A HEARTBROKEN teenager is pleading for someone to bring her pedigree dog home as he needs special medication.

Gemma Collier, 19, of Dike's Barn Farm, Bacup, found her Shar pei had gone missing on Tuesday after it escaped through the babygate in her garden.

Winston, who is 18 months old, jet black and knee-high, was Gemma's 18th birthday present.

She said: "The police told us to call Burnley Council but when we spoke to two women in the call centre who said they wouldn't put the dog on the warden's list because we didn't pay Burnley Council taxes - but my dog didn't know which tax area it was in!

"We then rang Rossendale dog wardens who put us in touch with Burnley dog warden who was then very helpful.

"We're in Bacup but only half a mile from the council boundary - a dog could run that in five minutes.

"My two other dogs, Minnie and Billy, are lost without him and so am I. I can't sleep without him and I'm very upset.

"He's on special medication which he needs everyday as he has problems with his eyes - I just want him back."

A Burnley Council spokesman said: "We dealt with the call in a helpful manner and offered the lady advice."

Gemma is offering a reward for the safe return of Winston.

Anyone with any information should call Rossendale dog wardens on 01706 217777.