Hopes have been raised over the whereabouts of a guide dog went missing from its distraught owner while out walking alongside the River Nairn in July.
An extensive search for Fraser Stevenson’s guide dog Tess has so far failed to locate her despite reported sightings in and around Forres.
Dozens of Mr Stevenson’s friends and family have been involved in the search for Tess, who disappeared on July 23 while off her lead. Now possible sightings of the dog have been reported at Sluie Mains in Forres and also north of the A96 to the south of Culbin Forest.
Thanking the many people who have already helped in the search for Tess, Mr Stevenson said: “Their kindness has kept me going through what has been a really tricky time.
“It is two months since Tess’ disappearance – it has been a very distressing time for me. At the same time, I have been overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support.”
Mr Stevenson, who is partly sighted, has had to resort to using a cane to help him get about and said that he has felt “quite isolated” without Tess.
While he has recently been forming a relationship with a new guide dog who is yet to undergo formal training, he remains hopeful that Tess will be found.
Almost 4000 have signed up to a social media page aimed at finding the missing dog. Efforts to raise the £2500 required to have a puppy trained are being made by Mr Stevenson’s friends.