out all night and a couple of us going now. Lady from shelter hopefully coming tomorrow and someone from Manchester who knows Maria on saturday. Just need to keep hearing the sightings are in the same area.But havent managed to see her ourselves to try and feed in area!

2013-06-26 01:13 Kizandtango

Also, please Could Dianne C contact me on 07914 735 449 as im also doing the 2am shift ( in 40 mins! )

2013-06-26 00:55 Kizandtango

What would you recommend as a way of trapping her manually then if crate and cable aren't the best way or doing it?

2013-06-26 00:49 Shereen

if you are using the method of a crate and cable...be prepared for her to crash out to escape!...if you get the door shut DO NOT let her get out as this will be the one and only chance you get because she WILL remember!

2013-06-26 00:18 Kizandtango

Been out again tonight, sat in one spot for 2 hours (Over looking the only point of entry to the place she was last seen) but no joy.

Going back out in the early hours probably, same spot, maybe from a different angle though. Anyone else going, PLEASE let me know?

And cheers Kim, found the info RE the legality of it, so ive got a crate in the car ready, to be connected via a cable that I have to pull to close the door. Also have the owners permission to do this (Though not the land owners, but its public land I think?)

2013-06-26 00:14 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Well done everyone! Yes, steady as you go here. A trap may well be needed with this girl - do please speak to dog warden and let us know. We need to be kept informed so we can jump in, if and when required, with any help or advice as you go along. We CAN use a trap, we have trapped many scared dogs over the years and there are also trained people out there we can call on. The dog warden is one of them. There are laws regarding traps, but with landowner's permission and if the trap is manned 24/7 (at a distance for this girl), it is legal. Please ask DogLost for further info if there is any issue regarding this. You must watch the trap constantly for the safety of any animal/s including the dog. Dog Wardens know how to trap so that would be the first point of call. However, if for any reason DW cannot help, please let us know. If you are out watching for her, patience is needed and let her come to you however long it takes. You are doing brill out there! What a team! x

2013-06-25 23:10 Buzz and Amber

Good luck tonight. let Sands restuarant, 3shells, southend radio & casino know where she is so they can ensure clients know and not to approach etc. really good news shes tucked herself away and is staying in one area. may mean only option is rspca or warden trap though x

2013-06-25 17:46 Suzie

The local dog warden will be able to advise, but I know of several dogs who have bolted in similar circumstances and have eventually been caught with the help of the dog warden with a dog trap.

2013-06-25 17:39 abbeyjune

Have put posters up from Shoebury Garrison along Thorpe Bay,at Thorpe Bay station into Lifstan Way.The vets at Lifstan Way have put one up on their board.I hope she is found soon xx

2013-06-25 17:38 Kizandtango

Dog trapping is illegal without a licence I think, so unfortunately that isn't an option I don't think.

Im going out at midnight tonight, gonna sit in the car near the casino and keep a close eye out for her, as well as having food, a lead and toys with me. Does she have a fave toy do we know? Does she love the squeak of a ball?

2013-06-25 15:53 Jenny

Have sent details to friend at Hadleigh in case she goes in that direction - do people need to know what come - good girl etc in Greek is?

2013-06-25 15:39 Suzie

I'm sorry that I don't live near enough to help with the search. Do you have access to a dog trap? If you know where abouts she is hiding out, a trap might be useful.

2013-06-25 12:49 Paula Griffin's Mum

well done Didofido, lets hope she stays there for food & water, wonder if she'll let the owners get close to her, could they maybe camp out in that area, you can get their trust quite quickly by keeping still & quiet & feeding regularly, hope she's soon home safe & sound

2013-06-25 11:50 Didofido

sighting this morning on the cliffs opposite casino.Think she is hiding in a fenced off area where there was a landslide its really overgrown and loads of places to hide. So we put food and hopefully we can keep her there! The guy that called said he saw the poster and knew not to chase her. So its working. Just need to keep her in that safe place with a food source!

2013-06-25 08:40 Didofido

No Sign along cliifs this morning. Owner was out until 3am and we went out at 3-7am. Postered Gunners park entrances, East beach entrances, Shebury station and MOD security gate who will pass one on to gate at Wakering steps. You never know if she has travelled along seafront through Thorpe bay? Didnt do Thorpe bay as someone has said they could and Karen has posters and sleeves for you.
Gave some flyers to street cleaners who are out every morning along Cliffs and seafront.
Chalkwell park done in case she has gone the other way and Chalkwell beach to Old Leigh done a bit.
Gave flyers to community police yesterday and Karen gave one to a policeman who took a photo on his phone and said he would email all stations. Owner going to take poster to Acres Way kennels. He has left a message with dog Warfen. To be honest she doesnt ring back so told him to call every day until she does!

2013-06-24 22:58 Didofido

Carmel I am off wednesday and thursday so if you come down message me. Phone is charging in car at moment as I left charger at work! but will be on phone tomorrow morning.

2013-06-24 22:56 Didofido

Abbyjune, I am going out again at 3am with Karen a friend who is helping. I will be at work tomorrow between 12-6 but think Karen could meet you with posters and a staple gun around 2pm. her number is 07904066055 if u call her tomorrow around 1pm I will give her my staple gun and get some more posters. Thanks If not I'm sure the owners will. She could have gone on along to gunners or further.

2013-06-24 22:50 Carmel

Thank you to everyone who is helping in the search for Maria. I volunteer for the rescue that brought her over, and am liaising with the family who are absolutely devastated. They are overwhelmed by the help being offered. I don't know the area but will try and get over there Wednesday to help in any way I can.

2013-06-24 22:48 Didofido

The owners have had four calls that she was seen on cliffs below Clifftown parade and even by Westcliff Casino last night. Loads of posters up along Cliffs and seafront, Police station and railway stations. Anyone walking along cliffs and spots her please call.

2013-06-24 22:35 Julie B

Poor sweetheart, so many overseas dogs get lost. I hope she is found safe and well very soon and can start a new and happy life. I am too far away to help ... but my thoughts are with you all xx

2013-06-24 22:29 Debs

Just got back, covered the seafront from chalkwell to the pier then up pier hill along royal terrace passed westcliff hotel, the cliffs and then down to chalkwell avenue. No sightings :-( This little lady may be taking cover in the cliffs hedging overnight, I'll be doing a drive covering all those areas again early morning.

2013-06-24 22:17 Tinksbaby

just got back from postering all areas around the sighting last night railway stations and ac taxis are also aware. no sightings of her. met fosters and other helpers lets hope she appears later

2013-06-24 22:05 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Well done to all of you are helping. If anyone is out late evening or early morning, that might be the time to get a glimpse of her. x

2013-06-24 21:57 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

I have taken owner's message from the Info section above and placed it here so that we may add any sightings to that info section and also make the "do not chase" bit, more visible on the poster. Here is what owner said:
Maria has just arrived from Greece and she bolted out of the door as soon as she got home so she does not know the area at all and is extremely nervous. Wearing bright pink collar with a bow. If sighted please do not approach or chase her as this will cause her to run further. Please just call if you see her.

2013-06-24 19:39 abbeyjune

Hi,I live in Shoebury and can poster this end,Thorpe Bay etc.I have no printer at present so would need to take you up on your offer of posters.I could meet you from 2PM tomorrow after work to help you in any way I can.I hope you have good news soon xx

2013-06-24 18:44 Didofido

Have spoken to Martha in Greece who knows Maria and rescued her. She is very frightened right now and she said from experience of knowing her she is a sweet gentle dog once she has bonded. But she hasn't had a chance to. She doesn't know the adopters yet who are reaaly pro getting her back and out postering. So she will NOT come out of hiding if called and will not come up to anyone. Think we have to get posters everywhere and get sightings so when she is seen and maybe fed in an area for a while we may be able to do more. But we need to wait for her to be seen and try and get her to eat in one spot. I hope to god she has stayed on the cliffs and not gone back in-land. But am going out now to poster and leaflet drop along Cliftown parade. Posters are up along seafront and top of cliffs. But if anyone can poster in town or along thorpe bay seafront, East beach etc., we can supply posters, plastic wallets and staple gun. Please this girl will be so scared. Good thing is they have good survival instincts and as she is so scared no scum can try and steal her!

2013-06-24 18:38 Tinksbaby

just out to search and poster area last seen. i work at westborough scholl and will ask mrs davies if ok to put poster on main doors have informed some staff who live in area of maria missing and have her photo on my wall and my missing et group

2013-06-24 17:14 DogLostRiverlady

circulating on twitter

2013-06-24 16:55 Little Pooch Dog Boutiquecavalierandlhasamummy

I have shared Maria's details on my facebook and twitter, hope she is home safe soon xx

2013-06-24 14:24 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Tx primo for update...

2013-06-24 12:19 Paula Griffin's Mum

bless her heart, what an ordeal for her, will share on FB, stay safe Maria

2013-06-24 08:30 Buzz and Amber

Shared on fb. im ss0 as are family & friends. ask westborough school head (jenny davis) if they can let teachers tell kids/parents as all will come from this area. have sent this alert to some TAs at that school

2013-06-24 07:41 Didofido

going to poster the cliffs area this morning hopefully she will stay hiding there! please put food down to keep her there if possible.

2013-06-24 01:26 Primo Pet SevicesElite Dog Training

SEEN AT 11.30PM walked across infront of my car at seafront on western esplanade around 12 western esplanade up the grass slope towards clifftown ave. She's unharmed and just walked off ignoring us (we didn't see this until after seeing her) I've left messages with owner hope they get her home soon)

2013-06-24 00:26 Mala

I believe that Maria is NOT tagged, though her microchip has been registered here before she arrived.

Last edited: 2013-06-24 00:27:19 by Mala

2013-06-24 00:19 Didofido

She will definately run if approached. I will print some posters and manually write on them to not appraoach but to call with sightings.

2013-06-24 00:08 CopperM

Email sent to a friend who lives in Westborough Road, owns a greyhound.
Have you looked along the Prittle Brook?
Good Luck!

2013-06-23 23:43 DogLostJayne - Founder Doglost.

Alerts sent to helpers in SS0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9.

2013-06-23 23:12 Didofido

Ilive in Ramuz drive and will poster in the morning but could the poster be changed to say dont chase her as she will run further away? problem is she hasnt bonded with anyone and will be so scared to approch anyone. I wonder how we will get her? If she is sighted and can be fed for a while there is then a chance to sedate her with food.

2013-06-23 22:54 DogLostKimmybear - Area Co-ordinator, Essex & Hertfordshire borders

Have emailed advice & clarification of nos.