A DISTRAUGHT woman whose dog was stolen from her car is urging the thieves to return her cherished pet.

The Dowson family's day out turned into a disaster after they stopped at The Cross Keys Pub, in East Marton -- between Skipton and Gisburn -- on Sunday afternoon for lunch at around 2.45. When they returned to the car park, at just after 3.30, their blue Vauxhall Astra was gone -- as well as Mindi, their cherished Chihuahua.

Mindi was in the back of the car in her red carry box when the car was taken. Tracey Dowson, 37, of Wood Street, Hapton took the dog in at Christmas for her two sons Joseph, 13, and Jack, nine.

Tracey says the boys are devastated and have not been the same since Mindi was taken.

She said: "The boys were always scared of dogs until we got Mindi, she is the most loving dog in the world and the boys feel like they have lost a member of the family which she was.

"When the thieves got into the car Mindi would not have made a sound because she liked anybody.

"I don't care about the car -- they can have that -- we just want Mindi back, even if they drop her off at an RSPCA centre or a shop.

"We are not bothered about finding out who the thieves are, we just want our dog back."

Skipton Police are currently investigating the incident. The car's registration number is E147 DFR and police are calling for people to come forward with information.

Sergeant David Clay said: "People do take their dogs out with them when they go out for the day, but it is not a good idea to leave dogs in cars at any time, especially in warm weather.

"The dog may have been the reason for the theft in the first place so it would be wise for people to take their dogs out of their cars."

Anybody with any information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 01609 783131.