A MISSING dog has united the Wirral community as the search for the beloved pet enters its third week.

Four-year-old Bernie, a white and tan beagle, went missing while out for a walk in Dibbinsdale Woods at around 5pm on Sunday, October 11.

His owners are desperately searching for him, dedicating every minute of their day to bringing him home.

More than 2,300 people have ‘liked’ the Find Bernie Facebook page, with dozens of members of the public helping with the search.

Bernie – who is neutered and microchipped – was last spotted behind the houses on Chorley Way, Spital on October 22. He is wearing a black collar.

Explaining the day Bernie disappeared, owner Kelly Lavery said: “My husband was walking him off his lead down Dibbinsdale Woods and it was no different from any other time. Bernie walked ahead, having a little sniff around, always looked back to see if he could still see Chris, came back for a few treats as always, then suddenly just darted off towards the Otterspool tunnel.

Wirral Globe:

“Chris rang me after looking on his own for about 10 minutes then my sister and I headed down through the opposite entrance to see if he appeared along our route. We spent our entire night down the woods where lots of friends joined us to help. We drove around to all the exits of the woods for a look out but didn't find him.

“We rang the RSPCA, dog wardens, local kennels to report Bernie being lost. I put an appeal on Facebook for people to keep their eyes open for him and filled in forms on lots of different websites including Dogs Lost. Eventually at about 10pm we called it a night and all headed home.

“We left out his crate and some water in the hope that he would return during the night. We even slept with the window open in case we could hear anything. That night I can't say we slept much-we kept coming down to check outside to see if he had returned but he hadn't.”

Kelly added: “As the days and nights went on we searched and searched with the odd sighting here and there but still he hadn't come home. We offered a reward, which still stands, in case anyone had taken him.”

The family have even used a drone to try and spot Bernie but it has so far been unsuccessful.

“There last two weeks have been an extremely hard rollercoaster ride with highs and lows but we hope and pray every day that he somehow comes back to us, hopefully sooner rather than later.”

When Bernie has been spotted, Kelly says he has ran away, as if he is playing a game.

Instead of calling him, Kelly asks people to be discreet and call her immediately.

She can be contacted on 07921235535.

Sightings can also be reported on the Find Bernie Facebook page here.

Anyone wishing to help with the search is asked to circulate Bernie’s image and details.